Onlineparasi.com: August 2020

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic showed a bit more passion than might have been expected in his first-round win over Damir Dzumhur on Monday but the world number one brushed aside any question that he was feeling the pressure as overwhelming US Open favourite.

The Serbian lost his way a bit in the second set but rallied for a straightforward victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium that extended his extraordinary winning streak to 24 matches this year.

The absence of fans because of the coronavirus pandemic perhaps exaggerated his testy exchange with the umpire, the angry roar he emitted after sealing the second set, and a bit of back-and-forth with his box.

For Djokovic, though, it was just all part of his make-up as a 17-times Grand Slam champion.

“You care about winning a tennis match, obviously you’re a professional,” the top seed said on court after setting up a second-round meeting with Briton Kyle Edmund.

“If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be here. This is how I play, I play with a lot of intensity and try to bring a lot of energy to the court.”

In the absence of the two other men vying for the title of the greatest male player of the modern era, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, Djokovic is an odds-on favourite with the bookmakers to win a fourth U.S. Open crown.

That, combined with maintaining the prospect that he might go through the year unbeaten, could weigh on a player with less mental strength.

“I know pressure is a privilege, pressure is part of what we do,” Djokovic added in a news conference.

“I try to embrace it. I know what I need to do and how to behave, how to make myself calm and composed and focused on what really needs to be done.”

Djokovic admitting to resorting to cliché when he said he would be taking each match as it came at Flushing Meadows but eschewed the usual sporting trope about ignoring statistics when asked about the winning streak.

“Do I want to keep the streak going? Of course, I do,” he said.

“Am I thinking about it as a priority number one every single day? No.

“It’s there, and of course it’s an additional motivation for me. It actually fuels me to play even stronger, play even better, I think bring the right intensity every match.”

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COVID impact on religious tourism overlooked

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31

Along with adventure, culture and nature, Nepal is also known as a religious destination for tourists. Among other sectors, religious tourism sector of the country has also been adversely affected due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As the country was celebrating Visit Nepal 2020 campaign, the government and private sector, among others were preparing for grand events in various religious places. The global outbreak resulted in cancellation of all events.

Even though the government had conducted impact assessment of the country’s tourism sector during the pandemic period, religious tourism has somehow been overlooked.

Stakeholders stated that religious tourism was not given its due priority in the discourse on COVID-19 impact.

“Religious tourism is the second sector, after mountaineering, which welcomes a large number of tourists into the country. Indeed, some discussions were held on impact of COVID-19 on religious tourism.

However, it has not been prioritised the way it should have been,” said Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust, Venerable Metteyya Sakyaputta.

Lumbini alone has lost around 900,000 tourists during this pandemic. In 2019, a total of 173,083 tourists had visited Lumbini via air route.

Moreover, a huge event was scheduled for the Buddha Jayanti this year. Hence, hotels and other businesses in Lumbini had invested additional money. However, the pandemic ruined everything, Sakyaputta added.

“Religious tourism was never prioritised, even during the normal times,” he claimed, adding, “Till date we have not identified the significance of religious tourism on the country’s socio-economic sector.

We are still to conduct a proper study on religious tourism in the country.”

He further said that the country still doesn’t have the exact data of religious tourists, their expenditure and the average length of their stay in the country.

Achyut Guragain, president of Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, stated that exact data has not been prepared yet about the impact of COVID-19 on religious tourism.

“Generally Hindu and Buddhist tourists travel to Nepal for pilgrimage,” he said. “Due to the pandemic, we have lost millions of our religious tourists and billions of rupees in income, however, we have not analysed it seriously.”

Emphasising that he had initiated Buddhist International Travel Mart in the country, he said, “Each year we receive a large number of religious tourists from India, Burma, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, among other countries. This year, all of them cancelled their trips.”

According to Guragain, Nepal has not fully tapped its religious tourism potential. “Religious tourism is linked with people’s sentiment and somehow it is way more easier to regain religious tourists than other travellers,” he said.

The country’s religious factor not only attracts religious tourists but is an attraction for non-religious tourists too who enjoy the abundant religious and cultural activities in the country, he added.

“Religious tourists do not infer to non-nationals only but also people across the country that travel for pilgrimages.

Thus, all the foreign and domestic religious tourists have been affected due to the COV- ID-19,” said Ghanashyam Khatiwada, executive director of Pashupati Area Development Trust. People visit Pashupatinath not for religious purpose only but also to roam around and for their internal peace, he added.

“However, as it is quite challenging to control the crowd in religious sites, the sector might not have been prioritised,” he said, while admitting that the exact data of the socioeconomic losses in the sector have not been compiled although it is estimated to amount in billions of rupees.

It is to be noted that COV- ID-19 impact assessment of tourism sector conducted by Nepal Tourism Board has also not included any information regarding religious tourism.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has claimed that the pandemic period has been utilised for infrastructure development of religious areas.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Man discharged after recovery from COVID vandalises ambulance

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31

A man, who had fully recovered from coronavirus, suddenly vandalised an ambulance that was ferrying him home from hospital, fearing that he was being abducted.

The incident occurred last night at 10:00pm. The ambulance from Balambu-based Armed Police Force’s COVID special hospital was carrying the 24-year-old man to his home after his successful treatment. But on the way home, he suddenly behaved strangely and started vandalising the moving ambulance from inside.

The man is a resident of Bhaktapur Municipality.

Looking at the man’s violent behaviour, the ambulance driver had to stop the vehicle, but as soon as the vehicle stopped, the man broke the windowpane and jumped out of the ambulance. He did not stop here. He started vandalising the ambulance more fiercely.

DSP Chakra Raj Joshi of Jagati Police Circle said that the man approached them and sought help stating that he was being abducted by the driver of the ambulance.

Jhalak Kumar BC was driving the ambulance. According to police, the driver was a complete stranger to the man and he had no idea why the man behaved in a weird manner.

After some time police informed about the incident to the family members of the man. The family members said he had no mental health problems and he might have behaved in such manner due to the mental trauma he had to go through in the isolation ward after being infected with the virus. Police later handed the man over to his family members after they agreed to pay for damages done to the ambulance.

Psychiatrist Dr Sagun Panta at Tribhuvan University’s Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, said although it was difficult to say anything about the case without proper diagnosis, his violent activities might have been the result of panic attack.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Pandemic claims health worker

JANAKPURDHAM, AUGUST 31

A health worker of Mahottari’s Balawa Municipality diagnosed with COVID-19 had succumbed to the disease on Wednesday, the health ministry revealed today.

The 37-year-old man, who had completed the health assistant course and used to run a medical store in Balawa bazaar, breathed his last on the way to Kathmandu-based Vayodha Hospital.

According to health officer and COVID-19 focal person at district health office Girendra Kumar Jha, the health worker and his wife were referred to the Kathmandu-based hospital after they complained of breathing difficulty.

They went in the same ambulance.

On the way, they began gasping for breath. But there was only one oxygen cylinder in the ambulance. He put his wife on oxygen and breathed his last in the ambulance before reaching the hospital. On reaching Kathmandu, his wife was admitted to the hospital.

Their swab samples were collected and his body was sent to Mahottari in the same ambulance.

