The Life News Singapore March 16, 2020

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Vol. 02 Issue 22 March 16, 2020

Australian PM orders all arrivals to self-isolate for 14 days; COVID 19 TL Bureau, Sydney

Australia’s PM has requested a 14-day self-segregation for anybody showing up in the nation to attempt to end the spread of the coronavirus. “This is significant,” Scott Morrison said at a preparation, including that the measure would produce results from 12 PM on Sunday (13:00 GMT). The measures reflect those reported by New Zealand on Saturday. Outside luxury ships will likewise be restricted from docking in Australia for 30 days, yet schools will stay open. Australia has revealed almost 250 affirmed cases, with three passings.

The head administrator declared the measures following a bureau meeting on the coronavirus emergency. “This is significant, what we’ve found as of late is more nations having issues with the infection and that implies the wellspring of a portion of those transmissions are originating from an ever increasing number of nations,” he said at the preparation in Sydney. “We realize that the infection can’t be completely halted - nobody can do that - yet we can slow the spread. “Also, we envision that will be our errand throughout the following a half year.”

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for the USA. TL Bureau, London

An FCO spokesperson said: We are advising against all but essential travel to the USA following the US government announcement imposing restrictions on travel from the UK (and Ireland) effective from midnight on Monday 16 March EST / 0400 on Tuesday 17 March GMT.

Russia, Turkey ‘begin joint patrols’ along Syria’s M4 highway

TL Bureau, Idlib

Turkey and Russia have begun joint military watches along a key expressway in Syria’s northwestern locale, Russian news organizations stated, Russia sent military police and shielded vehicles to the watch, which started on Sunday from the settlement of Tronba in Idlib region, the last resistance held fortification in the nation, TASS, Interfax and RIA-Novosti news organizations said. The watches are a piece of a truce bargain arrived at recently

by Turkey, which backs certain restriction gatherings, and Syrian government partner Russia to stop an acceleration of viciousness in Idlib that has uprooted about a million people and brought the two nations

The government has decided on today’s cabinet meeting to restrict crossing of the Schengen internal and external border temporarily and reintroduce border controls in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The government also supported the order of Prime Minister Jüri Ratas as the person in charge of emergency situation that specifies the rules of border crossing. “To stop the spread of

near head-to-head showdown.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said not long ago that his nation would not avoid significantly more grounded military activity in Idlib if the truce is broken.Under the truce arrangement, Turkey and Russia are intended to likewise set

coronavirus and protect public health the government has decided to temporarily reintroduce border controls on the whole border,” Prime Minister Jüri Ratas said. “All residents of Estonia and their next of kin can return to Estonia. We will ensure necessary transport for goods and raw materials, as long as the transporters show no symptoms of illness,” the prime minister added.

“There is a sufficient food supply in Estonia, both in commercial warehouses and in state reserves.

SA now has 51 Coronavirus cases

TL Bureau, Cape Town

The number of COVID-19 infections in South Africa has risen to 51, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Sunday.

The number rose by 13 from Saturday’s figure of 38. The recent cases were recorded in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Gauteng now has 24 cases while the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have, respectively, confirmed 14 and 12 cases. Mpumalanga has recorded only

Jordan announces six new cases of coronavirus minister of health TL Bureau, AMMAN

Jordan confirmed six new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, including one from an American tourist coming from Egypt, the minister of health said, according to Reuters.

The kingdom had previously reported only one case of the virus. It took measures to fight the outbreak on Saturday, including a tighter lockdown that closes all borders and bans all incoming and outgoing flights as of Tuesday.

Estonia temporarily reintroduces border controls on the whole border

TL Bureau, Stenbock House

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one case. In a statement, the Health Ministry said Mkhize and Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla held an urgent meeting with all provincial MECs and Heads of Department for Health on Saturday night. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the latest situational analysis of each province as more cases of COVID-19 cases are being confirmed. Mkhize said: “In our engagement, it became clear that the role played by contact tracers is very important and their capacity needs to be strengthened.

up a security hallway either side of the key M4 interstate, which connects Syria’s east and west.

The passageway extends 6km (3.7 miles) toward the north and 6km toward the south of the M4 - adequately propelling Russia’s quality further north into Idlib.

China reports 20 new coronavirus cases, 10 deaths TL Bureau, Beijing

China reported 20 new coronavirus cases and 10 new Covid-19 deaths on Sunday, according to the latest figures released by the National Health Commission (NHC).

The deaths from Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, were all reported in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province where the outbreak originated in December.

Of the new cases, 16 were returning residents who were infected abroad, indicating a slow in locally transmitted infections. The other four cases were recorded in Wuhan, dpa reported. On Saturday, only 11 new cases were reported three more than the previous day.

Covid-19 has killed 3,199 in China and infected a total of 80,844 people nationwide, 66,911 of whom have recovered from the illness

South Korea’s daily new virus infections drop below 100 TL Bureau, Seoul

South Korea’s daily reporting of new coronavirus infections dropped below 100 for the first time in more than three weeks, according to figures released by the health authorities Sunday.

There were 76 new infections recorded on Saturday by Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bringing the total number of people diagnosed with the virus in the country to 8,162.

The number of deaths climbed by 3 up to 75, dpa reported

Spain imposes lockdown to curb coronavirus TL Bureau, Barcelona

With the quantity of coronavirus cases spiraling to more than 6,000 and the loss of life arriving at 190, Spain on Saturday followed Italy and forced a phenomenal lockdown.

Spain’s left-wing government spent a fourteen day highly sensitive situation request which came without hesitation quickly on Saturday night. Approximately 47 million Spaniards must remain at home trying to contain a flare-up which has seen 1,500 new cases in the previous 24 hours. Spain has the fifth-most elevated number of cases on the planet, behind China, Italy, Iran and South Korea.

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rench Prime Minister Edouard Philippe requested Saturday the conclusion of unnecessary open areas, in a move like Italy, to check the quickening spread of the coronavirus in the nation.

The request applies to eateries, bistros, films, dance club and different organizations thought about trivial.

Philippe said the shutdown applies until further notification and furthermore called for individuals in France to decrease travel, particularly between towns.

Basic organizations, for example, markets, scientific experts, banks, tobacco shops and oil stations will stay open, he said.

Neighborhood races will likewise go on Sunday as arranged, he included.

Despite the fact that strict structure will stay open, Philippe said social affairs and services ought to be delayed.

France revealed a sharp ascent in cases Saturday from 3,661 to about 4,500 with 91 passings, as indicated by a worldwide tracker aggregated by John Hopkins University.

“The most ideal approach to hinder the pestilence,” Philipe stated, was “social removing.”

The Louver in Paris, the world’s most visited exhibition hall, has been shut as of Friday “until further notification” due to the coronavirus, RFI announced. France’s most acclaimed milestone, the Eiffel Tower, additionally shut down Friday night “for an uncertain timeframe,” as per its site.

Spain, with 6,315 cases and 191 passings, is the hardest-hit nation in Europe after Italy, where Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared estimates late Wednesday requesting bars, cafés and all shops selling insignificant things shut.

Specialists recorded 1,800 additional cases in Spain since Friday evening, numerous in the capital Madrid.

The Spanish government is ready to announce a 15-day national lockdown where individuals would just be permitted out of their home for crises, to purchase nourishment, or for work.

Madrid and its encompassing regions have just arranged the conclusion of most bars, eateries and shops.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proclaimed a highly sensitive situation Thursday and in a few Spanish territories and urban areas huge social occasions have been dropped and sea shores shut to people in general.

Outside of China, Italy has the second most noteworthy flare-up, with 21,157 cases and 1,441 passings, trailed by Iran, which has 12,729 cases and 611 passings.

As a feature of lockdown measures to contain the spread, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, known as Enac, said Saturday it has additionally suspended all regular citizen flight tasks at some of the nation’s significant air terminals.

The suspension of flights doesn’t influence those which crisis wellbeing administrations or state specialists work, as indicated by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The World Health Organization proclaimed the novel coronavirus flare-up as a pandemic with the infection found on each landmass aside from Antarctica prior this week.

Despite the fact that the spread in China has eased back, it despite everything has the most noteworthy number of cases at 80,976 and 3,193 passings, remembering 3,075 passings for Hubei territory alone.

As of Saturday, the quantity of cases around the world, has ascended to in excess of 155,000 worldwide and more than 5,800 passings, the worldwide tracker appears.

Prior Saturday, Guatemala turned into the main nation to boycott Americans

COVID 19

an epidemic

with an end goal to stop the spread of the coronavirus as countries over the globe close down fringes and execute up movement limitations and curfews.

President Alejandro Giammattei declared Friday night that Americans would not be permitted into the nation starting Monday.

“We have settled on the choice that residents of the United States and Canada can’t enter the nation,” Giammattei said in a news gathering, alluding to the rising number of cases in those nations.

The move, which he called a “period of control,” additionally incorporates prohibiting nationals from a few European and Asian nations.

Giammattei likewise requested that Mexico stop Guatemalan expulsions via land.

In excess of 250,000 Guatemalans were confined at the U.S. fringe a year ago, more than some other nation.

Guatamala declared its previously affirmed instance of the infection Friday.

Saudi Arabia, which has 103 affirmed cases, yet no passings, has suspended every single global trip for about fourteen days beginning Sunday to control the flareup, the Saudi Press Agency announced Saturday.

Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin declared starting at 12 PM Saturday, it will shut down its property outskirts with Norway and Poland to stop the spread.

The outskirt conclusion, which follows Russia’s previous conclusion with its Chinese fringe, just applies to outsiders who endeavor to enter “for proficient, private, study or traveler reasons,” Mishustin said.

Russia affirmed 59 instances of the COVID-19 Saturday, however no passings.

