unian--2020-04-19--South Korean gov't to maintain social distancing campaign, with less intensity – media

The government launched the aggressive social distancing campaign late last month as part of stepped-up efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak .
The South Korean government said Sunday it will maintain the social distancing drive against the coronavirus until early May , but it will ease the guidelines for some groups and cases like religious gatherings and recruitment tests .
Maintaining distance from others in public places , daily sanitizing and wearing masks will be kept in place under the social distancing practices until May 5 , Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a government response meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 .
But the administrative orders on churches , bars , gyms and cram schools that strongly recommended their temporary closure will be lifted on condition that they comply with strict quarantine rules .
The government will also begin to allow essential qualification tests or recruitment exams , the prime minister said .
`` In terms of quarantine , it is safest to continue high-intensity social distancing , but it is not easy in reality .
We need to find a middle ground , '' Chung said .
He added that outdoor public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could reopen and that outdoor sports activities could be resumed on a limited basis so long as they follow the strict quarantine requirements .
The government launched the aggressive social distancing campaign late last month as part of stepped-up efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak .
It had extended the campaign for two more weeks until April 19 .
Sunday 's decision came in part after taking into account the upcoming long holiday , starting with Buddha 's Birthday on April 30 , then May Day on May 1 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The authorities have warned against people loosening up social distancing during the holiday period .
Chung remained cautious about easing the social distancing campaign in principle , citing some countries that saw recurrences of mass infections after easing the measures .
`` We are not at the stage where we can feel relieved , '' he said .
On reopening of schools , he said the government would consider allowing schools to gradually reopen , depending on the overall circumstances , calling on the education ministry to carefully review the matter .
Schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but students and teachers have experienced inconveniences due to technical glitches .
Chung indicated that should the virus situation be managed at this level , the government would shift the policy to further ease the distancing practices after May 5 .
Jeong Eun-kyeong , director-general of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( KCDC ) , said earlier in a separate briefing that the authorities have been drafting basic rules for `` everyday quarantine '' , which will provide specific guidelines for different types of sectors or establishments .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower their guards against the virus , stressing that resuming nonessential large gatherings and activities would run the risk of causing mass infections again .
On Sunday , South Korea reported eight new infection cases , down from Saturday 's tally of 18 and marking the first single-digit increase in about two months .
Its total infection tally stood at 10,661 , with 234 deaths .

The government launched the aggressive social distancing campaign late last month as part of stepped-up efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The South Korean government said Sunday it will maintain the social distancing drive against the coronavirus until early May, but it will ease the guidelines for some groups and cases like religious gatherings and recruitment tests.
Maintaining distance from others in public places, daily sanitizing and wearing masks will be kept in place under the social distancing practices until May 5, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said in a government response meeting, Yonhap News Agency reported on April 19.
Read alsoNumber of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide exceeds 2.3 mln
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But the administrative orders on churches, bars, gyms and cram schools that strongly recommended their temporary closure will be lifted on condition that they comply with strict quarantine rules. The government will also begin to allow essential qualification tests or recruitment exams, the prime minister said.
"In terms of quarantine, it is safest to continue high-intensity social distancing, but it is not easy in reality. We need to find a middle ground," Chung said.
He added that outdoor public facilities, such as recreation forests, could reopen and that outdoor sports activities could be resumed on a limited basis so long as they follow the strict quarantine requirements.
The government launched the aggressive social distancing campaign late last month as part of stepped-up efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. It had extended the campaign for two more weeks until April 19.
Sunday's decision came in part after taking into account the upcoming long holiday, starting with Buddha's Birthday on April 30, then May Day on May 1 and Children's Day on May 5. The authorities have warned against people loosening up social distancing during the holiday period.
Chung remained cautious about easing the social distancing campaign in principle, citing some countries that saw recurrences of mass infections after easing the measures.
"We are not at the stage where we can feel relieved," he said.
On reopening of schools, he said the government would consider allowing schools to gradually reopen, depending on the overall circumstances, calling on the education ministry to carefully review the matter. Schools have begun holding classes via online tools, but students and teachers have experienced inconveniences due to technical glitches.
Chung indicated that should the virus situation be managed at this level, the government would shift the policy to further ease the distancing practices after May 5.
Jeong Eun-kyeong, director-general of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), said earlier in a separate briefing that the authorities have been drafting basic rules for "everyday quarantine", which will provide specific guidelines for different types of sectors or establishments.
The government has urged for people not to lower their guards against the virus, stressing that resuming nonessential large gatherings and activities would run the risk of causing mass infections again.
On Sunday, South Korea reported eight new infection cases, down from Saturday's tally of 18 and marking the first single-digit increase in about two months. Its total infection tally stood at 10,661, with 234 deaths.


unian--2020-04-19--Kyiv mayor reports 31 new COVID-19 cases in past day

A 10-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy have contracted the coronavirus .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 31 in the past day , April 18 , to 801 cases .
Read alsoUkraine coronavirus update : 343 new cases in past 24 hours , bringing total to 5,449 '' In the past day , the number of Kyiv residents who contracted the coronavirus increased by 31 , including four healthcare workers .
Unfortunately , one case was lethal .
The capital city has already as many as 801 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook on April 19 .
According to Klitschko , 18 women aged 29 to 76 , and 26 men aged 26 to 77 are among those infected .
In addition , a 10-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy have contracted the coronavirus .
Klitschko said five new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
`` Stay at home on Easter holidays !
Take care of yourself and your loved ones !
We will overcome all obstacles ! ''
he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine stood at 5,449 as of Sunday morning , April 19 .
A total of 141 COVID-19 deaths and 347 recoveries have been recorded in the country .