Jha said the body was buried the same day in his home district.

Later, they tested positive for COVID-19. His wife has, however, recovered and is staying at her kin’s place in Kathmandu. Swabs of 82 people who they had come into contact with have been collected.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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More people prone to mental health issues due to COVID fear

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31

Psychiatrists have warned that the country might see an unaccounted rise in the number of people suffering from psychological stress and other mental health issues due to the increasing fear of COVID-19 spread and months-long lockdown imposed in a bid to subdue the virus.

Psychiatrist Dr Sagun Panta at Tribhuvan University’s Teaching Hospital said that active and healthy people who are confined to their houses for months have started showing symptoms of mental health problems.

The common psychological disorders recorded in relation to the situation created are: depressive disorder, insomnia disorder, anxiety disorder, alcoholism, smoking issues, weakening of daily performance, irritation and lack of confidence and lack of concentration.

Dr Panta said, “People, despite their hardship in the first couple of months, had been able to cope with the problems, but with the government decision to reimpose the lockdown, more people have started showing symptoms of psychological stress and anxiety .”

Panta further said the number of people with suicidal tendency, depression and anxiety was increasing mainly due to financial insecurity.

These problems lead people to alcoholism and smoking. Similarly, some people have started becoming victims of unwarranted fear of contracting the virus and many people have stopped venturing out of their houses due to fear.

People who have recovered from the virus are also suffering from post-traumatic disorder. Recovered people also have fear of being stigmatised in society, and have developed the habit of remaining aloof.

Similarly, most of the people contracting the virus, normally feel that they are facing difficulty in breathing and go through unwanted fear of dying.

These psychological impacts in the long term can lead to serious mental health issues. In some cases, this can lead to suicide, according to Dr Panta.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Two persons arrested

RAUTAHAT, AUGUST 31

Police have arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in the murder of a Hindu priest in Rautahat more than a week ago.

On August 19, some unidentified persons had shot Shreeram Sah, the priest of Hanuman temple in Khesarahiya bazaar of Madhavnarayan Municipality, while he was resting in his home in the evening after having his meal.

Murder accused Ram Naresh Patel and Bal Kumar Patel of Dewahi Gonahi Municipality are said to have been arrested from the across the Nepal-India border.

According to sources, they were arrested from their hideout in Ghodasaha area of Purbi Champaran of the Indian state of Bihar, with the help of Indian police.

Four other persons, including ward 1 chairperson Shekh Narullah of Dewahi Gonahi Municipality, Rajendra Patel and Ram Prabesh Patel, have been missing from their homes following the incident.

While police hasn’t confirmed the arrest of the two persons, various religious organisations have protested the failure of police to investigate the incident effectively and arrest the perpetrators.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Foundation stones laid for temples

RAUTAHAT, AUGUST 31

On the 13th day of priest Shreeram Sah’s murder, foundation stones for Ram Janaki temple and Hanuman temple were laid in Khesarhiya of Madhav Narayan Municipality, Rautahat.

Following Sah’s murder, Nepal Communist Party Province 2 Chair and Rautahat constituency 3 Province Assembly member Prabhu Sah had declared that temples would be constructed.

Maulapur Municipality Mayor Rina Devi Sah laid the foundation stones for Ram Janaki temple and Hanuman temple.

Priest Sah had built the temple on his own and was taking care of the temple selflessly. Prabhu Sah said he had announced construction of the temple to realise the dream of the priest. Rautahat CDO Indradev Yadav pledged to set up a police post in its vicinity.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Oximeter a good investment for COVID-19 patients staying in home isolation

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31

Cases of asymptomatic COVID patients staying in home isolation suddenly becoming ill and succumbing to the contagion have come to light, prompting the need to spread awareness about precautions patients staying in home isolation must take.

Santa Kumar Das, who is COVID-19 Management Committee Coordinator at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, told THT that people staying in home isolation should frequently check their oxygen level and should be rushed to hospital when their oxygen saturation drops below 90 per cent. “Often people staying in home isolation have no symptom of the disease, but they do not know that their oxygen level has dropped, which becomes fatal,” Das said.

He said even asymptomatic patients staying in home isolation should be rushed to hospital when their oxygen level drops to abnormally low point or when they experience other severe symptoms. Das added that patients staying in home isolation should keep a pulse oximeter, which measures oxygen level, at home. It costs Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000.

According to Das, health authorities should monitor the health of COV- ID-19 patients who are staying in home isolation at least twice a day and should inform patients what they should or should not do while staying in home isolation.

“Leaflets and other information disseminated to the public about COV- ID-19 may not be enough and therefore, there is a need for constant monitoring of patients staying in home isolation. The government should form mobile teams of health professionals who could visit COVID patients in their homes,” he added.

Das also said that government authorities needed to tell patients staying in home isolation which hospitals they should visit. “COVID patients should be told in advance where they will be treated. When COVID patients develop symptoms or need medical care, they should not be wasting time looking for the hospital that will admit them,” he said.

Director of Patan Hospital Rabi Shakya said, “COVID patients staying in home isolation should be rushed to a hospital even if they experience slight deterioration in their health.”

Assistant Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Samir Kumar Adhikari accused local authorities of inadequate monitoring of patients staying in home isolation.

“Local governments should increase their monitoring of patient staying in home isolation,” he said.

Regarding a patient from Bhaktapur who died yesterday while staying at home, Adhikari said he was kept at home at the insistence of his family who told health authorities that the patient was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and family members could take better care of the patient.

“Home isolation is a good option for asymptomatic cases as staying close to family can keep their morale high,”

Adhikari said, adding that it would not be possible to put all asymptomatic patients in hospitals.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Crime up in Rautahat, four killed in two weeks

RAUTAHAT, AUGUST 31

Criminal activity has been on the rise in Rautahat district of late.

A woman aged 40 was found murdered in Rautahat last evening. The body of Mintra Devi Baitha, 40, was found in the field at Laxmipur tole of ward 3 of Gadhimai Municipality, Rautahat, last evening. She had left home at 10:00am to collect fodder for cattle.

Police have started investigating the incident, said SP Rabiraj Khadka.

Niranjan Ram, 20, of Jingadawa of ward 8 of Garuda Municipality, Rautahat, was murdered a fortnight ago.

Four days after Ram was killed, a priest of Hanuman temple at ward 2 of Madhav Narayan Municipality, Shreeram Sah, was killed. Despite investigation, police are yet to book people involved in the priest’s murder.

Police had arrested Bijay Ram for his alleged involvement in killing Niranjan Ram. Bijay died due to torture meted out by the police in custody.

Among the four killed in various incidents, Niranjan, Bijay and Mintra Devi are from the Dalit community.

Family members and the local Dalit people have been staging a relay hunger strike against the police in relation to the death of Bijay in police custody.

Due to the protest, Area Police Office DSP Gyan Kumar Mahato was recalled to Province 2 Police Office. A three-member probe committee formed by the Home Ministry has started investigating the incident from today.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on September 1, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate begins late-stage US study

AstraZeneca Plc said on Monday it has begun enrolling adults for a US-funded, 30,000-subject late-stage study of its high profile COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Trial participants will receive either two doses of the experimental vaccine, dubbed AZD1222, four weeks apart, or a placebo, the company said.