In the Philippines, which has revealed 111 affirmed cases and eight passings, government authorities have forced a month-long time limit in the capital locale of Metro Manila, which will run from 8 pm. to 5 a.m. Government authorities additionally declared that “unnecessary” social occasions like visiting loved ones and gatherings are restricted.

In parts of Australia, loads of coronavirus test packs have run out and supplies are coming up short, Dr. Brendan Murphy, the administration’s central clinical official, cautioned. He asked clinical staff to possibly allude patients for pathology tests on the off chance that they meet two criteria. Initially, they must have voyage globally in the 14 days before disease beginning, or been right up front or easygoing contact with an affirmed case in the 14 days before beginning.

Second, they should have manifestations of fever or intense respiratory disease with or without fever.

Australia had 250 cases and three passings affirmed Saturday. In Syria, parliamentary races booked for April 13 have been deferred to May 20, SANA detailed.

Universal wellbeing authorities said Friday that Europe has become the focal point of

the coronavirus pandemic, as the landmass is currently delivering more new cases every day than China did at the stature of its emergency.

The World Health Organization said in an update late Friday morning there are 132,000 COVID-19 cases worldwide in 123 countries. In excess of 5,000 individuals have passed on, the association said. Johns Hopkins University, which has been normally following cases the world over, detailed about 137,500 cases all inclusive by 2 p.m. EDT Friday.

“Europe has now become the focal point of the emergency, with more announced cases and passings than the remainder of the world joined separated from of China,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said from Geneva, Switzerland.

Ghebreyesus additionally announced that progress has been made against COVID-19.

More nations have set up national plans utilizing “entire of-government” approaches and most have built up lab testing, he said.

“We have dispatched supplies of individual defensive hardware to 56 nations. We are delivery to a further 28, and we have sent practically 1.5 million analytic tests to 120 nations.”

The WHO boss repeated, notwithstanding, that the spread of the infection can’t be halted with disconnected activities, for example, “social separating,” and requires increasingly thorough techniques that incorporate thorough contact following and isolate authorization. Italian wellbeing authorities said Friday its loss of life has outperformed 1,000 and the quantity of new cases moved by more than 2,200.

They included that almost 1,300 cases have recouped. Italy’s medicinal services framework is under risk with the flood of cases pushing its ability to treat truly sick patients. An investigation distributed in The Lancet clinical diary on Thursday

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anticipated the country will come up short on beds in escalated care units if more aren’t given inside about seven days.

The Spanish government said Friday it will actualize a 15-day “condition of caution,” under which specialists can confine developments of residents and breaking point the quantity of individuals in specific regions at certain time.

The measure additionally permits specialists to apportion administrations and the utilization of fundamental things to forestall alarm purchasing. Friday was only the second time Spain initiated a condition of alert since the 1970s.

The Catalan provincial government requested a total lockdown in parts of Barcelona, influencing an aggregate of 70,000 individuals.

With in excess of 4,300 affirmed cases, Spain trails just China, Italy and Iran as the country with the most COVID-19 cases.

China announced eight new cases and seven passings Friday. The cases expanded China’s caseload to just shy of 81,000 - of which 64,000 have been dealt with and released from medical clinics. About 3,200 patients have kicked the bucket.

New cases have likewise eased back in South Korea. Wellbeing authorities refered to 110 new cases Friday - the least every day number in over about fourteen days.

Seoul said it’s near finishing a huge scope testing exertion in the southeastern city of Daegu, its primary coronavirus focal point.

In Japan, the lower place of Parliament, the Diet, on Friday affirmed a measure giving Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the legislature more noteworthy room to found crisis measures, for example, shutting schools. New contaminations rose Friday evening with the expansion of eight additional cases.

In excess of 11,300 cases have been accounted for in Iran. A group of WHO specialists who went there said they’re supported by Tehran’s endeavors, saying they are “developing in the correct bearing.”

Australia expanded its tourism warning to Level 3 Friday and asked the general population against voyaging abroad.

“We encourage all Australians to reexamine your need to travel abroad right now, paying little heed to your goal, age or wellbeing,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison told journalists Friday. “On the off chance that your movement isn’t fundamental, consider cautiously whether currently is the opportune time.” Morrison, who on Thursday revealed a $11 billion boost bundle to counter the financial damage of the coronavirus, additionally called for gettogethers of in excess of 500 individuals to be dropped as a careful step.

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KSA Embassy, in Austria, Calls on Nationals in Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia to Speed up Coordination Saudi Airlines

TL Bureau, Vienna

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) embassy, in Austria called on citizens, in Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia to speed up coordination with Saudi Airlines to return home, during the grace period, noting that the last flight to leave Vienna will be on Sunday, March 15th.

Out of the embassy keenness on the safety of citizens and in further relation to what was published previously, on following the instructions from host countries and the precautionary measures

followed relating to the novel Coronavirus.

The embassy assured all citizens in those countries to quickly register themselves, through the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Fanar) mofa.gov. sa to and to communicate with the embassy, in emergency cases It also called on citizens to contact it in the event of an emergency or to respond to any inquiries, by the following numbers phones of the embassy directs phone: 004313672531, or Saudis’ Affairs: 0043676502929200436766686697

Ukraine territorial integrity:

EU renews sanctions for a further 6 months TL Bureau, Brussels

The Council today decided that current sanctions in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be extended for a further six months until 15 September 2020.These restrictive measures provide not only for a freezing of funds, but also aprohibition against making funds or other economic resources available to the listed persons. They currently apply

to 175 persons and 44 entities, following the removal of two deceased persons from the list.

Other EU measures in place in response to the crisis in Ukraine include: economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy, currently in place until 31 July 2020; restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, limited to the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol, currently in place until 23 June 2020.

The Government acts to mitigate effects of the COVID-19Thepandemic on the economy fundamentals of the Norwegian

TL Bureau, Oslo

The Government has today announced immediate measures to avoid unnecessary layoffs and bankruptcies in viable companies from the economic shock of COVID-19, and will in the coming weeks and months monitor the situation closely and act appropriately to respond to the situation as it evolves.

Unemployment is under 4 percent of the labour force and employment is high. Profitability in the corporate sector has been good in recent years, and economic growth has been above trend. The banking sector is sound and the payment system is well-functioning and efficient.

Mechanisms in the labour market are designed to help in situations with abrupt changes in demand and production. Workers are secured daily unemployment benefits if they are temporarily laid off. This makes companies able to quickly reduce their costs, while at the same time continuing the employment relationship.

A well-functioning banking system

economy are strong, with a dynamic business sector, a well-functioning labour market and resilient banks. A robust economic policy framework provides flexibility, and strong public finances make the government well positioned to support the economy when needed. Furthermore, over the last years the Norwegian economy has become much less dependent on the oil and gas industry than before the drop in oil-prices in 2014.

and sound regulations ensure that companies and households have access to credit. The Norwegian banks are profitable and resilient, and have a stronger capital base than most European peers. At yearend 2019, Norwegian banks had on average a CET1 capital adequacy ratio of 17.9 percent, while the average leverage ratio was 8 percent. Current mortgage and consumer credit regulations provide banks with flexibility to defer principal repayments of borrowers in the case of illness, temporary

layoffs or unemployment.

The economy and the oil companies are less vulnerable to a lower oil price than just a few years ago. In 2018, only 5 percent of employment was associated to the petroleum sector. The oil companies are now better positioned to handle a low oil price than when the oil price dropped in 2014. The sector has taken substantial cost reductions and efficiency measures, which have lowered the break-even prices for developments on the Norwegian continental shelf.

President of Human Rights Commission: Trump Arabia’s measures of combating Declares Saudi EU health ministers start regular video Coronavirus coronavirus respect human rights meetings to intensify information A National exchange on coronavirus situation Emergency TL Bureau, Riyadh

TL Bureau Helsinki The EU health ministers held an extraordinary video meeting on 12 March to obtain an update on the rapidly changing coronavirus situation and the measures taken by the countries to prevent the spread of the disease. Finland was represented by Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services Krista Kiuru.

The Member States agreed to further enhance the information exchange at regular video meetings, for example. The Member States also demonstrated solidarity with Italy because of the difficult situation in the country.

“Finland supports the recommendations of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in the fight against the disease.

However, it is important that each Member State can tailor the most effective measures to combat the epidemic in the light of the country’s disease situation and their own national structures and circumstances,” Minister Kiuru said.

Minister Kiuru told about Finland’s efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. So far, Finland has managed to restrict the spread of the coronavirus and it has been possible to identify the infection chains. Finland is prepared for a rapid change in the situation. Instead of restricting the disease, Finland will then focus on treating those who are ill.

“Our health system is prepared and ready to receive an increasing number of patients with coronavirus, including patients with severe symptoms of this disease and requiring intensive care,” Kiuru said.

According to Minister Kiuru, special care will be taken in Finland to protect professionals involved in the treatment of patients with coronavirus. At the same time, patient safety will be ensured.

“On 12 March, the Finnish Government recommended that all public events involving more than 500 people be cancelled until the end of May,” Kiuru said.

“I would like to emphasise that the coronavirus must be combated in society by means of a comprehensive approach and intersectoral measures, and in all administrative branches. The global spillover effects of this epidemic on the economy and societies are serious. In order to minimise the impact, the whole Finnish Government will focus on the prevention work,” Kiuru stressed.

Washington D.C.

U.S. President Donald Trump today declared a national emergency over the fast-spreading coronavirus.

“It could get worse. The next eight weeks will be critical,” Trump said.

Trump made the announcement at a Rose Garden news conference as he battled to show Americans that he is aggressively addressing the health crisis.

“To unleash the full power of the federal government in this effort today, I am officially declaring a national emergency. Two very big words. The action I am taking will open up access to up to $50 billion - a very important and a large amount for states and territories or localities in our shared fight against this disease,” he said.

“Through talent or through luck, call it whatever you want, but through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus,” Trump said.