A 10-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy have contracted the coronavirus.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 31 in the past day, April 18, to 801 cases.
Read alsoUkraine coronavirus update: 343 new cases in past 24 hours, bringing total to 5,449
"In the past day, the number of Kyiv residents who contracted the coronavirus increased by 31, including four healthcare workers. Unfortunately, one case was lethal. The capital city has already as many as 801 confirmed COVID-19 cases," he wrote on Facebook on April 19.
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According to Klitschko, 18 women aged 29 to 76, and 26 men aged 26 to 77 are among those infected.
In addition, a 10-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy have contracted the coronavirus.
Klitschko said five new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
"Stay at home on Easter holidays! Take care of yourself and your loved ones! We will overcome all obstacles!" he emphasized.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine stood at 5,449 as of Sunday morning, April 19. A total of 141 COVID-19 deaths and 347 recoveries have been recorded in the country.


unian--2020-04-19--Police considering two versions of wildfire occurrence in Zhytomyr region

Elimination of fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone is still ongoing , the minister says .
Ukraine 's Interior Minister Avakov has said law enforcers are considering two versions of wildfire occurrence in Ukraine 's Zhytomyr region .
`` First , fires broke out as a result of a strong dry wind , which damaged overhead power lines .
However , there are some facts that give us reason to believe that there was a deliberate arson .
That is why an expert group from the Ministry of Internal Affairs headed by my adviser Vladyslav Bukhariev is working in Zhytomyr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , '' he said at a meeting of the operational headquarters in the city of Ovruch , Zhytomyr Region , as reported by the ministry 's press service on April 19 .
Read alsoChornobyl wildfires : combustion products from exclusion zone could not pollute Kyiv air – Kulbida The official added that the human factor could not be ruled out as well .
`` …when young people have fun in strange ways and in dry weather ( there 's been almost no snow this winter ) they intentionally set fire to grass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have detained several persons who were setting fire to grass and garbage at the edge of the forest , '' he said .
Avakov also noted that the elimination of fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone is still ongoing .
Now all the causes of fires are being established .
So far , rescuers and police are considering snowless winter and dry forest litter as the main course of the wildfires .
`` Fire-fighting operations are still under way in the Chornobyl [ zone ] , but the situation is under full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw conclusions from this situation .
Rules of activities in protected areas , including in the exclusion zone , will be changed , '' Avakov summed up .
National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov , Head of Ukrainian President 's Office Andriy Yermak , Chairman of the State Emergency Service Mykola Chechotkin , as well as representatives of Zhytomyr Regional State Administration and the State Forest Agency also attended the meeting .
As UNIAN reported earlier , wildfires in Zhytomyr region and the Chornobyl exclusion zone broke out on April 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rescuers and foresters have been putting out nine fires in Zhytomyr region and four fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone .
In Zhytomyr region , wildfires were spreading to settlements .
As a result , dozens of residential buildings have been burned down .
Advisor to Ukrainian Interior Minister Zorian Shkiriak does not exclude the situation with wildfires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone and Zhytomyr region could be the result of a planned sabotage .

Elimination of fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone is still ongoing, the minister says.
Ukraine's Interior Minister Avakov has said law enforcers are considering two versions of wildfire occurrence in Ukraine's Zhytomyr region.
"First, fires broke out as a result of a strong dry wind, which damaged overhead power lines. However, there are some facts that give us reason to believe that there was a deliberate arson. That is why an expert group from the Ministry of Internal Affairs headed by my adviser Vladyslav Bukhariev is working in Zhytomyr region today. An investigation is under way," he said at a meeting of the operational headquarters in the city of Ovruch, Zhytomyr Region, as reported by the ministry's press service on April 19.
Read alsoChornobyl wildfires: combustion products from exclusion zone could not pollute Kyiv air – Kulbida
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The official added that the human factor could not be ruled out as well.
"…when young people have fun in strange ways and in dry weather (there's been almost no snow this winter) they intentionally set fire to grass. Over the past three days, we have detained several persons who were setting fire to grass and garbage at the edge of the forest," he said.
Avakov also noted that the elimination of fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone is still ongoing. Now all the causes of fires are being established. So far, rescuers and police are considering snowless winter and dry forest litter as the main course of the wildfires.
"Fire-fighting operations are still under way in the Chornobyl [zone], but the situation is under full control. In addition, we will draw conclusions from this situation. Rules of activities in protected areas, including in the exclusion zone, will be changed," Avakov summed up.
National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov, Head of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak, Chairman of the State Emergency Service Mykola Chechotkin, as well as representatives of Zhytomyr Regional State Administration and the State Forest Agency also attended the meeting.
As UNIAN reported earlier, wildfires in Zhytomyr region and the Chornobyl exclusion zone broke out on April 4.
As of Sunday, April 19, rescuers and foresters have been putting out nine fires in Zhytomyr region and four fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone.
In Zhytomyr region, wildfires were spreading to settlements. As a result, dozens of residential buildings have been burned down.
Advisor to Ukrainian Interior Minister Zorian Shkiriak does not exclude the situation with wildfires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone and Zhytomyr region could be the result of a planned sabotage.


unian--2020-04-19--Week's balance: "anti-crisis" budget, interest-free loans for small businesses, and $135 mln aid to

Week's balance: "anti-crisis" budget, interest-free loans for small businesses, and $135 mln aid to fight coronavirus