The trial is being conducted under U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed program, which aims to accelerate development, manufacturing and distribution of vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.

US President Donald Trump has said a vaccine for the novel coronavirus could be available before the Nov. 3 presidential election, much sooner than most experts anticipate.

AstraZeneca, which is developing its vaccine in conjunction with Oxford University researchers, and Pfizer Inc with partner BioNTech SE have said they could have data by October to support U.S. emergency use authorization or approval of their respective vaccines.

AZD1222 is already undergoing late-stage clinical trials in Britain, Brazil and South Africa, with additional trials planned in Japan and Russia. The trials, together with the U.S. Phase III study, aim to enroll up to 50,000 participants globally.

The U.S. trial will evaluate whether the vaccine can prevent COVID-19 infection or keep the illness from becoming severe, the National Institutes of Health said in a statement https://ift.tt/32H3FZZ.

It also will assess if the vaccine can reduce incidence of emergency department visits due to COVID-19.

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Dominant Tsitsipas advances to US Open second round

NEW YORK: Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas kicked off his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title in style as he overwhelmed Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2 6-1 6-1 on Monday to reach the second round of the US Open.

Tsitsipas, who entered the first Grand Slam of the COVID-19 era fresh off a run to the semi-finals of the US Open tune-up event, never faced a break point and broke Ramos-Vinolas seven times during the 98-minute match.

“I had a clear picture of what I was doing, where I was pressing. The depth on my ball was good,” said Tsitsipas, whose best Grand Slam result to date came at the 2019 Australian Open where he reached the semi-finals.

The 22-year-old Tsitsipas, who has never been beyond the second round of the US Open, came into this week with 16 wins to his name this season and has been tipped by many to make a deep run in a tournament missing a number of top players.

Tsitsipas broke to go ahead 3-1 and that opened up his game as he went on to play the contest on his terms, flashing equal parts power and variety to overwhelm his opponent.

After Ramos-Vinolas held serve to start the third set, Tsitsipas won six consecutive games to wrap up the match and improve to 3-0 in head-to-head meetings with the Spaniard.

Tsitsipas enjoyed a solid day from the service line as he lost just four first-serve points and finished his day with 38 winners against 26 unforced errors.

The loss brought a speedy end to Ramos-Vinolas’s return to competition as the Spaniard, in his first tour-level event since the ATP Tour returned from its COVID-19 hiatus, withdrew from last week’s tune-up to be at the birth of his first child.

Up next for Tsitsipas will be a first-ever career meeting with American wildcard Maxime Cressy, who beat Slovakia’s Jozef Kovalik 6-1 2-6 6-4 6-4.

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Sunday, 30 August 2020

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School gate falls killing child in Saptari

RAJBIRAJ, AUGUST 30

An 11-year-old boy was trapped to death by an iron gate of a school in Saptari.

Office assistant of the school Chandra Sekhar’s son Upendra was trapped to death after the iron gate of Basic School at Chhapkibhathaul of ward 4 of Rupani Rural Municipality, Saptari, fell on the boy. The deceased was living with his father at the school when the school closed due to COVID-19.

Critically injured, the child received cuts on his head and chest, Upendra was pronounced dead on arrival at Unique Hospital. The school was used for organising Nepal Communist Party’s ward level meeting yesterday afternoon.

The programme had lasted till evening. The school gate was left open after the programme was over.

On seeing the door open, Upendra had rushed to shut the door. All of sudden, the gate had fallen on him and injured him. Rural Municipality Chair Hareram Yadav said the gate was installed just two months ago.

DSP Tilak Bharati at the District Police Office, Saptari, said that police were investigating the incident.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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China launches second probe into Australian wine imports

SHANGHAI: China said on Monday it had launched an anti-subsidy investigation on some wine imports from Australia, two weeks after announcing it had begun an anti-dumping probe on such imports.

The investigations come against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the two countries after Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the novel coronavirus, which was first detected in China’s central city of Wuhan.

China’s commerce ministry said in an online statement the anti-subsidy investigation was launched on Aug. 31 after a request from the China Wine Industry Association which said the wine imports had received subsidies from the Australian government.

The investigation will be on “wines in containers holding 2 liters or less”, and should be completed within a year or be extended to end-February 2022 under special circumstances.

The ministry also said that it would be investigating 37 subsidy items granted by the Australian government to its wine industry players, including “farm risk management”, “farm financing loan scheme” and “business growth funding projects”.

China is the top market for Australian wine exports and is also Australia’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth A$235 billion ($170 billion) last year.

Beijing recently imposed dumping tariffs on Australian barley, suspended some beef imports and told Chinese students and tourists it was not safe to travel to Australia because of accusations of racism.

After China announced the anti-dumping investigation, Australian trade minister Simon Birmingham had said China is considering launching an investigation into whether Australia has subsidised wine exports. He denied Australia has illegally dumped wine to China.

News of the earlier investigation had knocked a fifth off the market value of Australia’s biggest winemaker, Treasury Wine Estates. They were trading 0.8% higher on Monday amid the broader market’s 0.3% rise.

As in the anti-dumping investigation, China will look at Australian wines imported in 2019 and examine the damage done to the domestic wine industry from 2015 to 2019 in the anti-subsidy investigation.

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Brazil tourist spot Fernando de Noronha bets on COVID-19 immunity in novel strategy

RIO DE JANEIRO: Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago 220 miles (354 km) off Brazil‘s northeastern coast famous for abundant sea life, pristine beaches and dramatic mountainsides rising above the coast, is trying a novel method for fighting the coronavirus.

This image shows the landscape of Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago 220 miles (354 km) off Brazil’s northeastern coast famous for abundant sea life, pristine beaches and dramatic mountainsides rising above the coast, in January, 2020. Photo courtesy: Mira Guebailia

Only tourists who have already had COVID–19 and recovered will be allowed onto the island chain, according to statements released by local and state governments over the past week.

The move by the tourism dependent archipelago, which has about 3,100 permanent residents according to the most recent census estimate, speaks to the unique ways that state, local and national governments are trying to return to a semblance of normal as new COVID–19 cases and deaths stabilize in many parts of the world.

There is significant debate as to the level and duration of immunity that coronavirus patients develop after a first infection. There have been cases of re-infection reported, including in Brazil. However, such reports are relatively rare.

The new rules go into effect September 1. For now, tourists are not allowed on the islands.

“There hasn’t been community transmission on the island for a long time. We have to keep it that way,” André Longo, the health secretary of the state of Pernambuco, said in a statement. “Obviously, this step is going to be done with an eye on safety and reactivating economic activity on the archipelago.”

Fernando de Noronha has so far registered 93 confirmed cases of the virus and no deaths. It prohibited tourism starting in March. For a period from April to June, even residents who were on the mainland were not allowed to return.

Brazil is among the nations hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with over 120,000 known deaths and 3.8 million confirmed cases as of Saturday evening. However, new cases and deaths have begun to stabilize in recent weeks.

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‘Find new markets for agro produce’

HETAUDA, AUGUST 30

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Dormani Poudel today stressed the need to find new markets for agricultural produce.