He urged every state to set up emergency centers to help fight the coronavirus.

Trump said the federal government was partnering with the private sector to accelerate production of test kits to make them more widely available to Americans

President of Human Rights Commission Dr. Awwad bin Saleh Al-Awwad has praised all precautionary measures being taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to prevent the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). He commended efforts of all committees concerned with following up on the health situation of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Saudi Arabia.He also stressed that all measures being taken by Saudi Arabia respect human rights in all aspects, including the right of having all information on this virus, treating infected people or isolating the suspected, and the right of protecting the society from diseases. Dr. Al-Awwad clarified that all measures being taken by

Saudi Arabia reflect its great ability to estimate the situation, efficient crisis management and efficient implementation of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations related to this virus to protect citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia.

He also confirmed that the Kingdom’s efforts to combat coronavirus are not limited to the local situation, but extended to include the international crisis.

The government of Saudi Arabia has intensified cooperation with global efforts to address the virus, and upon the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia provided USD 10 million to the World Health Organization for the implementation of urgent measures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Prime Minister Abe of Japan today.

TL Bureau, London

The Prime Minister spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Abe about the coronavirus pandemic. The leaders updated each other on their countries’ efforts to curb the spread of the virus. The Prime Minister stressed the importance the UK is placing on taking a scienceled approach when deciding what measures to implement.

The Prime Minister and Prime

Minister Abe agreed on the importance of international coordination to tackle the virus and its wider impact, particularly on the global economy, and they looked forward to the call between G7 leaders to discuss this.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Abe also discussed the UK and Japan’s efforts to combat climate change ahead of COP26 in Glasgow later this year.

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UK citizens in Finland can apply later this year for a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement TL Bureau, Helsinki

As a result of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, UK citizens living in Finland will have to submit a separate application for a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement. The Ministry of the Interior has launched a project to prepare legislation that will specify the procedure and the timetable.

According to the proposal being drafted, UK citizens who have registered their EU right of residence in Finland will have to apply to exchange their previous registration based on the right of residence in the EU for a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with President Donald Trump.

TL Bureau, London

They discussed the coronavirus pandemic and the action being taken to stop the spread of the virus. The Prime Minister set out the science-led approach the UK is taking.

The leaders also paid tribute to the Coalition soldiers who lost their lives in the deplorable attack on the Taji military base last week, including British servicewoman Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon, and committed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in Iraq to help the country resist the malign activity of terrorists.

UK citizens who have been granted permanent EU residence rights in Finland before 1 January 2021 and who have a certificate demonstrating this will be able to apply to change their status to permanent right of residence under the withdrawal agreement.

The application will be free of charge. Such a certificate will, however, continue to suffice as evidence of the right of residence in Finland and so an application for a permanent right of residence under the withdrawal agreement will not be obligatory. Application is nevertheless recommended for those in this situation so that they too can demonstrate their right of residence as conveniently as possible when going about their

Recovery of Second Case from COVID 19 in Saudi Arabia, Center MOHNo.Announces TL Bureau, Riyadh 937 to respond around The Ministry of Health announced the recovery of the second case who is a Saudi citizen among COVID 19 contracted cases in the medical isolation at Qatif Central Hospital, where all medical examinations and procedures were completed. A laboratory testing proved that the recovered case is now free of Coronavirus infection and in good health. He was discharged.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) called on all citizens and residents to communicate with Health

The latest incidents on the KenyaSomalia border and the recent build-up of security forces in the Gedo region have created instability and resulted in casualties and large-scale displacement of civilians. This has had a severe humanitarian impact notably on vulnerable women and children.

The fighting in Galmudug at the end of February has also fuelled tensions.

Overall, these situations are extremely serious. Furthermore, they divert assets and attention away from military operations against al-Shabaab in Lower and Middle Shabelle and jeopardize hard won stability in Somalia.

the clock to their inquiries and advise them on everything related to the novel Coronavirus.

It also advices everyone to adhere to its guidance of instructions and awareness on avoiding infection with viruses and protecting their health and safety.

The Ministry reiterated the importance that everyone should disclose their recent travel history to countries with COVID 19 positive activity before their returning back to the Kingdom, urging them to quickly contact 937 in this

PM Interact with SAARC leaders

TL Bureau, New Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interacted with SAARC leaders, through video conference on measures

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments in Somalia TL Bureau, Brussels

business in Finland and at the Schengen external border.

A permanent EU right of residence requires that a person has resided in Finland for a period of five years.

If the applicant has not resided in Finland for the required period of time by the end of 2020, he or she will be entitled to continue accumulating this time after that date and to obtain the permanent right of residence under the withdrawal agreement later on.

In this case, however, the person’s existing EU right of residence will still need be exchanged for a right of residence under the withdrawal agreement even where he or she will not yet have met the conditions for a permanent EU right of residence.

They are also detrimental to Somalia’s relationships with its neighbours and partners. Urgent steps must be taken to de-escalate.

Full cooperation is needed between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States as well as amongst regional partners. Lasting solutions must be found to safeguard the ongoing efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, to build-up integrated Somali security forces and to create a secure and enabling environment for state building and development.

All parties involved should do everything necessary to reduce tensions, exercise restraint, respect the integrity of sovereign borders and seek peaceful resolution of differences between one another.

to deal with COVID-19.

He lead India at the video conference of all SAARC nations to chalk out a strong common strategy to fight COVID-19 in the region.

Kuwaiti Health Ministry Reports Four New Cases of Novel Coronavirus TL Bureau, Kuwait Kuwaiti Ministry of Health has reported four confirmed cases of Novel Corona virus (Covid 19) during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases registered in Kuwait to 104 cases.

Spokesman for the Ministry of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said that the four new cases include one case of Indian national who was in contact with another case travelled to Azerbaijan, two cases of Kuwaiti citizens travelled to the UK, and one case of a Kuwaiti citizen travelled to Qatar and France

IMF, World Bank staff to work from home after coronavirus case at Fund headquarters TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group today advised their Washington headquarters staff to work from home after an IMF employee was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

An IMF spokesman said the global-crisis lending institution “remains fully operational and stands ready to serve its members” despite a suspension of mission travel to European and other countries designated as high risk for community spread by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The advisories, which are not mandatory, affect about 2,000 IMF headquarters staff and about 16,000 Washington-based World Bank and International Finance Corp employees and outside consultants.

The neighboring institutions are based in downtown Washington near the White House. The IMF

staff member diagnosed with COVID-19 is self-isolating and is receiving appropriate medical care, the IMF spokesman said, adding: “We are working with local public health authorities to identify the staff member’s close contacts and those who may have been affected.”

No World Bank Group staff or consultants have tested positive for the coronavirus, and the multilateral development lender remains fully operational, a bank spokesman said. Only essential IMF travel will be allowed to the high-risk areas identified by CDC, which now include 29 European countries and principalities, China, Iran and South Korea, the IMF spokesman said.Both the IMF and World Bank earlier this week tested the ability of thousands of their staff members to work remotely.

The spread of the coronavirus has already prompted them to host their spring meetings next month by video conference.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) reviews Covid19.

TL Bureau, London

The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) met yesterday and reviewed the latest numbers of cases in the UK, updated modelling, interventions made by other countries, and proposals for monitoring and modelling the outbreak as it advances.

The two major objectives were reiterated – save lives and reduce the peak of the epidemic to reduce the very considerable pressure on the NHS. This means examining interventions that can flatten the curve and those which ensure those most at risk are shielded.

The review of the new data showed that as anticipated the epidemic is progressing and on that basis

SAGE advised the next planned effective interventions (shielding the vulnerable and household isolation) will need to be instituted soon.

SAGE is examining models of further interventions. SAGE also agreed that in line with good scientific practice the modelling and data considered by SAGE in future will be published.

Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance and Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said: We are dealing with a very fast moving epidemic with emerging data from many disciplines and many complex decisions.

Scientists across the world are helping each other, governments and society to deal with this international emergency.

Update on COVID-19 She was a known case of

TL Bureau, New Delhi

Death of a 68 year old female from West Delhi (mother of a confirmed case of COVID 19), is confirmed to be caused due to co-morbidity (diabetes and hypertension). She has also tested positive for COVID-19.

She had history of contact with a positive case (her son who had travel history to Switzerland and Italy between 5th to 22rd February, 2020).

The son had returned back to India on 23.02.2020. He initially was asymptomatic, but developed fever and cough after 1 day and reported to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on 7th March, 2020. As per protocol, the family was screened and since he and his mother had fever and cough, both were admitted.

diabetes and hypertension.

Her sample was collected on 8th March, 2020. Her condition worsened on 9th March, 2020 with development of pneumonia and she was shifted to intensive care unit. Her sample also tested positive for COVID19.

Since 9th March 2020 she was having respiratory fluctuations and was provided ventilator support. However, due to comorbid conditions, she died on 13th march, 2020 at RML Hospital, Delhi as confirmed by the treating Physician and Medical Superintendent.

All the precautionary measures as per protocol including screening, quarantine of the contacts is already taken up by the Ministry of Health , Government of Delhi and status is being monitored.

5

Singapore

SG Clean Quality Mark Extended to Tourism and Lifestyle Businesses as part of Nationwide Efforts to Uplift Sanitation and Hygiene

Singapore Financial Markets Functioning Well Despite Heightened Volatility

In light of the on-going Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) situation, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have rolled out the SG Clean quality mark to the tourism and lifestyle sectors. Among the first to be certified are those along the popular Orchard Road shopping belt, which include food and retail businesses in malls such as Plaza Singapura and ION Orchard; Grand Hyatt Singapore; and the Singapore Visitor Centre @orchardgateway.