Ukraine has stayed in quarantine for more than a month now , which allows to restrain the pace of coronavirus spread .
However , the almost complete halt of many economy sectors , along with massive layoffs and shutdowns of enterprises , requires the country 's leadership to take difficult steps , which no one guarantees will work , since modern world , including Ukraine , faced such an issue for the first time ever .
First of all , the government had to adapt the state budget to the needs of the crisis period .
Indeed , if initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expectations of economic growth , today it 's no secret that the GDP this year will drop significantly due to quarantine and the unfolding crisis .
Ukraine 's Parliament on Monday passed budget amendments only on the second attempt , after two weeks of finalizing the draft in committees .
The new state budget is based on forecasts of a 3.9 % GDP decline , while earlier it was expected to grow by 3.7 % , unemployment at 9.4 % instead of 8.1 % , the average annual hryvnia exchange rate at UAH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , as well as inflation accelerating to 8.7 % .
Budget revenues are reduced by 10 % , to UAH 975.8 billion , while expenses are up 8 % , to UAH 1.266 trillion .
The deficit has grown threefold - up to UAH 298.4 billion .
Introducing the draft state budget changes , Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal named as priority financing the fight against coronavirus , including increasing medical expenses by UAH 16.4 billion , pensions by UAH 29.7 billion , and social expenses by UAH 19.5 billion .
The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newly created COVID-19 Response Fund will amount to UAH 64.7 billion .
According to him , these funds will be spent on additional payments to health care workers , purchase of medical equipment , payments to Ukrainians who lost their jobs over quarantine , and financial assistance to medics ' families .
PM emphasized that changes to the state budget will allow restarting the domestic economy and supporting Ukrainians amid crisis .
The updated budget also covers UAH 1,000 payments to retirees , earlier promised by President Volodymyr Zelensky .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments , totaling over UAH 10 billion , to retirees and other vulnerable groups will be distributed in the coming days , covering more than 10.6 million people .
Retirees whose pension is below UAH 5,000 and citizens who receive state social assistance over disability or age instead of pension will get one-time allowance Small businesses suffered the severest blow from national quarantine imposed by the government in mid-March .
Many were forced to shut down indefinitely and send their employees on unpaid leave , or even dismiss them .
Realizing this fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of entrepreneurs allowed to participate in the Affordable Loans 5-7-9 % Program – their annual income from any type of activity should be up to UAH 100 million .
Also , the government also increased the loan ceiling to UAH 3 million .
The scope of lending objectives are also expanding : to refinance debt , to invest , and also to replenish working capital .
As Prime Minister Shmyhal noted , the introduction of changes will actually allow setting a zero rate on refinanced loans for businesses in order to ease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the main condition for obtaining such a credit vacation is to preserve at least 80 % of jobs .
Minister for Development of Economy , Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko said that small and micro-businesses will be able to apply to banks on existing loans and the state will compensate for the rate , that is , entrepreneurs wo n't have to pay any interest .
Last week , DTEK Energo , an operator providing asset management in coal mining , thermal energy and distribution of the largest private Ukrainian energy holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by one of the country 's largest coal mining enterprises , DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia .
The company also halted work at five enrichment plants .
`` Manual market regulation , ill-conceived decisions , and lack of industry coordination have completely destabilized the work of all coal enterprises .
Due to uncontrolled import of electricity from Russia and Belarus , the demand for domestic electricity decreased and , as a result , the amount of coal consumed at the stations was down , too , '' the company commented on its decision .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggravated by the general economic decline and the coronavirus pandemic .
As a result of quarantine , electricity consumption in the country has been reduced , as well as electricity production and payments .
According to DTEK , about three dozen coal mines have suspended operations ; more than 40,000 employers are out of work .
The loss of thermal generation over the past six months is UAH 3.1 billion .
All TPPs operate below the minimum staff level .
Other major market players have stated that a large-scale crisis has begun in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a month , President Zelensky and Prime Minister Shmyhal have not been able to decide on the candidacy of the new Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection , which would be supported by Parliament .
Meanwhile , the government replaced acting energy minister , having appointed Olha Buslavets .
Previously , she served as Director General of the Directorate of Energy Markets at the Ministry of Energy and the Coal Industry .
At the new post , Buslavets promised in the near future to prepare an urgent action plan to stabilize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Health Service announced that the World Bank had approved a $ 135 million aid to Ukraine to modernize the health sector and combat the coronavirus epidemic .
This decision was made following negotiations between the official delegations of Ukraine and the World Bank .
Of this amount , $ 35 million will be allocated for measures to strengthen protection of the population and counter the spread of coronavirus .
Another $ 45 million will be spent on the purchase of modern equipment for emergency rooms and strengthening the capacity of hospitals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 million is intended to replenish the state budget as a result of the introduction of health system reform and strengthening the capacity of the National Health Service .
The main support that would allow overcoming the crisis with the least losses the country 's leadership expects to receive from the International Monetary Fund , which this week noted progress in negotiations with Ukraine on a new cooperation program .
There is a number of - a few issues outstanding , and I am confident that they will be overcome soon and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board .
Say we are well advanced and that will , of course , give Ukraine more resources , '' said Poul Thomsen , Director of the IMF 's European Department .
The next work week will be short , yet important : on April 24 , the quarantine , introduced by the government on March 12 , will expire .
Most likely , it will be extended , but in a lighter form , because the Ukrainian economy and most Ukrainians simply can not stand longer severe restrictions .
There 's hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Ukrainians will be able to return to normal life .