CM Poudel reiterated that focus on the production of goods alone was not enough. “Identifying and establishing markets for agro-produce is the key, for prosperity,” he added.

Speaking at a programme organised to sign an agreement between Bamati Province Agriculture Development Directorate and Hetauda sub-metropolis, CM Poudel said that the government was working to establish retail market for agricultural products. Poudel said the provincial retail bazaar that was to be established in Hetauda would be modern, and well-equipped. The market will have a cold storage, a sale centre, packaging and other important services.

The retail market is estimated to cost Rs 410 million. The provincial government has agreed to bear 70 per cent cost while the sub-metropolis will be bearing the remaining 30 per cent of the investment.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Four of a family buried to death in Kalikot landslide

SURKHET, AUGUST 30

At least four members of a family were killed after landslides swept away four houses in Tilagufa Municipality-1 of Kalikot district today.

Police said the landslide buried the houses at Nagma Bazaar this morning, killing Prayak Shahi, 40, his daughter Hima Shahi, 7, sons Nirajan Shahi, 5, and 18-month-old Akkal Shahi of Subhakalika Rural Municipality. Prayak’s wife Punni Shahi, 35, and Arjun Hamal, 11, were rescued alive. They are being treated in Karnali Health Sciences Institute, Jumla.

Security personnel rescue people from the houses buried in a landslide at Nagma Bazaar, Tilagufa Municipality-1 in Kalikot district, on Sunday, August 30, 2020. At least four members of a family were killed after landslides swept away four houses. Photo: RSS.

DSP Shyambabu Oliya at Kalikot District Police Office said at least six persons were missing in the disaster.

He said 12 people were likely buried.

Nepal Police, Armed Police Force from Kalikot and Jumla and locals have been deployed to the incident site to rescue people, said police.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Panel formed to prepare home delivery protocols

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30

The Kathmandu District Administration Office has formed a committee to prepare protocols to give continuity to home delivery services.

A meeting held between e-commerce entrepreneurs and DAO decided to allow home delivery services to continue during the prohibitory period in the valley. The meeting chaired by Chief District Officer Janak Raj Dahal decided to allow e-commerce companies to home-deliver essential goods.

Staff of a Kathmandu-based restaurant detained by Nepal Police at Durbar Marg, in Kathmandu, on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Photo courtesy: Alok Yonzan

On Thursday, Nepal Police had detained several e-commerce entrepreneurs and more than 20 delivery persons, stating that home delivery services violated prohibitory orders issued by the Kathmandu DAO on August 26. The detentions prompted e-commerce entrepreneurs to urge the government to allow them to continue home delivery services.

The DAO held a meeting today to address the concerns of e-commerce companies and formed a committee coordinated by Assistant CDO of Kathmandu Janak Raj Bhatta, comprising a representative each from the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection, the Ministry of Health and Population and Nepal Police. The committee has been authorised to prepare protocols for smooth and secure operation of home delivery services, Bhatta told THT.

“The committee shall take recommendations from e-commerce companies as well while preparing home delivery protocols,” he added.

On behalf of e-commerce companies, Sagar Dev Bhatta, co-founder of Kirana, requested DAO to allow home delivery services between 5:00am and 9:00pm without any hurdle.

“The Ministry of Health and Population has requested children below 10 years and adults above 50 years of age not to venture outside due to the risk of contracting COV- ID-19. Considering this, most of the families have been opting for home delivery services instead of going out to buy stuff,” he said, adding, “Home delivery service will help them stay safely at home.”

Dev Bhatta added that home delivery services will also help in contact tracing, controlling black market activities and reducing crowds in the market.

“E-commerce plays a big role in mobilising the economy and fulfilling consumers’ demand. Home delivery of essential goods should not be halted,” he added.

“Moreover, as e-commerce prioritises digital payments, risk of COV- ID-19 transmission via cash transaction will also be reduced,” said Asim Man Singh Basnyat, founder of Pathao.

Kathmandu DAO, meanwhile, requested e-commerce companies to focus on delivering only essentials and not non-essential items, such as clothes, cakes and junk food.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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PCR test to be cheaper from now on

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to decrease the fee for polymerase chain reaction test by Rs 1,100 per test.

From now on, a PCR test will be conducted for Rs 4,400, instead of the earlier fee of Rs 5,500 per test, Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the health ministry, said during a media briefing on Sunday.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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IPL 2020: Raina leaves CSK core shaken, Virat Kohli all smiles

IPL 2020: THE BUILD-UP - RCB skipper Virat Kohli delighted after first batting stint in months, Srinivasan says Raina quit team in huff and will regret it.

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Australia reports record one-day rise in COVID-19 deaths

SYDNEY: Australia reported a record daily rise in COVID-19 deaths on Monday, although the number of new infections in the country’s virus epicentre fell to a near two-month low.

Victoria state said its COVID-19 death toll rose by 41, including 22 fatalities which came from aged care facilities in the weeks leading up to Aug 27. Australia’s previous one-day high for COVID-19 deaths was recorded on Aug 25 when 25 people died.

Victoria state said it has detected 73 new COVID-19 infections in the past 24 hours, the lowest since July 3, with the capital Melbourne four weeks into a six-week lowdown.

Australia has now recorded nearly 26,000 COVID-19 infections and 652 fatalities from the virus – far fewer than other developed countries.

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Fund for strengthening social organisations

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30

Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Parbat Gurung today said preparations were under way to set up Social Entrepreneurship Fund under the Social Welfare Council.

The minister was speaking at a virtual programme organised to make public a report titled, ‘Access to Justice: Social Enterprise in Nepal’ prepared by the Beyond Beijing Committee, Nepal. The fund aims to end the trend of social organisations relying on foreign financial aid to carry out social and humanitarian service, said the minister.

Pledging to formulate acts and laws related to entrepreneurship, he also urged all concerned authorities to provide necessary suggestions to formulate the acts and laws.

“There is a need to formulate acts and laws that would help remove problems related to taxes in the social entrepreneurship sector. In this regard, I urge all organisations in the social welfare sector, civil society and NGOs to provide their suggestion.”He expressed that the social entrepreneurship campaign would contribute to making women economically self-reliant to help end the violence against women. On the occasion, President of NGO Federation of Nepal Jitram Lama drew the attention of the minister to manage necessary acts and laws for the development of social entrepreneurship.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Free transportation service for health workers, hospital staff

Kathmandu, August 30

Free transportation service has been made available for health workers and hospital staff in Kathmandu valley.

The bus service comes amid prohibitory order in place, which has made it difficult for health workers and hospital staffers to discharge their duties due.

The service is provided from 6:30am to 8:30am in the morning and from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm in the evening. Nepal Medical Association, Rotary Club of Kathmandu, Health Professionals, Nepal National Hospital, Kalanki, Nepal Scouts and Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal cooperated for the initiative.

“The free bus service aims to address the need of transportation of health workers and hospital staffers,” said Medical Director of NMA Dr Prakash Poudyal.