Establishments[1] like Charles & Keith, Golden Village, Jean Yip Hub, Jumbo Seafood, McDonald’s and TungLok are on board SG Clean. Two other hotels outside of Orchard Road have also been certified – Village Hotel Sentosa and Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa. (Refer to Annex A: List of certified establishments to-date) Grand Hyatt Singapore and several businesses at Plaza Singapura received their SG Clean quality mark today from Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Education

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said today that the Singapore Dollar money market and foreign exchange market are functioning normally in the face of heightened volatility in global and domestic financial markets.

Financial markets globally have come under strain in reaction to the now-widespread COVID-19 outbreak. MAS has left a higher level of liquidity in the banking system through its money market operations, and Singapore dollar interest rates have eased in tandem with global interest rates. The nominal effective exchange rate of the Singapore Dollar has eased in an orderly manner within the MAS policy band, in line with weakening economic conditions.

MAS stands ready to ensure the orderly functioning of financial markets and the stability of the financial system in Singapore.

TL Bureau, Singapore

– following a visit to the premises.

Over the next few months, ESG and STB will encourage more than 37,000 businesses within the tourism and lifestyle sectors to sign up for the SG Clean certification programme.

The SG Clean campaign is a government effort to rally businesses and the public to uphold good sanitation standards and hygiene practices. In February 2020, the National Environment Agency (NEA) began rolling out the SG Clean quality mark at hawker centres and coffee shops, with support from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

The SG Clean quality mark will focus on certifying establishments that experience heavy human traffic on a daily basis, such as shopping malls, hotels, tourist attractions, conference venues, preschools, schools and transport nodes. It is backed by ESG and STB, together with government agencies like the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Transport (MOT) and nongovernmental organisation partners such as the Public Hygiene Council.

Ms Choy Sauw Kook, DirectorGeneral, Quality & Excellence, Enterprise Singapore, commented, “While many businesses have adopted their own precautionary measures, SG Clean goes a step further to ensure that these establishments meet the baseline of good industry practices. SG Clean can help to instil confidence in Singaporeans to shop and dine, and support our local businesses.

Beyond that, ESG also encourages businesses to uphold such good sanitation and hygiene practices for the long term.” Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “Over the next two months, STB aims to audit and certify 570 hotels, attractions, and other tourism establishments.

The SG Clean quality mark sends a strong signal to both locals and visitors that our tourism businesses take their cleanliness and hygiene very seriously and are committed to maintaining these high standards as a ‘new normal’ for the future.

We hope that this gives locals and visitors peace of mind to go out and enjoy all that Singapore has to offer, and to show support to our

our loved ones healthy in these times. This must surely include best practices in personal hygiene as well as socially responsible behaviour.

These include: • See a doctor when unwell, even with mild flu-like symptoms, and stay at home to prevent spreading illness to others.

• Keep to the same family physician for better continuity of care.

• Practise self-isolation at home when unwell and as advised by a doctor.

Avoid large community gatherings

as well as large religious gatherings overseas during this period and defer all non-essential travel to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Spain.

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water as well as avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Look out for one another, monitor the health of your family and friends, and keep reminding one another to be socially responsible and to maintain strict personal hygiene.

tourism businesses and workers during this challenging time.”

To be certified, businesses have to go through a seven-point checklist tailored to the requirements and operations in the various sectors.

These cover the appointment of an SG Clean manager to oversee the establishment’s practices, temperature and health screening of employees, arrangements for engagement of external personnel such as suppliers and contractors, implementation of cleanliness and hygiene practices, as well as complying with health and travel advisories, guidelines and government orders on COVID-19.

(Refer to Annex B: SG Clean checklists for hotels, and food and retail businesses) ESG and STB have appointed qualified, independent assessment organisations to certify that participating establishments have met these requirements, and continue to maintain these practices.

Businesses assessed to have met the criteria will be awarded the SG Clean quality mark. Assessment and certification are complimentary for businesses. (Refer to Annex C: SG Clean collateral)

TL Bureau, Singapore

MUIS ADVISORY TO GENERAL MUSLIM PUBLIC SIA Experiencing High Volume TL Bureau, Singapore

As of 13 March 2020, a total of five Singaporean individuals who were part of a group attending a large religious gathering in KL have tested positive for COVID-19.

Based on media reports, at least 37 Bruneians and 77 Malaysians who attended the gathering, or were their close contacts, have also tested positive.

It is possible for more cases to emerge from persons who had visited the mosque, or further spread to their close contacts. Thus far MOH’s contact tracing efforts have revealed that the individuals who tested positive visited a total of 10 mosques during their infectious period (See Table).

Congregants who visited any of the mosques listed in the table below during the specified period in the list below may have been exposed to a COVID-19 case. These congregants are advised to monitor their health closely for 2 weeks from their last visit to the affected mosques, for any fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose or breathlessness) and seek medical attention promptly if they have these symptoms or feel unwell. They should also wear a mask and call the clinic ahead of the visit and inform the clinic doctor of their attendance at the affected activities that is linked to a COVID-19 case.

This is a very timely reminder for each of us to take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and

List of Mosques Attended by Confirmed Cases

MOSQUE 1. Masjid Al-lman

2.Masjid Al- Muttaqin 3. Masjid Hajjah Fatimah 4. Masjid Hajah Rahimabi Kebun Limau 5. Masjid Kassim 6.Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang 7. Masjid Sultan 8. Masjid AlMawaddah

ADDRESS 10 Bukit Panjang Ring Road S(679943) 5140 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6 S(569844) 4001 Beach Road S(199584) 76 Kim Keat Road S(328835)

450 Changi Road, Wisma Indah, S(419877) 27B Jalan Mempurong S(759055) 3 Muscat Street S(198833) 151 Compassvale Bow S(544997)

9. Masjid Jamae (Chulia)

218 South Bridge Road S(058767)

10.

Masjid AIIstiqamah

2 Serangoon North Ave 2 S(555876)

* Selawat event

DATE 5 Mar 2020 6 Mar 2020 6 Mar 2020 6 Mar 2020

TIMING 8am to 9am 6am to 7:30am 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 6 pm 9:30pm to 12am"

4 Mar 2020 5 Mar 2020 6 Mar 2020 7 Mar 2020 7 Mar 2020

5:45am to 6:45am 5:45am to 6:45am 1pm to 2pm 5:30pm to 7pm 5:30pm to 9pm

4 Mar 2020 8 Mar 2020 11 Mar 2020 9 Mar 2020

8pm to 10pm

3 Mar 2020 4 Mar 2020 5 Mar 2020 6 Mar 2020 7 Mar 2020 8 Mar 2020 9 Mar 2020 10 Mar 2020 9 Mar 2020

11 am to 4pm 7pm to 7:30pm 1:30pm to 2pm and 7pm to 7:30pm 7pm to 7:30pm

7pm to 10pm

11 Mar 2020 6:45pm to 10pm

Of Customer Enquiries

TL Bureau, Singapore

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is experiencing an extraordinarily high volume of customer enquiries at our customer services centres, reservation and sales offices, and social media channels.

This comes amid a wave of travel restrictions affecting SIA services around the world, including to points in the United States, India, New Zealand and several countries in Europe and South East Asia, over the last few days.

Additional resources have been deployed to support our agents in Singapore and around the world to cope with this surge in enquiries.

Customers are encouraged to only contact us if their flight is departing within thenext 72 hours in order

for our agents to focus on and assist those with urgent flight changes. Customers with flight dates beyond the next 72 hours are advised to reach out closer to their trip. Alternatively, they can fill in an online form that can be found on our website (https:// www.singaporeair.com/request. form) and an agent will be in touch as soon as possible.

Updates on Covid-19 travel restrictions and waiver policies can be found on the Singapore Airlines website. Customers who booked their tickets through travel agencies are advised to contact their agents for assistance.

Singapore Airlines apologises for the inconvenience, and deeply appreciates the patience and support of our customers during this period.

Singapore Financial Markets Functioning Well Despite Heightened Volatility

TL Bureau, Singapore

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said today that the Singapore Dollar money market and foreign exchange market are functioning normally in the face of heightened volatility in global and domestic financial markets. Financial markets globally have come under strain in reaction to the now-widespread COVID-19 outbreak. 2 MAS has left a higher level of liquidity in the

banking system through its money market operations, and Singapore dollar interest rates have eased in tandem with global interest rates.

The nominal effective exchange rate of the Singapore Dollar has eased in an orderly manner within the MAS policy band, in line with weakening economic conditions.

3 MAS stands ready to ensure the orderly functioning of financial markets and the stability of the financial system in Singapore.

6

MALAYSIA & NEARBY

MIEA APPLAUDS THE RAID BY BOVAEP & PDRM AND URGES THEM TO MAKE MORE RAIDS ON MORE ILLEGAL REAL ESTATE FIRMS

TL Bureau, Petaling Jaya

The Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) would like to extend its thanks and support to Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) and the Board of Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers (BOVAEP) for the recent raid on the premises of a cooperative who was suspected of conducting the business of real estate agency illegally.

The president of MIEA Mr. Lim Boon Ping said that this form of ‘Natural Justice Action’ has been long overdue and we look forward to BOVAEP for taking this stringent action as there are thousands of other suspected illegal real estate agents and businesses across the country. MIEA believes the public will only be fully protected if these illegals are exposed and brought to justice. Estate agency

practice comes an Act 242 and it is highly regulated to protect the public. There are illegal project marketing firms, individuals who act as illegal brokers in land sales, brokers who use the yellow sign on lamp post, those who do rentals transactions in the name of providing insurance premium and many more.

It is indeed a big move by the commercial crime division of PDRM to act on these illegals as they are empowered to investigate under section 30A and to charge them under Section 30 of the Valuers, Appraisers, Estate Agents and Property Managers Act. In support of BOVAEP and PDRM’s efforts, MIEA has also launched its own public awareness campaign called #MYREALAGENT to educate the public on the dangers of using illegal brokers and the benefits of using professional, trained and skilled registered estate agents and negotiators.