The Verkhovna Rada has passed "anti-crisis" changes to the state budget, almost tripling its deficit, the Cabinet vowed loans to small businesses at zero rate, while the World Bank announced $135 million aid to modernize health care and tackle the novel coronavirus – these are key economic developments of the outgoing week.
Ukraine has stayed in quarantine for more than a month now, which allows to restrain the pace of coronavirus spread. However, the almost complete halt of many economy sectors, along with massive layoffs and shutdowns of enterprises, requires the country's leadership to take difficult steps, which no one guarantees will work, since modern world, including Ukraine, faced such an issue for the first time ever.
First of all, the government had to adapt the state budget to the needs of the crisis period. Indeed, if initially, the 2020 budget was built on expectations of economic growth, today it's no secret that the GDP this year will drop significantly due to quarantine and the unfolding crisis.
Ukraine's Parliament on Monday passed budget amendments only on the second attempt, after two weeks of finalizing the draft in committees.
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The new state budget is based on forecasts of a 3.9% GDP decline, while earlier it was expected to grow by 3.7%, unemployment at 9.4% instead of 8.1%, the average annual hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 29.5 per dollar against UAH 27 projected earlier, as well as inflation accelerating to 8.7%.
Budget revenues are reduced by 10%, to UAH 975.8 billion, while expenses are up 8%, to UAH 1.266 trillion. The deficit has grown threefold - up to UAH 298.4 billion.
Introducing the draft state budget changes, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal named as priority financing the fight against coronavirus, including increasing medical expenses by UAH 16.4 billion, pensions by UAH 29.7 billion, and social expenses by UAH 19.5 billion.
The prime minister also noted that the volume of the newly created COVID-19 Response Fund will amount to UAH 64.7 billion. According to him, these funds will be spent on additional payments to health care workers, purchase of medical equipment, payments to Ukrainians who lost their jobs over quarantine, and financial assistance to medics' families.
PM emphasized that changes to the state budget will allow restarting the domestic economy and supporting Ukrainians amid crisis.
The updated budget also covers UAH 1,000 payments to retirees, earlier promised by President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Minister of Social Policy Maryna Lazebna additional payments, totaling over UAH 10 billion, to retirees and other vulnerable groups will be distributed in the coming days, covering more than 10.6 million people.
Retirees whose pension is below UAH 5,000 and citizens who receive state social assistance over disability or age instead of pension will get one-time allowance
Compensation to businesses
Small businesses suffered the severest blow from national quarantine imposed by the government in mid-March. Many were forced to shut down indefinitely and send their employees on unpaid leave, or even dismiss them. Realizing this fact, the Cabinet this week expanded the number of entrepreneurs allowed to participate in the Affordable Loans 5-7-9% Program – their annual income from any type of activity should be up to UAH 100 million. Also, the government also increased the loan ceiling to UAH 3 million.
The scope of lending objectives are also expanding: to refinance debt, to invest, and also to replenish working capital.
As Prime Minister Shmyhal noted, the introduction of changes will actually allow setting a zero rate on refinanced loans for businesses in order to ease the crisis burden.
According to him, the main condition for obtaining such a credit vacation is to preserve at least 80% of jobs.
Minister for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko said that small and micro-businesses will be able to apply to banks on existing loans and the state will compensate for the rate, that is, entrepreneurs won't have to pay any interest.
Crisis aggravating in energy sector
Last week, DTEK Energo, an operator providing asset management in coal mining, thermal energy and distribution of the largest private Ukrainian energy holding DTEK, announced a halt to operations by one of the country's largest coal mining enterprises, DTEK Pavlohradvuhillia.
The company also halted work at five enrichment plants.
"Manual market regulation, ill-conceived decisions, and lack of industry coordination have completely destabilized the work of all coal enterprises. Due to uncontrolled import of electricity from Russia and Belarus, the demand for domestic electricity decreased and, as a result, the amount of coal consumed at the stations was down, too," the company commented on its decision.
It is noted that the negative developments are being aggravated by the general economic decline and the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of quarantine, electricity consumption in the country has been reduced, as well as electricity production and payments.
According to DTEK, about three dozen coal mines have suspended operations; more than 40,000 employers are out of work. The loss of thermal generation over the past six months is UAH 3.1 billion. All TPPs operate below the minimum staff level.
Other major market players have stated that a large-scale crisis has begun in the energy industry. Moreover, for more than a month, President Zelensky and Prime Minister Shmyhal have not been able to decide on the candidacy of the new Minister of Energy and Environmental Protection, which would be supported by Parliament.
Meanwhile, the government replaced acting energy minister, having appointed Olha Buslavets. Previously, she served as Director General of the Directorate of Energy Markets at the Ministry of Energy and the Coal Industry.
At the new post, Buslavets promised in the near future to prepare an urgent action plan to stabilize the industry.
World Bank's timely assistance
Last week, the National Health Service announced that the World Bank had approved a $135 million aid to Ukraine to modernize the health sector and combat the coronavirus epidemic.
This decision was made following negotiations between the official delegations of Ukraine and the World Bank.
Of this amount, $35 million will be allocated for measures to strengthen protection of the population and counter the spread of coronavirus. Another $45 million will be spent on the purchase of modern equipment for emergency rooms and strengthening the capacity of hospitals to provide quality care for strokes. $50 million is intended to replenish the state budget as a result of the introduction of health system reform and strengthening the capacity of the National Health Service.
The main support that would allow overcoming the crisis with the least losses the country's leadership expects to receive from the International Monetary Fund, which this week noted progress in negotiations with Ukraine on a new cooperation program.
There is a number of - a few issues outstanding, and I am confident that they will be overcome soon and that we can recommend a program to our Board. Say we are well advanced and that will, of course, give Ukraine more resources," said Poul Thomsen, Director of the IMF's European Department.
The next work week will be short, yet important: on April 24, the quarantine, introduced by the government on March 12, will expire. Most likely, it will be extended, but in a lighter form, because the Ukrainian economy and most Ukrainians simply cannot stand longer severe restrictions. There's hope that the coronavirus infection will soon recede, while Ukrainians will be able to return to normal life.
Ihor Orel


unian--2020-04-20--RFE/RL: U.S. Navy complains of second 'unsafe' Russian jet interception in four days

Several aircraft tracking sites said the incident occurred in the eastern Mediterranean , not far from the Syrian coast .
@ @ @ @ @ that a Russian fighter jet came dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance plane in the @ @ @ @ @ such encounter in four days in the region .
In its statement on April 19 @ @ @ @ @ not say where exactly the encounter occurred , only that it happened over international waters @ @ @ @ @ Radio Liberty ( RFE/RL ) reported .
Several aircraft tracking sites said the incident occurred @ @ @ @ @ not far from the Syrian coast .
The Russian Su-35 fighter jet approached the P-8A @ @ @ @ @ , and during the second time , it came within 8 meters of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The second intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional , '' it @ @ @ @ @ occurred in same vicinity on April 15 , the Navy said .
There was no @ @ @ @ @ Defense Ministry to the U.S. statement .

Several aircraft tracking sites said the incident occurred in the eastern Mediterranean, not far from the Syrian coast.
U.S. military officials have complained that a Russian fighter jet came dangerously close to a U.S. surveillance plane in the Mediterranean Sea, the second such encounter in four days in the region.
In its statement on April 19, the U.S. Navy did not say where exactly the encounter occurred, only that it happened over international waters, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
Several aircraft tracking sites said the incident occurred in the eastern Mediterranean, not far from the Syrian coast.
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Read alsoRussia committed war crimes in Syria – UN report
The Russian Su-35 fighter jet approached the P-8A plane twice on April 19, and during the second time, it came within 8 meters of the U.S. plane, the Navy said.
"The second intercept was determined to be unsafe and unprofessional," it said.
A similar encounter occurred in same vicinity on April 15, the Navy said.
There was no immediate comment from the Russian Defense Ministry to the U.S. statement.


unian--2020-04-20--Russia-led forces mount six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas on Orthodox Easter

No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported .
Russia-led forces mounted six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , on Orthodox Easter on April 19 , despite ceasefire agreements .
`` The enemy opened fire from 82mm mortars prohibited by the Minsk agreements , as well as from grenade launchers of various systems , sniper rifles , and small arms , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Headquarters said in a statement on Facebook on Monday morning .
Hot spots were the villages of Pisky , Shyrokyne , Luhanske , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported .
`` There were no casualties among Ukrainian troops as a result of shelling by the armed forces of the Russian Federation over the past 24 hours , '' the JFO HQ said .
`` The Joint Forces resolutely responded to all the acts of provocation staged by the enemy . ''
According to Ukrainian intelligence reports , two enemy troops were killed and another two were wounded on April 19 .
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on April 20 , the Russian occupation forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian troops were reported .
No coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Ukraine 's Joint Forces .
`` The situation in the JFO zone remains under control , '' the HQ said .