Three buses have been operated on different routes in the first phase. A bus from Bansbari goes through Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Bir Hospital and Thapathali Hospital ending at Patan Hospital. Another route begins from Patan Hospital and goes through Thapathali Hospital, Eye Hospital, Tripureshwor, Bir Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, and Teaching Hospital ending in Bansbari. Number of buses and service time would be gradually increased as per the need, said NMA’s Executive Member Dr Ritesh Thapa.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Government urged to test sewage water for coronavirus

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30

With the increased risk of cluster outbreak of the novel coronavirus in parts of the country, including Kathmandu valley, experts have urged the government to map coronavirus in sewage water so that outbreak clusters could be identified, infected people isolated immediately and treatment provided to the infected people before they developed serious symptoms of the disease.

Executive Director of Centre for Molecular Dynamics Nepal Dibesh Karmacharya said mapping of COVID-19 in sewage could save government resources and help it prevent the pandemic effectively. He said his office had conducted tests in sewage waters in four places of Kathmandu valley and found traces of COVID-19 in two places. He said if the government tested sewage water to ascertain the risk of COVID-19 infection, it could save a lot of money as it would have to test far fewer people.

“Once the government authorities find coronavirus in sewage water, they can take immediate steps to prevent the disease from spreading,” he said.

He added that health authorities can then conduct PCR tests among residents of the nearby areas.

National Health Research Council Researcher Meghnath Dhimal said mapping coronavirus in sewers in places that had already reported COVID-19 infection would not help much, but if researchers did their research in places where the contagion had not been reported, then that would certainly help the government to tackle the pandemic effectively.

Chairperson of National Health Research Council Anjani Kumar Jha said mapping of coronavirus in sewage water was not on the council’s research agenda for now.

Public health expert Samir Mani Dixit said the government was not keen to map coronavirus in sewers, but if the government did that, it would certainly save the government a lot of resources. “Testing of sewage water for coronavirus can help the government identify new places that are at risk of COVID-19 infection,” Dixit added.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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More security personnel infected, minister worried

Kathmandu, August 30

Minister of Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa has expressed concern about the rising number of COVID-19 cases among personnel of different security agencies across the country.

Speaking at a virtual meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Minister Thapa said the growing number of security forces contracting COVID-19 was worrisome. He also said that the government would not leave any stone unturned to control the coronavirus spread among security personnel.

Minister Thapa also expressed concern over safety of the jail birds and people in police custody, who are required to live in groups.

The meeting was attended by four lawmakers, including the committee’s chairperson Shashi Shrestha, lawmakers Lalbabu Pandit, Rekha Sharma, and Dila Sangraula. All lawmakers, except Minister Thapa, had gathered at a meeting hall in Singhadarbar. A lawmaker, who attended the meeting, said the committee had directed the government to act in a robust manner to subdue the spread of COVID-19 in barracks, prisons and police custody. The committee has also forwarded a suggestion to the government to release arrestees of minor crime.

The committee has also suggested the government to improve prison management across the country at the earliest.
As of today, over 2,500 security personnel from Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have contracted the COVID-19.

Among them 1,570 security personnel of Nepal Police have contracted the virus. Of them, 686 have recovered while 884 are undergoing treatment at various COVID-19 hospitals or in home isolation.

Over 500 security personnel of APF have contracted the virus, according to Deputy Inspector General Raj Aryal. He further said around 50 per cent of security personnel have recovered from the disease. As many as 432 security personnel of Nepali Army have contracted the virus as of today.

Santosh Paudel, spokesperson of the NA said 119 infected NA personnel have recovered.

NA’s security personnel have been providing security on some border points in the country. NA personnel also provide security at quarantine centres, isolation centres, conduct health camps and are required to manage bodies of those who have lost their lives to the virus.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 31, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Saturday, 29 August 2020

FDA ousts spokeswoman after Covid-19 therapy misstatements

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Xi Jinping says China to step up efforts to fight ‘splittism’ in Tibet

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Lockdowns, prohibitory orders a boon for Nepse

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29

In lack of other investment avenues due to lockdowns and prohibitory orders in place in various places across the country, investors poured their funds into the secondary market in the trading week between August 23 and 27, causing the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index to record a weekly gain of 4.33 per cent or 60.47 points.

In the earlier review period of August 16 to 20, the benchmark index had slipped 0.8 per cent or 11.22 points.

“With banks not offering attractive returns, many investors have shifted their focus to the share market,” informed a market analyst.

Against the weekly turnover of Rs 4.94 billion in the previous week, the total traded amount in the review week surged by a staggering 97.16 per cent to stand at Rs 9.74 billion. The number of transactions also rose to 131,251 from 80,334 in the previous week and trading volume increased to 22.21 million shares changing hands against trade of 15.77 million shares in the preceding week.

Opening at 1,397.57 points on Sunday, the benchmark index had gone up by 12.77 points to close above the psychological threshold of 1,400 points by the time of closing.

Nepse index was northbound for the next three days — surging by 21.27 points on Monday, up 9.33 points on Tuesday and jumping 21.10 points on Wednesday. On Thursday, however, the local bourse shed four points on profit-booking to close the week at 1,458.04 points.

The sensitive index, which measures the performance of class ‘A’ stocks, rose by 3.03 per cent or 8.74 points to 297.10 points, and float index that gauges the performance of shares actually traded went up by 4.16 per cent or 4.07 points to 101.87 points.

Trading was the lone subgroup to land in the red in the trading week. After leading the gainers in the previous week with a surge of 4.39 per cent or 36.47 points, trading sub-index slipped by 0.84 per cent or 7.32 points to close at 859.54 points this time around.

At the other end of the spectrum, manufacturing led the gainers by advancing 7.21 per cent or 194.40 points to 2,890.91 points.

Adding to the previous week’s rise of 1.24 per cent or 82.76 points, the non-life insurance subgroup went up by 6.91 per cent or 465.53 points to 7,200.83 points.

Similarly, others subgroup rose by 6.26 per cent or 51.89 points to 880.26 points, primarily on the back of Nepal Reinsurance Co Ltd’s share price skyrocketing by a whopping 21.61 per cent to Rs 709.

Life insurance went up by 5.65 per cent or 481.52 points to 9,001.74 points. In the past week, the subgroup had edged up by merely 0.04 per cent or 3.65 points.

Microfinance more than recovered previous week’s loss of 0.93 per cent or 22.06 points as the sub-index rose by 4.97 per cent or 117.06 points to 2,472.62 points.

Banking — the share market heavyweight — gained 3.53 per cent or 41.67 points to 1,220.47 points. This was on the back of share value of commercial banks like Standard Chartered Nepal up 3.44 per cent to Rs 661 and of Nabil by 3.43 per cent to Rs 845.

While hydropower rose by 1.99 per cent or 18.96 points to 969.98 points, development banks salvaged some of the loss of 2.15 per cent or 37.91 points in the previous review to land at 1,758.66 points, after gaining 1.80 per cent or 31.02 points.

Finance was up 1.36 per cent or 8.93 points to 664.47 points. Hotels and mutual funds witnessed only muted gains. Hotels edged up 0.97 per cent or 14.55 points to 1,511.75 points and mutual funds ticked up 0.76 per cent or 0.08 point to 10.66 points.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Prices of precious metals fall

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29

Even though gold and silver prices have been mostly marching higher as investors purchase precious metals as a perceived safe play against the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic, the price of precious metals fell in the trading week between August 23 and 28.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FeNeGoSiDA), gold was traded at Rs 98,400 per tola on Sunday. Bullion price dropped by Rs 500 a tola to Rs 97,900 per tola on Monday.