Notice from MRT Corp. Malaysia

CONTINUATION OF INTERMITTENT LANE CLOSURE (SUNGAI BESIBOUND AND KUALA LUMPUR-BOUND) AT KM12.0 - KM12.4, KUCHAI LAMA, SUNGAI BESI HIGHWAY Date: 15 March 2020 -12 April 2020 Time: 11.00pm – 5.00am

CONTINUATION OF INTERMITTENT LANE CLOSURE BY STAGES AT KM11.0 (SUNGAI BESIBOUND & KUCHAI LAMA-BOUND), SUNGAI BESI HIGHWAY, KUCHAI LAMA Date: 15 March 2020 – 12 April 2020 Time: 10:00pm – 5:00am

CONTINUATION OF INTERMITTENT LANE CLOSURE BY STAGES AT JALAN PUTRA PERMAI, LDP HIGHWAY AND PERSIARAN ALPINIA. Date: 14 March 2020 – 11 April 2020 Time: 10.00pm – 5.00am

7

Growing Digital Skills For Regional Small Businesses

TL Bureau, Melbourne

Regional businesses will learn how to build their online presence, improve cyber-security and harness benefits from the digital economy through the Andrews Labor Government’s new Digital Opportunities Roadshow program.

Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek and Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra today launched the initiative, encouraging regional small businesses to get involved so that they can improve their digital literacy and grow their businesses.

The program will be carried out across regional Victoria, delivering a total of 18 free face-to-face workshops from February to May. The Government will deliver these in partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – the state’s peak business body – and local councils.

The first Digital Opportunities Roadshow workshop will be held in Ararat on Thursday, 20 February. Others will be held in Shepparton, Yea, Daylesford, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Leongatha, Horsham, Traralgon, Nhill, Swan Hill, Mildura, Kyabram, Maryborough, Colac, Lorne, Camperdown and Portland. The full calendar of roadshow events is available at business.vic. gov.au/events-workshopsand-mentoring/digitalopportunities-roadshow.

Small business matters to Victoria – for every 100 businesses in Victoria, 98 have fewer than 20 staff and 26 will be in regional or rural Victoria. These enterprises make major contributions to local economies, generating 44 per cent of all private sector jobs in the state.

The Labor Government is helping to create the conditions for small business growth in regional areas in a number of ways, including payroll tax concessions.

The regional payroll tax rate is currently half the metropolitan rate, and by 2022-23 it will have fallen to one-quarter of the city rate.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Adem Somyurek “These workshops are a fantastic way for small businesses to learn new skills and build their digital knowledge so that they can compete in an increasingly digital world.”

“We’re investing in regional small businesses because we know how vital they are for economic growth, job creation and the livability of local communities.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra “We’re delighted to join with the government in delivering this roadshow across regional Victoria, to ensure that small businesses are equipped to make the most of the digital economy and reduce their cyber security risks.”

Measures help business drive the economy

TL Bureau, Canberra

The government’s targeted and well thought through package today recognises that businesses are the key to keeping Australians in jobs and that investment is the key to a strong economy, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said.

“The budget in two months’ time will give us a chance to do the heavy lifting of making sure the recovery is permanent and the economy bounces back stronger than before, particularly given growth was below average before this series of crises.

“But today’s stimulus announcement is aimed at stabilising the economy and keeping people in jobs.

“The fact that three in every four dollars of the package is directed to business recognises that it is business that will keep people working.

“Businesses need to bring forward their investments, particularly fast-track investments that generate

economic activity and jobs, especially in regional areas.

“We have called for a focus on investment for some time and we welcome the government’s response to that.

“We particularly commend the instant asset write off and accelerated depreciation initiatives which will encourage investment and allow small and medium-sized businesses to grow. “We strongly support the direct assistance to business to allow them to keep people working. “Moving to protect apprentices is also a positive move. We must keep apprentices working so we have the skills to run the economy post this crisis.

“State and local governments need to do their part to make it easier to do business by reducing red tape and unnecessary regulation, and speeding up planning approvals. These are handbrakes on economic growth and jobs.

“Local governments should act immediately to lift the restrictions on deliveries, so we can keep shops fully stocked.

“The longer the coronavirus goes on, the more vulnerable Australia’s biggest companies will become.

“So, the budget is the next opportunity to shore up our competitiveness and permanently change the trajectory of the economy.

“We need to encourage investment in the large projects that drive supply chains, keep us internationally competitive, and generate thousands of jobs.

Delivering these projects is particularly important to the resources sector which acts as the backstop to the economy.

“Businesses are playing their part in dealing with the immediate challenge of coronavirus.

“Our members are supporting small businesses by accelerating payment times and are being as flexible as possible to support staff who are impacted by the virus. “We will continue to work with the government to ensure Australians stay in jobs and the economy comes back stronger.”

BUSINESS

Economic Stimulus Package

TL Bureau, Canberra

The Morrison Government has today announced a $17.6 billion economic plan to keep Australians in jobs, keep businesses in business and support households and the Australian economy as the world deals with the significant challenges posed by the spread of the coronavirus.

Our targeted stimulus package is focused on keeping Australians in jobs and helping small and medium sized businesses to stay in business.

The package has four parts: Supporting business investment Providing cash flow assistance to help small and medium sized business to stay in business and keep their employees in jobs Targeted support for the most severely affected sectors, regions and communities; Household stimulus payments that will benefit the wider economy The measures are all temporary, targeted and proportionate to the challenge we face. Our actions will ensure we respond to the immediate challenges we face and help Australia bounce back stronger on the other side, without undermining the structural integrity of the Budget. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as part of the plan up to 6.5 million individuals and 3.5 million businesses would be directly supported by the package.

“Just as we have acted decisively to protect the health of the Australian people, based on the best evidence and medical advice, our support package responds to the economic challenges presented by this pandemic in a timely, proportionate and targeted way,” the Prime Minister said.

“Our plan will back Australian households with a stimulus payment to boost growth, bolster domestic confidence and consumption, reduce cash flow pressures for businesses and support new investments to lift productivity. “Australia is not immune to the global coronavirus challenge but we have already taken steps to prepare for this looming international economic crisis. “We’ve balanced the budget and managed our economy so we can now use this to protect the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of Australians. “Our targeted stimulus package will focus on keeping Australians in jobs and keeping businesses in business so we can bounce back strongly.

“The economy needs temporary help right now to bounce back better so the livelihoods of all Australians are protected.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Australia is approaching the economic challenge from the Coronavirus from a position of strength with IMF and the OECD both forecasting Australia to grow faster than comparable countries including the UK, Canada, Japan, Germany and France.

Is your business Digital Ready?

TL Bureau, Hobart

In a rapidly changing world of online business and social media, ensuring your business is digital ready can mean the difference between make and break.

The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government is working hard to create greater opportunities for Tasmanian businesses to succeed, which is why we’re excited for the return of the Digital Ready for Business program in 2020.

This year’s program will include 50 free events across the state, covering a range of hot topics, such as how to promote products and services with video marketing, getting on board with e-commerce and harnessing social media to stand out from the crowd.

Business owners are encouraged to register their interest for the first round of

Digital Ready for Business events, which are now live at www.digitalready.tas.gov.au Delivered by a team of highly experienced and award winning Digital Coaches, the program will also be supplemented by two hours of free one-on-one coaching for businesses around the state by appointment.

Businesses are also encouraged to take advantage of the range of free online resources available through the Digital Ready website, including Doctor Digital’s fortnightly blog and the Digital Check-up tool for a fast and simple digital health check.

Since 2012, the Digital Ready program has helped thousands of local Tasmanian businesses make use of online tools and resources so they can take their businesses to the next level.

8

T

he Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that as of 8pm on March 14, the CHP is investigating four additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, taking the number of cases to 142 in Hong Kong so far (comprising 141 confirmed cases and one probable case).

The first case involves a 39-yearold woman (the 139th case) who has good past health and lives alone in Cornell Centre in Chai Wan. She developed runny nose and blocked nose since March 12 and attended the Hong Kong Sanitorium and Hospital where she was transferred to Ruttonjee Hospital on March 13. Her respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus on March 14 and she is now in a stable condition. The patient had travelled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates between February 26 and 29 and visited Madrid in Spain from February 29 to March 10. She took the flight EK142 (business class cabin)

by The Emirates from Madrid to Dubai on March 10 and then departed Dubai on flight EK380 (business class cabin) by The Emirates arriving Hong Kong on March 11. Passengers who travelled in the same cabin on board the two flights are urged to call the CHP hotline.

The second case involves a 59-year-old man (the 140th case) who has underlying illness and lives in Heng Tai House, Fu Heng Estate, Tai Po, which is the same building where the patients (members of Egypt tour group) of the 119th and 124th cases (confirmed on March 10 and 11) live. He developed cough since March 10 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on March 12 and 13. His deep throat saliva sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus on March 14.

He is now under treatment at Prince of Wales Hospital and is in a stable condition. The patient had no recent travel history during the incubation period. His wife and son who live with him are asymptomatic and will be arranged for quarantine.

The third case involves a 28-yearold woman (the 141st case) who has good past health and lives alone in 684 Clear Water Bay Road. She developed fever and cough since March 12 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department at Tseung Kwan O Hospital on the same day. Her deep throat saliva sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus on March 14. She is now in a stable condition and has been arranged to United Christian Hospital for management. The patient resides in London in the United Kingdom. She returned to

CHP investigates four additional cases of COVID-19

Hong Kong from London taking flight BA31 (business class cabin)

by British Airways on March 11.

Passengers who travelled in the same cabin on board the flight are urged to call the CHP hotline.