No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported.
Russia-led forces mounted six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Orthodox Easter on April 19, despite ceasefire agreements.
"The enemy opened fire from 82mm mortars prohibited by the Minsk agreements, as well as from grenade launchers of various systems, sniper rifles, and small arms," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said in a statement on Facebook on Monday morning.
Read alsoThree Ukrainian soldiers wounded amid five enemy attacks on April 18
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Hot spots were the villages of Pisky, Shyrokyne, Luhanske, as well as the town of Maryinka.
No Ukrainian army casualties have been reported.
"There were no casualties among Ukrainian troops amid shelling by the armed forces of the Russian Federation over the past 24 hours," the JFO HQ said. "The Joint Forces resolutely responded to all the acts of provocation staged by the enemy."
According to Ukrainian intelligence reports, two enemy troops were killed and another two were wounded on April 19.
From 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on April 20, the Russian occupation forces have been inactive. No losses among Ukrainian troops were reported.
No coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Ukraine's Joint Forces.
"The situation in the JFO zone remains under control," the HQ said.


unian--2020-04-20--Oil falls as stocks fill, earnings set to shrink – media

The June contract CLc2 , which is more actively traded , fell $ 1.45 , or 5.8 % , to $ 23.58 a barrel .
Oil prices fell on Monday , depressed by concerns U.S. storage facilities will soon be full as the novel coronavirus pandemic destroys demand and as companies prepare to report their worst quarterly earnings since the 2008 financial crisis .
Brent LCOc1 was down 73 cents , or 2.6 % , to $ 27.35 a barrel at 0814 GMT , Reuters said .
Read alsoCrude oil prices in Ukraine fall by almost 40 % in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3.53 , or 19.3 % , to $ 14.74 a barrel .
At one point , it dropped by 21 % to $ 14.47 a barrel , the lowest since March 1999 , but the U.S. sell-off was exaggerated by the imminent expiry of the front-month contract .
`` The May contract is set to expire tomorrow , and the bulk of the open interest and volume is already in the June contract , '' ING 's head of commodities strategy Warren Patterson said .
The June contract CLc2 , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or 5.8 % , to $ 23.58 a barrel .
The volume of oil held in U.S. storage , especially at Cushing , Oklahoma , the delivery point for the U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) contract , is rising as refiners throttle back activity because of weak demand .
`` As production continues relatively unscathed , storages are filling up by the day .
The world is using less and less oil and producers now feel how this translates in prices , '' Rystad 's head of oil markets Bjornar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also estimated at a record 160 million barrels .

The June contract CLc2, which is more actively traded, fell $1.45, or 5.8%, to $23.58 a barrel.
Oil prices fell on Monday, depressed by concerns U.S. storage facilities will soon be full as the novel coronavirus pandemic destroys demand and as companies prepare to report their worst quarterly earnings since the 2008 financial crisis.
Brent LCOc1 was down 73 cents, or 2.6%, to $27.35 a barrel at 0814 GMT, Reuters said.
Read alsoCrude oil prices in Ukraine fall by almost 40% in March
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The front-month May WTI contract CLc1 fell $3.53, or 19.3%, to $14.74 a barrel.
At one point, it dropped by 21% to $14.47 a barrel, the lowest since March 1999, but the U.S. sell-off was exaggerated by the imminent expiry of the front-month contract.
"The May contract is set to expire tomorrow, and the bulk of the open interest and volume is already in the June contract," ING's head of commodities strategy Warren Patterson said.
The June contract CLc2, which is more actively traded, fell $1.45, or 5.8%, to $23.58 a barrel.
The volume of oil held in U.S. storage, especially at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for the U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contract, is rising as refiners throttle back activity because of weak demand.
"As production continues relatively unscathed, storages are filling up by the day. The world is using less and less oil and producers now feel how this translates in prices," Rystad's head of oil markets Bjornar Tonhaugen said.
Floating storage in tankers is also estimated at a record 160 million barrels.


unian--2020-04-20--Ukrainian doctors helping Italy fight against coronavirus extend mission for another week

They will work in Italy until April 25 .
Ukrainian doctors helping Italy fight against the novel coronavirus have extended @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Indeed , the mission was supposed to last two weeks , but a @ @ @ @ @ Italian side to extend our medical workers ' stay in Italy for another week , @ @ @ @ @ 25 , '' Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during an online briefing on April @ @ @ @ @ news outlet 112.ua .
Before giving the green light to the request , the decision @ @ @ @ @ doctors themselves , the minister added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , a team of @ @ @ @ @ , neurosurgeons , anesthesiologists and nurses , were deployed to the region of Marche in @ @ @ @ @ .
As of April 20 , Italy reported 108,257 confirmed coronavirus cases , including 486 @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 433 people died of the coronavirus in Italy in the past day .

They will work in Italy until April 25.
Ukrainian doctors helping Italy fight against the novel coronavirus have extended their mission for another week.
"Indeed, the mission was supposed to last two weeks, but a request was placed by the Italian side to extend our medical workers' stay in Italy for another week, that is, until April 25," Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said during an online briefing on April 20, according to the news outlet 112.ua.
Read alsoUkraine reports 261 new COVID-19 cases in past day
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Before giving the green light to the request, the decision had been agreed with the doctors themselves, the minister added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, a team of 20 doctors, including surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses, were deployed to the region of Marche in central Italy early in April.
As of April 20, Italy reported 108,257 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 486 in the past 24 hours. Some 433 people died of the coronavirus in Italy in the past day.


unian--2020-04-20--Ukraine taking over Chairmanship of OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation from Turkey

Ukraine 's Chairmanship will focus on restoring full and faithful implementation of OSCE fundamental principles .
On April 20 , 2020 , Ukraine is taking over the Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation from Turkey .
`` Our State will be the first to chair the Forum online , taking into account the situation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic , '' the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) of Ukraine said in a statement on the beginning of Ukraine 's presidency in the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation ( FSC ) .
Read alsoMFA Ukraine calls on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , population of occupied areas amid pandemic Ukraine 's Chairmanship will focus on restoring full and faithful implementation of OSCE fundamental principles and norms of international law , the importance of further joint work on improving the politico-military toolbox of the OSCE in light of new challenges and threats and rapid technological development in the military sphere .
`` Priority issues for consideration at the FSC plenary sessions will include modern challenges to regional and international security , primarily hybrid threats , militarization and impediment of navigation in the Azov and Black Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues within the framework of the Forum 's mandate , in particular , small arms and light weapons , and the implementation of the UNSC resolutions 1540 ( nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction ) and 1325 ( role of women in peace and security ) , '' it said .