In the international market, gold edged lower on Monday as optimism over a US health regulator’s authorisation of a COVID-19 treatment lifted Wall Street stocks to record highs, although a weaker dollar limited bullion’s losses. Subsequently, gold price fell by Rs 700 a tola on Tuesday to Rs 97,200 per tola.

Bullion price fell in the international markets on Tuesday on hopes surrounding a potential COVID-19 vaccine and as positive signals on US-China trade front buoyed risk sentiment. As international market rates govern the rate of precious metals in the domestic market, gold price decreased by Rs 400 a tola on Wednesday to Rs 96,800 per tola.

Gold prices rose in international markets on Wednesday on the eve of a speech from US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, as investors bet on further economic stimulus to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Hence, the price of the yellow metal rose by Rs 800 a tola to Rs 97,600 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

As investors booked profits, gold price fell in international markets on Thursday and thus dropped by Rs 700 a tola on Friday to settle at Rs 96,900 per tola for the week.

While the bullion price fell by Rs 1,500 a tola or 1.52 per cent over the course of the week, its price fell by Rs 1,900 per tola or 1.92 per cent week-on-week compared to closing rate of Rs 98,800 a tola of previous week.

According to Reuters, dealers in India offered the highest discounts on gold in five months this week as a dip in domestic prices failed to revive demand, while in China prices remained at a sharp discount.

Silver price also fell in the domestic market in the week.

As per FeNeGoSiDA, silver was priced at Rs 1,345 per tola on Sunday. Its price declined by Rs 25 a tola to Rs 1,320 per tola on Monday and remained constant the next day. On Wednesday, the price of the grey metal fell by another Rs 10 a tola to Rs 1,310 per tola. However, on Thursday, it surged by Rs 35 a tola to Rs 1,345 per tola. But then, it fell by five rupees a tola on Friday to close the week at Rs 1,340 per tola.

The price of grey metal slipped by five rupees a tola or 0.37 per cent over the review period.

Compared to its closing rate of Rs 1,370 per tola last Friday, silver price slumped by Rs 30 a tola or 2.19 per cent.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Istanbul restricts indoor ceremonies as COVID cases, deaths rise

ISTANBUL: Authorities in Istanbul announced curbs on weddings and other ceremonies in Turkey’s largest city on Saturday as the number of daily coronavirus cases and deaths hit their highest level nationwide in more than two months.

From Monday indoor weddings, engagement parties and circumcision ceremonies will be banned, Istanbul’s governor’s office said. Children and people aged over 60 will be barred from outdoor ceremonies which still go ahead, it said.

The restrictions were published a few hours before Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said 1,549 new cases of coronavirus had been diagnosed in Turkey, the highest daily number since mid-June. Thirty-nine people died, the most since mid-May, he said.

“The number of patients in serious condition continues to increase,” Koca said in a Tweet. “We cannot be relaxed about following the measures” to curb the outbreak, he said.

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Good samaritans operate food bank

BARA, AUGUST 29

A group of youths have brought a food bank into operation in Bara’s Simara.

The bank was brought into operation with the aim of helping impoverished and needy people. Since coming into operation last Wednesday, the bank has collected enough food to feed 100 families, so far.

Ram Kumar Bhattarai, a campaigner, said they brought the bank into operation with the support of wards 2 and 3 of Jitpur Simara Sub-metropolitan City.

Locals, traders and people’s representatives in Simara have extended their support to the food bank. Shree Ram Regmi, a youth associated with the food bank, said food items were distributed to a total of 33 families today.

The food items in the bank include rice, pulses, flour, salt, noodles, and cash. The food bank will remain operational for one more week in the area, according to Regmi.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Thousands gather in Israel for anti-Netanyahu weekly rallies

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Belarus cracks down on journalists, 2 AP staff deported

MOSCOW: Belarus, shaken by three weeks of massive protests against its authoritarian president, on Saturday cracked down hard on the news media, deporting some foreign journalists reporting in the country and revoking the accreditation of many Belarusian journalists.

Two Moscow-based Associated Press journalists who were covering the recent protests in Belarus were deported to Russia on Saturday. In addition, the AP’s Belarusian journalists were told by the government that their press credentials had been revoked.

“The Associated Press decries in the strongest terms this blatant attack on press freedom in Belarus. AP calls on the Belarusian government to reinstate the credentials of independent journalists and allow them to continue reporting the facts of what is happening in Belarus to the world,” said Lauren Easton, the AP’s director of media relations.

The Belarusian Association of Journalists said accreditation rights were also taken away from 17 Belarusians working for several other media. Germany’s ARD television said two of its Moscow-based journalists also were deported to Russia, a Belarusian producer faces trial on Monday and their accreditation to work in Belarus was revoked. The BBC said two of its journalists working for the BBC Russian service in Minsk also had their accreditation revoked and U.S.-funded radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said five of its journalists lost their accreditation.

Criticism over the crackdown came from both media outlets and governments.

The program director for ARD’s biggest regional affiliate, WDR, which oversees the coverage of Belarus, called the treatment of its camera team “absolutely unacceptable.”

“This shows once again that independent reporting in Belarus continues to be hindered and is made almost impossible,” Joerg Schoeneborn said.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas summoned the Belarusian ambassador following the detention and expulsion of the foreign journalists in Minsk and said “this attack on press freedom is another dangerous step toward more repression instead of dialogue with the population.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “has consistently called for journalists to be able to do their work free from harassment, anywhere in the world,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The International Press Institute said “authorities in Belarus must immediately drop all charges against journalists detained during recent police crackdowns, stop cancelling accreditation for foreign journalists and immediately halt interference with state-owned publishing houses.”

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus urged the government in Belarus to show restraint, to release those unjustly detained and to account for protesters reported missing.

“We are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites, intermittent internet blackouts and random detentions of peaceful citizens exercising their rights of freedom of assembly and speech,” she said.

Protests in Belarus began after the Aug. 9 presidential election that officials said gave President Alexander Lukashenko a sixth term in office with 80% support. Protesters say the results were rigged and are calling for Lukashenko, who has run the country since 1994, to resign.

The protests, some of which drew enormous crowds estimated at 200,000 or more, are the largest and most sustained challenge yet to Lukashenko’s 26 years in office, during which he consistently repressed opposition and independent news media.

On Saturday, hundreds of women dressed mostly in red and white — the colors of the former Belarusian flag that the opposition uses as an emblem — marched through the capital of Minsk in a protest.

The hard-line leader has cast about for a strategy to end the wave of protests, with little success. In the first days of demonstrations, around 7,000 people were arrested. Some protesters were killed and many detainees were beaten by police. The violence didn’t deter the protests and may have even galvanized the opposition. Strikes have broken out in several state-owned factories, which are the backbone of Belarus’ ailing economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would be willing to send in police to quell the protests in neighboring Belarus if Lukashenko asked him to, a prospect that clearly worries the United States.