The fourth case involves a 59-yearold man (the 142nd case) who is the brother-in-law of the 54-yearold female patient of the 137th case confirmed on March 13. The patient with underlying illness lives in Tivoli Garden, Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi. He developed diarrhoea since March 2, shortness of breath and sore throat since March 10 and fever since March 12. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment during contact tracing by CHP on March 13. His respiratory sample was tested positive for COVID-19 virus on March 14 and he is now in stable condition. The patient had travelled to Morocco between February 27 and March 8. On March 8, he took the flight HV5760 (economy class cabin)

by Transavia with the patient of the 137th case from Morocco to Amsterdam in the Netherlands and then departed Amsterdam on flight KL887 (premium economy class cabin) by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines arriving Hong Kong on March 9. Passengers who travelled in the same cabin on board the two flights are urged to call the CHP hotline. The patient’s daughterin-law, grandson and domestic helper who live with him are asymptomatic and have been arranged for quarantine.

The CHP’s epidemiological investigations and relevant contact tracing on the confirmed cases are ongoing. Quarantine will be arranged for close contacts while medical surveillance will be arranged for other contacts.

For the progress on the contact tracing of the cases, please see the annex. Meanwhile, the CHP is following up on the contact tracing of four confirmed cases outside Hong Kong and urged people who took the same flights as the patients to call the CHP hotline. The first case involves a 38-year old male patient confirmed in Guangdong who took the flight HX782 (economy class cabin) by Hong Kong Airlines from Manila in the Philippines to Hong Kong arriving on March 11. The second case involves a 33-year old male

patient confirmed in Singapore who took the flight CX845 by Cathay Pacific from New York to Hong Kong arriving on March 10 and then took the flight CX759

by Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Singapore on the same day. The third case involves a 40year old male patient confirmed in Australia who took the flight CX171 by Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Perth arriving on March 10.

For the fourth case, it involves an 85-year-old male patient who was a passenger on board the Diamond Princess cruise and became a confirmed patient in Japan. He was discharged after treatment in Japan and returned from Tokyo to Hong Kong on the flight NH811 by All Nippon Airways on March 10. The patient was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital due to chest pain on March 12.

His respiratory specimen collected during hospitalisation on March 13 was tested positive for COVID-19 on March 14. A spokesman for the CHP said, “The CHP reminded members of the public that as the transmission of the COVID-19 virus has been increasing around the world, they are advised to consider avoiding all non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.”

“Meanwhile, according to our epidemiological investigations, clusters are observed in the local community involving large meal gatherings and other gatherings.

Members of the public are urged to go out less and reduce social activities such as meal gatherings or other gatherings, and maintain an appropriate social distance with other people as far as possible.”

The spokesman said, “The CHP strongly urges the public to maintain at all times strict personal and environmental hygiene, which is key to personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community. On a personal level, members of the public should wear a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, taking public transport or staying in crowded places. They should also perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes.

“As for household environmental hygiene, members of the public are advised to maintain drainage

FEATURE pipes properly, and regularly pour water into drain outlets (U-traps); cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use; after using the toilet, they should put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs.”

The CHP will report the cases to the World Health Organization, National Health Commission, Health Commission of Guangdong Province and the Hospital Authority.

The CHP has set up a hotline (2125 1122) for public enquiries.

The hotline operates from 8am to midnight daily. As at 4pm on March 14, a total of 34 136 calls were received.

Moreover, the Government has launched the website “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for announcing the latest updates on various news on the COVID-19 infection and health advice to help the public understand the latest updates. To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should always maintain good personal and environmental hygiene. They are advised to: • Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask; • Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs, or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing; • Maintain drainage pipes properly and regularly (about once a week) pour about half a liter of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene; • Cover all floor drain outlets when they are not in use; • After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs; • Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80 per cent alcoholbased handrub is an effective alternative; • Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly; and • When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending class at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.

9

life and real estate

VOLUNTARY 30 DAY PAUSE OF CRUISE OPERATIONS

TL Bureau, Sydney

P&O Cruises Australia today announced a voluntary 30-day pause to its cruise operations. Here is an important message from our President Sture Myrmell.

For guests whose future voyages have been cancelled during the 30 day period, P&O is offering a full refund – or a Future Cruise Credit equal to 200% of the cost of their original cruise. The cruise line is communicating with guests directly on voyages currently sailing.

P&O Cruises Australia today announced a voluntary 30-day pause to its cruise operations following advice from the country’s public officials that mass gatherings should be limited to no more than 500 people and Australians should reconsider their need to travel anywhere in the world.

The 30-day pause takes effect from today until P&O’s planned resumption of cruising on April 12.

The pause will affect cruises on Pacific Explorer, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria that were scheduled to depart Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide respectively.

P&O will make direct contact with guests whose cruises have been affected to let them know of this development and to apologise for

the disruption.

Decisions have also been made in relation to the P&O fleet’s current cruises.

Pacific Explorer’s scheduled call to Eden tomorrow has been cancelled and the ship will return to Sydney for arrival as planned on Monday.

Pacific Dawn’s cruise from Brisbane today will not proceed.

Pacific Aria currently on a cruise to Tasmania will now return to Adelaide on Monday.

Announcing the pause, President of P&O Cruises Australia, Sture Myrmell, said the cruise line was confident in its existing public health measures to maintain a healthy onboard environment for guests and crew.

However, Mr Myrmell said the responsible course was for P&O to support the efforts of federal and state governments and their senior health experts as they work to contain the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also advised Australians to reconsider their need to travel anywhere in the world.

“At the same time, we are acutely aware of the disappointment for our guests whose cruise holidays have been unavoidably cut short or cancelled at short notice,” Mr

Myrmell said. ““Cancelling or reducing the length of a cruise is the last thing we would ever want to do but these are extraordinary times and we have no hesitation in putting the health and well-being of our guests, crew and the wider community first.”

For guests whose future voyages have been cancelled during the 30 day period, P&O is offering a full refund – or a Future Cruise Credit equal to 200% of the cost of their original cruise. The cruise line is communicating with guests directly on voyages currently sailing.

P&O is doing everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care. P&O will protect travel agent commissions on bookings for cancelled cruises that were paid in full and for the total amount of the future cruise credits.

P&O looks forward to resuming normal cruise operations from 12 April with a 10-night cruise on Pacific Aria from Auckland to the South Pacific (subject to the New Zealand Government’s clearance at that time). It will be followed two days later (14 April) with Pacific Explorer departing Sydney on a 10-night cruise to the South Pacific. On 18 April, Pacific Dawn will depart Brisbane

on a three day Comedy Cruise.

Mr Myrmell thanked P&O’s loyal guests for their unwavering and inspiring commitment to the brand and their support for the onboard teams who do so much to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

“In spite of everything, many guests were prepared to cruise because of their faith in P&O Cruises as their favourite cruise brand,” Mr Myrmell said. “We look forward to getting past this coronavirus challenge so that our cruise operations can return to normal. ““There are many exciting things for us to share with our guests including the great additions to Pacific Explorer following her recent dry dock and Pacific Adventure’s arrival later this year.”

If the future cruise credit option does not work for you, please contact our Customer Sales & Service on 1300 550 491 (AU) / 0800 543 177 (NZ) from 9am Monday, 16 March and we can process a refund for the cruise fare paid to P&O Cruises. Please allow approximately 8 weeks for the refund to be received.

We expect to experience high call volumes and wait times during this period, please bear with us during this time.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES GLOBAL VOLUNTARY SUSPENSION OF CRUISING TL Bureau, Sydney

At Royal Caribbean International, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew are always our top priorities. After the decision was made on March 13th to voluntarily suspend our sailings departing from US ports, we’ve now made the decision to also suspend operations for the remainder of our sailings worldwide, effective at midnight, March 15th. If you are currently onboard a cruise, there’s no need to worry. We will complete our current sailing and debark as planned. Our goal is to resume operations on April 11th, 2020. As a result of this change, we’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to come back and sail with us by December 31, 2021 • This amount will be based on your total cruise fare paid. And, we’re giving you a little extra, knowing that this is such a unique circumstance.

• We will automatically issue you your Future Cruise Credit

by Monday, April 13th, 2020 via email. So, there’s nothing for you to do!

• Please know, if you pre-purchased any amenities and packages – like internet, beverage, dining, or RoyalUp Upgrade, those will be automatically refunded.

Princess Cruises Announces a Voluntary and Temporary Pause of its Global Ship Operations for 60 Days

Cruise Line Remains Committed to the Health, Safety and Well-Being of Guests, Team Members and Communities Visited Globally

TL Bureau, SANTA CLARITA, Calif

In proactive response to the unpredictable circumstances evolving from the global spread of COVID-19 and in an abundance of caution, Princess Cruises announced that it will voluntarily pause global operations of its 18 cruise ships for two months (60 days), impacting voyages departing March 12 to May 10.

“Princess Cruises is a global vacation company that serves more than 50,000 guests daily from 70 countries as part of our diverse business, and it is widely known that we have been managing the implications of COVID-19 on two continents,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “By taking this bold action of voluntarily pausing the operations of our ships, it is our intention to reassure our loyal guests, team members and global stakeholders of our commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all who sail with us, as well as those who do business with us, and the countries and communities we visit around the world,” added Swartz. While this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values. Rest assured the long-serving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’

fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.

Those currently onboard a cruise that will end in the next five days will continue to sail as expected through the end of the itinerary so that onward travel arrangements are not disrupted. Current voyages that are underway and extend beyond March 17 will be ended at the most convenient location for guests, factoring in operational requirements.

Princess will do everything possible to return each guest home with the greatest amount of care possible. During this time, our operations and medical teams across the fleet will remain vigilant in their care and service for guests and crew onboard.

For those who are impacted by this business decision, Princess is offering guests the opportunity to transfer 100% of the money paid for their cancelled cruise to a future cruise of their choice. To add a bonus incentive for guests to accept this offer, the company will add an additional generous future cruise credit benefit which can be applied to the cruise fare. In addition, Princess will honor this offer for those guests who had made final payment and cancelled their booking on or after February 4, 2020. The future cruise credit can be used on any voyage departing

through May 1, 2022.