Ukraine's Chairmanship will focus on restoring full and faithful implementation of OSCE fundamental principles.
On April 20, 2020, Ukraine is taking over the Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation from Turkey.
"Our State will be the first to chair the Forum online, taking into account the situation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine said in a statement on the beginning of Ukraine's presidency in the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC).
Read alsoMFA Ukraine calls on Russia to provide treatment to Ukrainian prisoners, population of occupied areas amid pandemic
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Ukraine's Chairmanship will focus on restoring full and faithful implementation of OSCE fundamental principles and norms of international law, the importance of further joint work on improving the politico-military toolbox of the OSCE in light of new challenges and threats and rapid technological development in the military sphere.
"Priority issues for consideration at the FSC plenary sessions will include modern challenges to regional and international security, primarily hybrid threats, militarization and impediment of navigation in the Azov and Black Sea region, and a number of other issues within the framework of the Forum's mandate, in particular, small arms and light weapons, and the implementation of the UNSC resolutions 1540 (nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction) and 1325 (role of women in peace and security)," it said.


unian--2020-04-20--Reuters Exclusive: In Russia, a black market for HIV drug to try on coronavirus

Kaletra , as with many other prescription-only HIV treatments in Russia , is purchased in bulk by the government and distributed to registered HIV patients for free .
A black market has developed in Russia for an antiviral HIV drug explored as a possible treatment for COVID-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus , according to sellers , HIV activists and the head of the drug 's main Russian producer .
More than 20 trials around the world are testing Kaletra as a COVID-19 treatment or post-exposure prophylaxis , Reuters said .
Russia 's Health Ministry recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of January after reports from China that it was beneficial , but later added that its efficacy was uncertain .
That did not deter speculators who bet that shortages of the drug , also produced as a generic in Russia under the name Kalidavir , might arise as the coronavirus spread .
`` Three months ago , people were buying Kaletra from us without much enthusiasm for 900 roubles ( $ 12 ) a box , '' one online trader of HIV drugs said .
`` Now , anticipating ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 100 and 700 boxes from us , at 3,800 roubles a box .
Mainly , people are buying ( Kaletra ) with the aim of reselling it for a very high price . ''
Resellers can get 7,000-8,000 roubles per box , the trader said – and that frenzy is worrying some HIV-positive people .
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia began rising sharply this month , and on Monday it reported a daily rise of 4,268 cases , bringing the nationwide tally to 47,121 .
Kaletra , as with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is purchased in bulk by the government and distributed to registered HIV patients for free .

Kaletra, as with many other prescription-only HIV treatments in Russia, is purchased in bulk by the government and distributed to registered HIV patients for free.
A black market has developed in Russia for an antiviral HIV drug explored as a possible treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, according to sellers, HIV activists and the head of the drug's main Russian producer.
More than 20 trials around the world are testing Kaletra as a COVID-19 treatment or post-exposure prophylaxis, Reuters said.
Read alsoUkraine reports 261 new COVID-19 cases in past day
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Russia's Health Ministry recommended it as a possible treatment for COVID-19 at the end of January after reports from China that it was beneficial, but later added that its efficacy was uncertain.
That did not deter speculators who bet that shortages of the drug, also produced as a generic in Russia under the name Kalidavir, might arise as the coronavirus spread.
"Three months ago, people were buying Kaletra from us without much enthusiasm for 900 roubles ($12) a box," one online trader of HIV drugs said.
"Now, anticipating (supply) interruptions, people are buying between 100 and 700 boxes from us, at 3,800 roubles a box. Mainly, people are buying (Kaletra) with the aim of reselling it for a very high price."
Resellers can get 7,000-8,000 roubles per box, the trader said – and that frenzy is worrying some HIV-positive people.
The number of new coronavirus cases in Russia began rising sharply this month, and on Monday it reported a daily rise of 4,268 cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 47,121.
Kaletra, as with many other prescription-only HIV treatments in Russia, is purchased in bulk by the government and distributed to registered HIV patients for free.


unian--2020-04-20--Number of COVID-19 cases in Kyiv grows to 850, two patients die in past day

The new cases include 23 women aged 27 to 74 years , 25 men aged 20 to 75 years , @ @ @ @ @ The number of the COVID-19 cases in Kyiv has grown to 850 , as 49 @ @ @ @ @ the past day .
`` Another 49 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Of them , there are two doctors .
Unfortunately , two people died in @ @ @ @ @ Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko 's press service said on Monday morning .
The new cases @ @ @ @ @ to 74 years , 25 men aged 20 to 75 years , and a 13-year-old @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized , others are self-isolating , Klitschko said , adding that the total number of @ @ @ @ @ to 850 .
As was reported , the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in @ @ @ @ @ was 5,710 , including 151 deaths .
Some 359 patients have recovered so far .

The new cases include 23 women aged 27 to 74 years, 25 men aged 20 to 75 years, and a 13-year-old teenager.
The number of the COVID-19 cases in Kyiv has grown to 850, as 49 new cases were confirmed in the past day.
"Another 49 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Of them, there are two doctors. Unfortunately, two people died in the past day," Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko's press service said on Monday morning.
Read alsoUkraine reports 261 new COVID-19 cases in past day
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The new cases include 23 women aged 27 to 74 years, 25 men aged 20 to 75 years, and a 13-year-old teenager.
Twenty-one people were hospitalized, others are self-isolating, Klitschko said, adding that the total number of the confirmed cases had increased to 850.
As was reported, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ukraine as of April 20 was 5,710, including 151 deaths. Some 359 patients have recovered so far.


unian--2020-04-20--Ukraine reports 261 new COVID-19 cases in past day

There were 261 new confirmed cases of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus in the past day as of Monday morning , @ @ @ @ @ compared to Sunday morning .
`` There were to 5,710 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in @ @ @ @ @ time on April 20 , '' Ukraine 's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its @ @ @ @ @ April 20 .
`` Some 261 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ cases , there were 43 doctors , Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said at a @ @ @ @ @ new cases include 16 children .
Seventy-eight new patients have been hospitalized .
The total @ @ @ @ @ 20 was 151 cases ; 359 patients have recovered .
There is no official information @ @ @ @ @ Crimean peninsula , parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions .
As UNIAN reported earlier , @ @ @ @ @ on April 19 , there were 5,449 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 , including 343 new @ @ @ @ @ toll was 141 .