“We stand by our long-term commitment to support Belarus’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the aspirations of the Belarusian people to choose their leaders and to choose their own path, free from external intervention,” Ortagus, the U.S. spokeswoman, said in the statement.

The U.S. Embassy in Belarus on Saturday issued a statement saying “we are concerned by the continued targeting of journalists, the blocking of independent media and opposition websites, intermittent internet blackouts and random detentions of peaceful citizens exercising their rights of freedom of assembly and speech.”

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Two dead, two injured in Syangja ambulance accident

POKHARA: Two persons were killed while two others sustained injuries in an ambulance accident in Waling Municipality-5 of Syangja district, this morning.

The deceased have been identified as Bhanubhakta Gaire (35) of Chapakot Municipality-9 and Shyam Pangeni (25) of Chapakot-10. The injured are ambulance driver Surendra Bhandari (31) and another passenger Pabitra Gaire (28), both of Chapakot-9 in the district.

Meanwhile, the injured have been sent to Manipal Teaching Hospital after preliminary treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Waling, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajendra Prasad Adhikari, spokesperson at District Police Office.

The ambulance (Ba 2 Jha 4011), en route to Chapakot from Waling, skidded off the road and fell some 250 metres below the road at Majkot, added DSP Adhikari.

The ambulance was returning to Chapakot after delivering a patient in Kathmandu.

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Reconstruction of Rani Pokhari nears completion

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29

Rani Pokhari Reconstruction Users’ Group said reconstruction of the historical monument was at the final stage of its completion.

Briefing a monitoring team regarding reconstruction progress led by State Minister of Urban Development Rambir Manandhar and comprising Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Bidhya Sundar Shakya yesterday.

Committee Chairperson Ajaya Sthapit said the reconstruction works of Rani Pokhari was recently completed and around 15 per cent works of Bal Gopaleswor temple, situated in the middle of the pond remained to be carried out. He said the committee was also working on beautification of the pond. “We continued with the reconstruction works by adopting safety measures even during the lockdown imposed by the government to subdue the spread of COVID-19,” Sthapit said.

The temple was designed in Gumbaj style before it was damaged by the 2015 earthquakes. It is now being reconstructed in Mallakalin Granthkut style. Reconstruction of Rani Pokhari is under way by using traditional style, technology and construction materials to reflect the style of the Malla era.

Reconstruction works had begun in March last year after the National Reconstruction Authority decided to construct the historic pond in the middle of the capital through the users’ committee.

According to the NRA, rainwater harvesting will be given the first priority to fill the historic pond.

Rainwater collection has become possible following the construction of the basement of the pond and the surrounding walls.

Feature image: File

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Disaster management programme for youths

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29

Youth Innovation Lab, with financial support from USAID’s Tayar Nepal, has initiated Disaster Risk Reduction Young Leaders Fellowship programme, to bridge the technical gap for localisation of disaster information management system, called Building Information Platform Against Disaster, at municipal level.

In first phase, the project will be implemented at local levels like Damak Municipality, Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Jaleshwor Municipality, Ishnath Municipality, Bhimeshwor Municipality, Neelakantha Municipality, Byas Municipality, Waling Municipality, Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City, Rajapur Municipality, Birendranagar Municipality, Dullu Municipality, Lamkichuha Municipality, and Godavari Municipality.

Those municipal governments were selected based on frequency of disaster in the past. Pradip Khatiwada, executive director at Youth Innovation Lab said the 14 fellows would be stationed in the project municipalities to work closely with municipal DRR/IT officers for five months.

Khatiwada added that the fellows would assist in the day-to-day capacity transfer and support the municipalities to collect, digitise and validate disaster-related data sets. The fellows will also support digitalisation of resources such as education, health, and industries available at the municipalities. According to a press release issued by Youth Innovation Lab, the programme will promote a culture of disaster management that is focused on preparedness.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Australia, New Zealand tread cautiously as coronavirus lingers

MELBOURNE: New coronavirus cases in Australia’s state of Victoria returned to the triple digits on Sunday, while neighbouring New Zealand said it would ease curbs slightly in its largest city, hit by a resurgence of infections.

Southeastern Victoria reported 114 new cases, a day after the daily tally fell to 94, its lowest in nearly two months. Its capital, Melbourne, is four weeks into a six-week hard lockdown that authorities have said may ease only gradually.

“At 100, 94, at 114, whatever the number, we simply could not open up,” state premier Daniel Andrews told a televised briefing.

The nation of 25 million has suffered about 25,600 infections and just over 600 deaths since the start of the year.

Australia’s closest neighbour, New Zealand, reported two new virus cases on Sunday, taking its tally of infections to 1,378, while the death toll stands at 22.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said curbs in Auckland would be eased from Monday, but would be tightened again if needed.

Limits will stay on public gatherings and movement in Auckland, however, with masks made mandatory nationwide from Monday.

The programme of curbs has worked well, Ardern said, telling a televised briefing, “It is designed to keep us on track with our elimination strategy.”

Both New Zealand and Australia have proved far better able to rein in the spread of the virus than many other nations, moving swiftly to clamp down with social distancing measures.

However, the high cost of the measures for both nations has been reflected in the largest loss in gross domestic product in decades.

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COVID-19 tracing easier said than done

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29

Tracing the people coming in contact with the coronavirus infected remains a challenge in the country as the number of contact tracing teams are far from adequate, particularly in metropolis, and because digital signals of persons coming in contact with COVID-19 infected people are not being used.

The government had recently decided to form 1,075 contact tracing teams across the country but all those teams have not been formed yet.

Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control Division Dr Basudev Pandey said currently there were only around 650 contact tracing teams across the country. He said there were only five contact tracing teams in Kathmandu metropolis and those teams were not adequate in the largest metropolitan city that was home to millions of people. He said some people were giving wrong names and telephone numbers due to fear of stigma, which had made the job of contact tracing difficult.

“We have some cases where a COVID-19 infected person gave his swab in Kathmandu and went back to Birgunj. When he reached Birgunj, his swab results came out positive. During this period the infected person went to multiple places thinking he was not positive,” Pandey said and added that people who gave swabs to laboratories needed to stay in home quarantine to avoid the risk of infecting other people.

Spokesperson for Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ishwar Man Dangol said COVID-19 infected people’s reluctance to give full details of persons they have come in contact with is hindering contact tracing. “We have come across people who have participated in gatherings and festivals with not only family members and friends but also neighbours and relatives, but they do not give us full details of those people,” Dangol added.

Assistant Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari said one contact tracing team comprised one coordinator with at least Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, one para-medic and one lab technician. He added that there was need to form contact tracing teams at ward levels as COVID-19 positive cases had continued to surge across the country.

“People tend to give importance to swab testing and thus some people happen to do unnecessary testing, but they do not understand that contact tracing is equally important to check the spread of the contagion,” Adhikari added.

Public health expert Dr Sujan Babu Marhatta said South Korea succeeded in checking the spread of COVID-19 mainly due to its ability to trace the contacts of COVID-19 patients using electronic signals, but Nepal was not using these signals to trace contacts.

He said the number of contact tracing teams were not enough and the main responsibility of contact tracing should be shouldered by the communities and local levels. “Even non-technical people can do contact tracing jobs if they are properly trained,” he said.