If the future cruise credit option does not work for some guests, they will be able to complete an online form to request a cash refund. Princess asks guests not to call the Reservation Call Center due to the possibility of high call volumes and the potential of long on-hold wait times due to this unprecedented action. Guests and their travel advisors will be sent communications on how to manage cancellations and desired compensation. Information and instructions for requesting a Future Cruise Credit or Refund are available online. In a video posted on YouTube, Jan Swartz shares that “while this is a difficult business decision, we firmly believe it is the right one and is in alignment with our company’s core values. Rest assured the longserving and dedicated professionals at our company will make best use of this time to prepare Princess Cruises’ fleet of cruise ships for a successful return to operation to serve our guests by delivering an exceptional vacation experience.” Loyal guests, employees, travel advisor partners and business partners around the world have asked what they can do support Princess Cruises and its more than 35,000 team members in these challenging times. The answer is simple – book a cruise with Princess and bring your family and friends along.

10

SUNCORP TEAM GIRLS CUP CANCELLED Following Federal Government advice, the Suncorp Super Netball league’s official pre-season tournament, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, has been cancelled due the risk associated with COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

TL Bureau, Fitzroy

The pre-season tournament was due to take place at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney from 27-29 March, bringing together all eight Suncorp Super Netball teams, including all athletes, team staff, umpires and officials, as well as club and league administration.

Suncorp Super Netball CEO Chris Symington said the health of all stakeholders involved in the event was at the forefront of the decision to cancel.

“The league’s priority at this stage is the health of our athletes, staff

and fans. Following a thorough risk analysis, and consultation with medical experts and relevant stakeholders, league management made the call to demonstrate caution and cancel the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, which would have brought the entire league to one location,” he said.

“Our focus will now be on monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it develops and ensuring we have appropriate plans in place to deal with whatever challenges may arise in delivering the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season.” League

management has advised clubs to reconsider their current schedule of pre-season matches, ensuring all government and health advice is followed.

Suncorp Super Netball league management and medical professionals will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves in relation to the upcoming 2020 season, which is due to start on Saturday 2 May. All fans who have purchased tickets to the Suncorp Team Girls Cup will be provided with full refunds – see details below from Ticketek Australia.

BWF SUSPENDS

SPORTS

NATIONAL NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS CANCELLED

TL Bureau, Fitzroy

Based on the expert medical advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, endorsed by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, that organised public gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in Australia, Netball Australia will not proceed with the annual 17&U and 19&U National Netball Championships due to take place in Hobart from 18-23 April.

Given the nature of the event, and after extensive consultation with medical experts and relevant stakeholders, Netball Australia made the decision not to proceed with the tournament, which would bring together teams from all states and territories.

Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner said the health of the Australian netball and wider community is paramount and that Netball Australia continues to work closely with state and territory Member Organisations in relation to community and grassroots netball.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision not to proceed with the National Netball Championships, especially knowing how much

preparation by the athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers goes into this event. It is however prudent that we do everything we can to reduce the spread of the virus,” she said.

“In relation to community netball, we are working with Member Organisations, government organisations and medical professionals to determine the best approach and we will release guidelines to support community netball organisations across Australia in the coming days.

Until then we encourage all community netball organisations to demonstrate caution in line with government recommendations that everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections.”

Netball Australia will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it evolves in relation to the upcoming Deakin University Australian Netball League season, due to start on Saturday 2 May.Netball Australia has confirmed that the cancellation of the National Netball Championships does not mean that all netball events and competitions should be cancelled, however, caution in line with government recommendations should be exercised.

INTERNATIONAL BADMINTON Tokyo Olympics will go TL Bureau, Kuala Lampur The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has taken the necessary step to suspend all HSBC BWF World Tour and other BWF-sanctioned tournaments from Monday 16 March until Sunday April 12.

The escalation of the COVID-19 outbreak globally has led the BWF, in close consultation and consensus with its Host Member Associations and Continental Confederations, to cancel or postpone all tournaments in this period due to heightened travel and quarantine restrictions in place and the subsequent extreme logistical complications this causes to the movement of badminton athletes.

BWF equally has strong considerations for the health, safety and wellbeing of all athletes, their entourage, officials and the greater badminton community in general.

Tournaments affected include the YONEX Swiss Open 2020, YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2020, Orléans Masters 2020, CELCOM Axiata Malaysia Open 2020, and Singapore Open

ahead as no effect of Coronavirus: Japan’s PM

2020, as well as a number of international Grade 3 tournaments (see full list below).

The suspension of the circuit will come into effect following the completion of the YONEX All England Open 2020 in Birmingham, England, on Sunday 15 March.

Both BWF and Badminton England have been in constant communication with government officials and relevant authorities in the United Kingdom in relation to any possible disruption to the YONEX All England Open and both parties are satisfied with the British government’s most recent advisory issued Friday morning UK time to continue with the staging of the tournament.

Unless government advice changes, Badminton England remains confident that the robust and comprehensive measures in place before and during the event will minimise the potential risk of the virus.

BWF duly accepts this position and that all relevant health, safety and logistical risks have been considered by BWF, Badminton England, tournament organisers, and the local government in reaching this decision.

A number of the tournaments impacted as a result of the suspension fall within the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualifying period. BWF will make a further announcement on regulations related to Olympic qualification points at a later date.

TL Bureau, Tokyo Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the Tokyo Olympic Games will proceed as arranged in July, regardless of coronavirus concerns bringing about the deferment of games.

Abe included the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would have an official choice whether Tokyo 2020 proceeds.

“We will conquer the spread of the contamination and host the Olympics without issue, as arranged,” Abe said. Japan has had in excess of 1,400 cases and 28 passings coming about because of coronavirus. The Tokyo Games is relied upon to cost about 1.35 trillion yen

(£10.26bn), coordinators said in December. The Japan segment of the Olympic Torch hand-off is because of start in Fukushima on 26 March. The ongoing light lighting function in old Olympia was held without observers, before the remainder of the hand-off in Greece was suspended to abstain from drawing in swarms. Tokyo representative Yuriko Koike stated: “We’re taking careful disease measures with respect to the light transfer locally.” A few Olympic preliminaries occasions in the United States have been delayed, including wrestling, paddling and plunging. Be that as it may, the enclosing occasions London will proceed on Saturday as planned.

11

tech/auto

Next vehicle safety awareness campaign calls for public input through submission of dashcam footage.

TL Bureau, Canberra

Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP SAFETY, is launching into the development of its next national community awareness campaign – calling for members of the public to contribute to its creative content through the submission of dashcam footage.

“We’re calling on everyday Australians and New Zealanders to be part of our next campaign by submitting dashcam vision of common crash scenarios,” said ANCAP Communications Director, Rhianne Robson.

“The campaign will focus on the benefits of two key vehicle safety technologies

– autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and active lane support systems (LSS) – and how their presence

Council of Saudi Chambers is umbrella of business sector and chambers of commerce in the Kingdom

TL Bureau, Riyadh

The Council of Saudi Chambers is considered the umbrella of the Saudi business sector and the chambers of commerce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, works to represent their interests locally and internally, achieves their goals and serves the Saudi economy.

The Council takes care of the common interests of the 28 chambers of commerce and industry in the Kingdom, and is concerned with their representation at local and external levels, and works to develop the roles of the private sector in the national economy.

During the year 2019, the Council achieved many accomplishments in leading the institutional work of the business sector, which enhances its contributions to the implementation of the goals and programs of the Kingdom’s vision 2030. The Council provided its services in 2019 to more than 1500 business owners directly, as it signed more than 16 agreements while the number of memberships of the Council of Saudi Chambers locally reached 34 memberships and regionally and internationally reached 24 memberships, and the number of agreements that the Council contributed in their conclusion and coordination

internationally in support of inter-investments with friendly and sisterly countries 23 agreements, while the number of studies prepared by the Council through the committees and business councils reached 37 studies. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Ajlan bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan, pointed out that the growth of the private sector increased by 2.9% during the year 2019 AD and its contribution to the gross domestic product by 46.2% in the third quarter of 2019, which translates the achievements of the Saudi business sector of the increase in commercial and service activities and the expansion of non-oil investments including a group of economic activities such as wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, hotels, sports, entertainment, mining and quarrying services, real estate activities, construction and building, which achieved high growth in various proportions that contributed to the expansion of private sector facilities to reach one million establishments in which approximately 1.6 million Saudis working in commercial and service activities, manufacturing, agricultural production and fisheries as well as many other business areas

can turn a negative outcome into a positive one.”

Dashcam owners who have captured their own vision

of crashes or near-misses involving pedestrians or single-vehicle run-offroad crashes can submit

their vision for inclusion as part of ANCAP’s next national advertising campaign which will screen nationally later this year.

“Dashcam footage clearly demonstrates that everyday mistakes happen to everyday people, yet a mistake on the road – whether it be yours or someone else’s – does not have to be fatal.”

“By involving the community in the development of the campaign, we’re generating early thought and discussion around the function, benefits and availability of these now common and affordable technologies,” Mrs Robson said. Dashcam footage can be submitted at ancap.com. au/dashcam.

TL Bureau, California

strongly felt. I want to express my deep gratitude to our team in China for their determination and spirit. As of today, all of our stores in Greater China have reopened. I also want to thank our operations team and partners for their remarkable efforts to restore our supply chain. What we’ve learned together has helped us all develop the best practices that are assisting enormously in our global response.

One of those lessons is that the most effective way to minimize risk of the virus’s transmission is to reduce density and maximize social distance. As rates of new infections continue to grow in other places, we’re taking additional steps to protect our team members and customers.