The total death toll is 151 cases.
There were 261 new confirmed cases of the novel COVID-19 coronavirus in the past day as of Monday morning, which was 82 cases down compared to Sunday morning.
"There were 5,710 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ukraine as of 09:30 Kyiv time on April 20," Ukraine's Health Ministry said on Facebook in its morning update on Monday, April 20. "Some 261 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours."
Of the new cases, there were 43 doctors, Ukrainian Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said at a briefing on Monday. The new cases include 16 children.
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Seventy-eight new patients have been hospitalized.
Read alsoMFA Ukraine: 50 Ukrainians recover from COVID-19 abroad, 152 undergoing treatment
The total death toll as of April 20 was 151 cases; 359 patients have recovered.
There is no official information from Russia-occupied areas – the Crimean peninsula, parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
As UNIAN reported earlier, as of 09:00 Kyiv time on April 19, there were 5,449 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 343 new cases. The overall death toll was 141.


unian--2020-04-20--One Ukrainian soldier killed, another two wounded in Donbas on April 20

The Joint Forces fired back to stop the attacks .
One Ukrainian soldier died of wounds , another two were hospitalized after enemy attacks in Donbas , eastern Ukraine , between 00:00 and 19:00 Kyiv time on Monday , April 20 .
`` Armed formations of the Russian Federation opened fire three times to attack Joint Forces ' positions today , '' the press center of the Joint Forces Operation ( JFO ) Headquarters said in an evening update on Facebook on April 20 .
Read alsoRussia-led forces mount six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas on Orthodox Easter Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were recorded in the Pivnich ( North ) sector , where enemy troops used hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and rifles to fire at Ukrainian units near the village of Pivdenne .
What is more , an enemy sniper was working near the village of Novo-Oleksandrivka .
The third attack was recorded near the town of Marynika in the Skhid ( East ) sector , where Russia-led forces used hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and rifles .
`` Two members of the Joint Forces were wounded as a result of Russian invaders ' criminal actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and were evacuated to a hospital .
Another Ukrainian defender received injuries not compatible with life , '' it said .
The JFO HQ noted that the Joint Forces fired back to stop the attacks , enemy losses are not known yet .
The situation at the first three disengagement sites in Donbas is stable , the sides are observing the ceasefire there , it said .
No coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Ukraine 's Joint Forces , the headquarters said .

The Joint Forces fired back to stop the attacks.
One Ukrainian soldier died of wounds, another two were hospitalized after enemy attacks in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, between 00:00 and 19:00 Kyiv time on Monday, April 20.
"Armed formations of the Russian Federation opened fire three times to attack Joint Forces' positions today," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) Headquarters said in an evening update on Facebook on April 20.
Read alsoRussia-led forces mount six attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas on Orthodox Easter
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Two facts of the violation of the ceasefire were recorded in the Pivnich (North) sector, where enemy troops used hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and rifles to fire at Ukrainian units near the village of Pivdenne. What is more, an enemy sniper was working near the village of Novo-Oleksandrivka.
The third attack was recorded near the town of Marynika in the Skhid (East) sector, where Russia-led forces used hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and rifles.
"Two members of the Joint Forces were wounded as a result of Russian invaders' criminal actions. The soldiers received necessary medical assistance and were evacuated to a hospital. Another Ukrainian defender received injuries not compatible with life," it said.
The JFO HQ noted that the Joint Forces fired back to stop the attacks, enemy losses are not known yet.
The situation at the first three disengagement sites in Donbas is stable, the sides are observing the ceasefire there, it said.
No coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Ukraine's Joint Forces, the headquarters said.


unian--2020-04-20--Bloomberg: Oil plunges below zero for first time in unprecedented wipeout

In New York , West Texas Intermediate for May delivery dropped as low as negative $ 40.32 a barrel .
Of all the wild , unprecedented swings in financial markets since the coronavirus pandemic broke out , none has been more jaw-dropping than Monday 's collapse in a key segment of U.S. oil trading .
The price on the futures contract for West Texas crude that is due to expire Tuesday fell into negative territory – minus $ 37.63 a barrel , Bloomberg reported .
`` That 's right , sellers were actually paying buyers to take the stuff off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic bringing the economy to a standstill , there is so much unused oil sloshing around that American energy companies have run out of room to store it .
And if there 's no place to put the oil , no one wants a crude contract that is about to come due , '' it said .
Underscoring just how acute the concern over the lack of storage is , the price on the futures contract due a month later settled at $ 20.43 per barrel .
That gap between the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are signs of weakness everywhere .
Even before Monday 's plunge , buyers in Texas were offering as little as $ 2 a barrel last week for some oil streams .
In Asia , bankers are increasingly reluctant to give commodity traders the credit to survive as lenders grow ever more fearful about the risk of a catastrophic default .
In New York , West Texas Intermediate for May delivery dropped as low as negative $ 40.32 a barrel .
It 's far below the lowest level previous seen in continuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after World War II , according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis .
Brent declined 8.9 % to $ 25.57 a barrel .

In New York, West Texas Intermediate for May delivery dropped as low as negative $40.32 a barrel.
Of all the wild, unprecedented swings in financial markets since the coronavirus pandemic broke out, none has been more jaw-dropping than Monday's collapse in a key segment of U.S. oil trading.
The price on the futures contract for West Texas crude that is due to expire Tuesday fell into negative territory – minus $37.63 a barrel, Bloomberg reported.
Read alsoOil falls as stocks fill, earnings set to shrink – media
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"That's right, sellers were actually paying buyers to take the stuff off their hands. The reason: with the pandemic bringing the economy to a standstill, there is so much unused oil sloshing around that American energy companies have run out of room to store it. And if there's no place to put the oil, no one wants a crude contract that is about to come due," it said.
Underscoring just how acute the concern over the lack of storage is, the price on the futures contract due a month later settled at $20.43 per barrel. That gap between the two contracts is by far the biggest ever.
There are signs of weakness everywhere. Even before Monday's plunge, buyers in Texas were offering as little as $2 a barrel last week for some oil streams. In Asia, bankers are increasingly reluctant to give commodity traders the credit to survive as lenders grow ever more fearful about the risk of a catastrophic default.
In New York, West Texas Intermediate for May delivery dropped as low as negative $40.32 a barrel. It's far below the lowest level previous seen in continuation monthly data charts since 1946, just after World War II, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Brent declined 8.9% to $25.57 a barrel.