Dr Pandey said forming more teams and training contact tracers would require more resources.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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IPL 2020: Suresh Raina pulls out, CSK's worries grow as players become wary

IPL 2020: After Covid positive cases, Chennai Super Kings’ Harbhajan Singh may not travel to the UAE for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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76 journalists contract COVID-19, FNJ to create Rs 10 million fund

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29

Seventy-six journalists have contracted coronavirus across the country according to the Federation of Nepali Journalists’ recent study.

The infected journalists are from six provinces as there is no journalist infected in Sudurpaschim till date.

As per the FNJ, Province 1 reported 13 infected journalists — 12 from Morang and one from Udayapur. Province 2 has the highest number with 28 journalists.

Of them, 13 are from Parsa, four from Bara, two from Dhanusha, three from Saptari, three from Sarlahi and one each from Mahottari, Rautahat and Sunsari districts.

Fifteen journalists tested positive for the virus in Bagmati Province. Among them, nine are from Kathmandu, two each from Lalitpur, Makawanpur and one each from Nuwakot and Kavre.

Seven journalists from Nawalpur and one from Kaski district of Gandaki Province have contracted COVID-19.

Province 5 reported 11 journalists with the virus. Among them, two are from Banke, one from Bardiya, one from Kapilvastu and two from Rupandehi. Karnali Province has only one infected journalist.

FNJ General-Secretary Ramesh Bista said some of the infected journalists had recovered, while others were undergoing treatment.

Demanding free PCR tests for journalists, Bista likened journalists to health workers and security personnel working in the frontline. “As the government has shown little interest in addressing problems faced by journalists, we decided to bring some programmes to help journalists infected with the virus.”

The FNJ, according to Bista, has decided to create a fund of Rs 10 million to support infected journalists. Nepali journalists living in various foreign countries are contributing to the fund, which is likely to be activated within a couple of months, informed Bista.

FNJ has also urged all mediapersons to adhere to health safety measures and observe adequate precautions against the infection while discharging their duties.

Bista also said that around 20,000 journalists across the country had received insurance from various FNJ branches in the country.

A version of this article appears in e-paper on August 30, 2020, of The Himalayan Times.

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Djokovic’s move to form new players association meets resistance

Novak Djokovic has announced his resignation as head of the ATP’s Player Council and intends to form a new breakaway body to represent athletes — but his plans have immediately met with stiff resistance from within tennis.

World number one Djokovic, Canadian Vasek Pospisil and top-ranked American John Isner all resigned from the council after they were formally requested to step down by other members, a source told Reuters on Saturday.

Djokovic’s move to form a separate players association seemed to have brought together the governing bodies, who called for unity at a time when tennis has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Serb, who beat Canada’s Milos Raonic in the final of the Western & Southern Open 1-6 6-3 6-4 in New York on Saturday, was however still determined to push ahead with the breakaway group.

“I have read in the letter from ATP, that they think that ATP cannot co-exist with the association,” the 17-times Grand Slam winner said. “I have to respectfully disagree.

“This is not a union. This is a player association.”

The ATP governs the men’s professional tour and its board, chaired by former Italian professional player Andrea Gaudenzi, is composed of representatives of both players and tournament owners.

“We recognise the challenges that our members face in today’s circumstances, however, we strongly believe that now is a time for unity, rather than internal division,” an ATP statement said.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to deliver for our players across all areas of our business, ensuring they receive maximum benefit from their years on Tour, and their voices are heard.”

Besides the ATP and the WTA, the sport is also controlled by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the boards of the four Grand Slams.

In a joint statement, the governing bodies said they have worked “tirelessly” to ensure the sport returned safely after a five-month hiatus and help the players who needed financial help during the shutdown.

“Now more than ever we need collaboration and strong relationships, and we fully support the ATP in its role in representing the best interests of players throughout this process,” it said.

FEDERER, NADAL WEIGH IN

The players are now present in New York’s bio-secure bubble ahead of the US Open, which starts on Monday.

Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, who make up the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis along with Djokovic, are also part of the council but have opted out of playing this year’s U.S. Open.

Nadal echoed the ATP’s thoughts.

“The world is living a difficult and complicated situation. I personally believe these are times to be calm and work all of us together in the same direction,” he said on Twitter.

“It is time for unity, not for separation.”

Federer, the most successful men’s player with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, agreed with Nadal.

“These are uncertain and challenging times, but I believe it’s critical for us to stand united as players, and as a sport, to pave the best way forward,” said the 39-year-old, who is recovering from double knee surgeries.

Djokovic said he “would love to have Roger and Rafa on board” but that he understood their perspective.

“It’s like having a baby. The time is never right or it’s always right,” said Djokovic.

“We are just trying to get a sense of how many players do really want to join this initiative. Then we will take it from there.”

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Arsenal beat Liverpool on penalties to lift FA Community Shield

LONDON: Arsenal beat Liverpool 5-4 on penalties on Saturday to lift the FA Community Shield, the curtain-raiser for the English domestic season, after the two sides played out a 1-1 draw on a chilly afternoon at Wembley.

Gunners captain and match goal-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired in the final penalty of the afternoon to complete the north London side’s second win over the league champions in the space of six weeks following a shortened summer break.

“We are improving. There is still work to do but I’m really happy and it’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal player,” Aubameyang told BT Sport after the match. It was the Gunners’ second trophy within a month following the side’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea on Aug. 1.

The game, played each summer between the league and FA Cup winner of the season just finished, was a very even and at times rather slow affair.

Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk had an early strike ruled out offside before Arsenal‘s opener, a well-worked move to break out of the champions’ high press.

Bukayo Saka took the ball up the field on the right, crossed all the way over to Aubameyang on the far left, and the Gabon striker skipped forward and curled an inch-perfect shot beyond the reach of Liverpool keeper Alisson into the opposite corner.

The Liverpool attack appeared disjointed by contrast. While they pushed Arsenal right back up the field for long stretches, they were unable to put together a single shot on goal in the first half.

Liverpool’s Japanese substitute Takumi Minamino eventually levelled the tie in the 73rd minute with a shot from close range, picking up his first goal in 15 appearances since arriving on Merseyside in January from Red Bull Salzburg.

“If we’d scored earlier that would have helped … We had our big moments, which we didn’t finish off, so that’s the result,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp told reporters.

Mohamed Salah, Fabinho, Minamino and substitute Curtis Jones all scored for Liverpool in the shootout, but fellow late substitute Rhian Brewster blasted his shot – his first touch of the ball – onto the bar.

Reiss Nelson, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Cedric Soares and David Luiz all scored for the Gunners before Aubameyang stroked his shot past Alisson to seal the victory for the Londoners.

When asked about whether he will renew his contract with Arsenal which currently expires next summer, Aubameyang – their leading scorer for the last two seasons – remained enigmatic: “We’re going to see in these days. Today we take the trophy, that’s it.”

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta sounded more positive about both Aubameyang’s contract and the team as a whole, saying: “I try to do my job which is convince him he’s at the right place. I’m very positive he is going to sign.”

“It’s not a one-off when we beat the teams we have in the last two months consistently,” he said, though he added: “We have aspects in our game we have to improve.”

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