We will be closing all of our retail stores outside of Greater China until March 27. We are committed to providing exceptional service to our customers. Our online stores are open at www.apple.com, or you can download the Apple Store app on the App Store. For service and support, customers can visit support.apple.com. I want to thank our extraordinary Retail teams for their dedication to enriching our customers’ lives. We are all so grateful to you.

In all of our offices, we are moving to flexible work arrangements worldwide outside of Greater China. That means team members should work remotely if their job allows, and those whose work requires them to be on site should follow guidance to maximize interpersonal space. Extensive, deep cleaning will continue at all sites. In all our offices, we are rolling out new health screenings

and temperature checks.

All of our hourly workers will continue to receive pay in alignment with business as usual operations. We have expanded our leave policies to accommodate personal or family health circumstances created

by COVID-19 — including recovering from an illness, caring for a sick loved one, mandatory quarantining, or childcare challenges due to school closures.

For Our Users and Partners We know our users depend on Apple products all the time, and especially in times like these. We’re bringing the same creativity and passion to meeting this challenge that we do in everything else we undertake.

Apple News has launched a new COVID-19 section, where users can be sure that they can find the latest verified reporting from trusted news outlets. As you may have seen, our annual Worldwide Developers Conference will be in an entirely new online format this year. We see this as an opportunity to bring together developers around the world in an innovative way.

Looking Ahead There is no mistaking the challenge of this moment. The entire Apple family is indebted to the heroic first responders, doctors, nurses, researchers, public health experts and public servants globally who have given every ounce of their spirit to help the world meet this moment. We do not yet know with certainty when the greatest risk will be behind us. And yet I have been inspired by the humanity and determination I have seen from all corners of our global community.

Apple’s COVID-19 response.

To the worldwide Apple family, The global spread of COVID-19 is affecting every one of us. At Apple, we are people first, and we do what we do with the belief that technology can change lives and the hope that it can be a valuable tool in a moment like this. Teachers are innovating to make remote lessons come alive. Companies are experimenting with new ways to stay productive. And medical experts can diagnose illnesses and reach millions with critical updates in the blink of an eye. We are all adapting and responding in our own way, and Apple wants to continue to play a role in helping individuals and communities emerge stronger.

But this global effort — to protect the most vulnerable, to study this virus, and to care for the sick — requires all of our care, and all of our participation. And I want to update you about the ways in which we are doing our part.

Giving Back Apple’s committed donations to the global COVID-19 response — both to help treat those who are sick and to help lessen the economic and community impacts of the pandemic — today reached $15 million worldwide.

We’re also announcing that we are matching our employee donations two-to-one to support COVID-19 response efforts locally, nationally and internationally.

In Our Offices and Stores First, I want to recognize Apple’s family in Greater China.

Though the rate of infections has dramatically declined, we know COVID-19’s effects are still being

12 Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison today.

TL Bureau, London

The Prime Minister spoke to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison this morning to discuss the coronavirus pandemic.

The two leaders updated each other on their countries’ respective responses to the virus and agreed on the need to take a science based approach to mitigate its impact.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Morrison also agreed on the need for international coordination as the crisis continues, particularly to ensure countries have access to the healthcare equipment and supplies they need to tackle the outbreak.

Finally they resolved to work closely, including through the G20, on efforts to prevent long term economic damage from coronavirus which would further impact people’s lives.

world

68 new cases of coronavirus confirmed

TL Bureau, Tallinn

The laboratories performing tests confirmed 68 new cases of coronavirus yesterday, there are 109 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Estonia in total. Of people who have tested positive, 54 (51%) are in Harju County, 31 (28%) in Saare County, 9 (8%) in Võru County, 6 (7%) in Tartu County, 6 (6%) in Pärnu County and 3 (6%) in Viru County (NB! The data of the counties is based on the preliminary data from the laboratories, it is not linked to the data of the Population Register – the exact numbers of cases per county may be subject to change).

All diagnosed patients remain under home surveillance, no one is currently hospitalized (as of last night). The first patient to fall ill has been discharged from the hospital.

A total of 843 COVID-19 tests have been performed since January 31. The laboratories of the Health Board, North

Additional restrictions due to the emergency situation for the islands and covering leisure time

the person in charge of the emergency situation, Prime Minister Mr Jüri Ratas introduced movement restrictions for Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Muhumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu and Ruhnu islands.

Additional restrictions are also imposed on spending leisure time.

“We are currently facing a situation where the spread of the virus is very rapid. In order to protect the health of people, it is necessary to limit any activity in which there is a high risk of human exposure and the spread of infection,” said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas. “therefore, at the request of the islands, we impose restrictions on movement.

We are also closing sports halls, water centres and spas, and day centres to minimise contacts.”

In order to protect the islands against coronary virus, restrictions on movement on the islands of Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Muhumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu and Ruhnu have been established. The decision shall apply immediately and the movement restriction shall apply initially for two weeks, after which the person in charge of the emergency situation together with the Government Committee decides whether it is necessary to extend the existing restrictions.

Only people who have a permanent residence on the islands are allowed to travel to the territories. Other people cannot currently access the region. The people currently on the islands are allowed to return home. Likewise, the residents of islands may not leave their place of residence during a movement restriction, except for the exeptions provided for in the Order.

Warning against false emails purporting to be from the FOPH

TL Bureau, Hong Kong

Since Friday lunchtime (13 March 2020), cybercriminals have been exploiting public anxiety related to the coronavirus. They are attempting to spread malware using emails purporting to be from the FOPH. The Reporting and Analysis Centre for Information Assurance MELANI is therefore warning the public. Delete such emails immediately.

Hong Kong Customs today (March 14) appealed to members of the public to stop using four types of surgical masks as test results revealed that the bacterial counts of those four types of surgical masks exceeded the maximum permitted limit. Traders should take off the products from the shelves as well. Customs is proactively looking into the source of those surgical masks. Customs launched a large-scale territory-

TL Bureau, Tallinn, Stenbock House

TL Bureau, Bern

Estonia Medical Centre, IdaViru Central Hospital, Tartu University Clinic, Pärnu Hospital and Synlab have the facilities to detect viral disease COVID-19 in Estonia at the moment.

Coronavirus sample will be collected following the healthcare professional’s decision who determines the need for analysis based on a case definition, or symptoms that have occurred, and whether the person has recently visited the risk area or may have been in close contact with someone carrying coronavirus.

The Health Board’s risk assessment is based on the data and risk evaluations and analyses of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and WHO. The Health Board considers the People’s Republic of China, Italy, Iran and South Korea to be coronavirus high risk areas. Areas with average risk are Germany (North

Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to all countries TL Bureau, Helsinki

In light of the extensive spread of the COVID-19 virus and the rapidly changing and uncertain situation for travellers, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against non-essential travel to all countries. Previous decisions taken by the MFA to advise against travel to specific countries or areas continue to apply. The decision to advise against travel was taken on 14 March 2020. This advice applies until 14 April 2020, when the situation will be reappraised.

Rhine - Westphalia, Baden - Wuerttemberg and Land of Bavaria), France (Auvergne - Rhône - Alpes BourgogneFranche-Comté, Grand Est Hauts-de-France, Ile-deFrance), Tyrol ski resorts in Austria, Spain (Madrid, Catalonia and the Basque Country), Japan, Singapore.

The risk of contagion is high for people who are currently staying in the countries with local widespread.

A coronavirus test can be successfully performed on a person who already has symptoms of the disease.

The test is very likely to give a false negative result if performed before symptoms such as cough, fever and breathing difficulties have occurred.

According to the information known today, the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to flu symptoms. The virus can cause cough, fever and breathing difficulties.

The virus spreads mainly through close contact with

a person who has symptoms characteristic to the infection, especially cough.

In order to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, the government has declared an emergency situation which is likely to remain in place until May 1. All schools and universities in Estonia will be moved to distance learning starting from Monday, March 16. The measures include all public gatherings being banned and museums and cinemas closed together with shows in theatres, concerts and conferences being cancelled.

All sports competitions are prohibited until 1 May. Sanitary inspections will be employed at border crossing.

The sale of cruise trips on the Tallinn–Stockholm–Tallinn line must is suspended.

Libraries will remain open only to a limited extent.

Find more information on the Health Board’s dedicated website www.terviseamet.ee/ en/covid19 and on the Health Board’s Facebook page.

Great uncertainty

surrounding travel abroad

TL Bureau, Stockholm

This applies regardless of whether the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has formally advised against travel to the area in question. Every traveller has a responsibility to monitor developments themselves and take informed decisions.

Anyone who belongs to a risk group should be particularly attentive.

In these highly uncertain circumstances, the situation can change from one hour to the next.

This applies both to the spread of the virus and to entry procedures, which may be changed at short notice. Borders may be closed, and new quarantine rules imposed.

These are also factors that are important to consider when deciding whether to travel.

Important sources of information are the MFA’s various platforms, including the embassies’ websites

The WHO has described the spread of the COVID-19 virus as a pandemic.

In light of the current exceptional situation, anyone who is planning to travel abroad should carefully consider the risks, and whether the trip really needs to be made.

and the UD Resklar app, and the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s recommendations on how to avoid infecting others and becoming infected yourself. Our embassies update their travel information continuously based on the best possible information available at any given time. It is important that anyone planning to travel consults this information.

Hong Kong Customs urges public to stop using four types of surgical masks suspected of exceeding bacterial limit.

wide special operation codenamed “Guardian” on January 27 this year to

conduct spot checks, test purchases and inspections in various districts

on surgical masks available in the market. Samples of masks were also sent to the laboratory for tests on bacterial counts. Customs yesterday (March 13) received the test results of the latest batch of 24 test-purchased samples. According to the relevant hygienic standard for disposable sanitary products, the total bacterial counts of four types of surgical masks samples exceeded the maximum permitted limit by 0.4 to 11.5 times, in contravention of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).

13