unian--2020-04-20--PM Shmyhal: Ukraine's government set to extend coronavirus quarantine

Two surges in coronavirus cases are expected in Ukraine soon – late in April and early in May .
Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine 's government is set to extend the coronavirus quarantine , however , there will @ @ @ @ @ spheres .
Shmyhal , in particular , cited recent estimates received by the Cabinet of @ @ @ @ @ of Sciences of Ukraine , according to which two peaks of incidence are expected , @ @ @ @ @ news agency .
`` Tentatively , it 's late in April and between May 3 @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` At a Cabinet meeting , we will most likely extend the @ @ @ @ @ .
But we plan to ease some activities in two or three spheres this week @ @ @ @ @ As UNIAN reported earlier , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier announced certain quarantine restrictions might @ @ @ @ @ if the situation with COVID-19 in the country does not worsen significantly .

Two surges in coronavirus cases are expected in Ukraine soon – late in April and early in May.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says Ukraine's government is set to extend the coronavirus quarantine, however, there will be some easing in certain spheres.
Shmyhal, in particular, cited recent estimates received by the Cabinet of Ministers from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, according to which two peaks of incidence are expected, according to the RBC Ukraine news agency.
Read alsoUkraine's police open criminal cases over lockdown violations by Moscow Patriarchate church members
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"Tentatively, it's late in April and between May 3 and May 8," he said.
"At a Cabinet meeting, we will most likely extend the quarantine based on these estimates. But we plan to ease some activities in two or three spheres this week," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier announced certain quarantine restrictions might be eased after April 24 if the situation with COVID-19 in the country does not worsen significantly.


unian--2020-04-20--Ukraine's police open criminal cases over lockdown violations by Moscow Patriarchate church members

In particular , criminal proceedings were launched against two monasteries .
The police have opened five criminal cases and issued @ @ @ @ @ lockdown violations by representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate ( UOC-MP @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Easter .
The National Police of Ukraine have opened five criminal proceedings and @ @ @ @ @ all concern the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine , '' adviser to the Minister of @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook on April 20 .
In particular , on April 19 , police launched @ @ @ @ @ violations at two monasteries – the Sviatohirsk Holy Assumption Lavra in Donetsk region and the @ @ @ @ @ Ternopil region .
Both monasteries are controlled by the UOC-MP .

In particular, criminal proceedings were launched against two monasteries.
The police have opened five criminal cases and issued five administrative protocols for coronavirus lockdown violations by representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) during Orthodox Easter holidays.
"Easter. The National Police of Ukraine have opened five criminal proceedings and issued five administrative protocols – all concern the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine," adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs Zorian Shkiryak said on Facebook on April 20.
Read alsoUkraine reports 261 new COVID-19 cases in past day
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In particular, on April 19, police launched criminal proceedings over coronavirus quarantine violations at two monasteries – the Sviatohirsk Holy Assumption Lavra in Donetsk region and the Pochayiv Holy Dormition Lavra in Ternopil region.
Both monasteries are controlled by the UOC-MP.


unian--2020-04-20--Video talks between Ukraine's PM and German Chancellor indefinitely postponed

Talks between Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and German Chancellor Angela Merkel , which were scheduled for Monday , April @ @ @ @ @ postponed .
`` A video conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been postponed .
@ @ @ @ @ ] counterpart had unforeseen , urgent matters , '' Shmyhal said on Telegram on April @ @ @ @ @ spend EUR 150 mln from Germany on fight against coronavirus '' We understand this , @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic .
We 've agreed to reschedule the meeting for the timeslot convenient @ @ @ @ @ he added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Andriy Melnyk @ @ @ @ @ Shmyhal and Merkel were scheduled to hold a video conference on April 20 .

Merkel had urgent matters to address.
Talks between Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which were scheduled for Monday, April 20, have been indefinitely postponed.
"A video conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been postponed. Unfortunately, the [German] counterpart had unforeseen, urgent matters," Shmyhal said on Telegram on April 20.
Read alsoUkraine to spend EUR 150 mln from Germany on fight against coronavirus
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"We understand this, as different things could happen during the pandemic. We've agreed to reschedule the meeting for the timeslot convenient for both sides," he added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ambassador of Ukraine to Germany Andriy Melnyk announced on April 17 that Shmyhal and Merkel were scheduled to hold a video conference on April 20.


unian--2020-04-20--National Guard's operation kicks off in Ukraine to address subversive wildfires

The minister called on the public to share information about arsonists with the police .
The National Guard of Ukraine has launched an operation to address wildfire subversive activity .
`` During an evening monitoring flight in the Chornobyl zone yesterday [ April 19 ] , we found four such phenomena on an area of about 100 meters , '' he said on Facebook on April 20 , sharing a photo of needle litter burning around a tree .
Read alsoPolice considering two versions of wildfire occurrence in Zhytomyr region '' The abnormally dry winter – the water level in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meters ...
Fallen leaves , especially needle litter , are easily prone to burning .
Peatlands have dried up , and this is a big problem .
And all this , of course , is an opportunity for villains and provocateurs .
Someone wants to make life in the country unbearable , someone wants to hide their dirty deeds in arson , '' Avakov said .
The minister called on the public to share information about arsonists who set the forest on fire with the police .
`` Of course , the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An ad hoc group was set up at the Interior Ministry ; the National Guard launched an anti-sabotage operation in the forest ... thousands of our people do not sleep [ putting out ] the fire all day and night , breathing in dust and radiation , '' he said .
Those who will be caught `` wo n't get off with a fine alone , '' the minister added .

The minister called on the public to share information about arsonists with the police.
The National Guard of Ukraine has launched an operation to address wildfire subversive activity.
"During an evening monitoring flight in the Chornobyl zone yesterday [April 19], we found four such phenomena on an area of about 100 meters," he said on Facebook on April 20, sharing a photo of needle litter burning around a tree.
Read alsoPolice considering two versions of wildfire occurrence in Zhytomyr region
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"The abnormally dry winter – the water level in the ecosystem has gone down by 1.5-2 meters ... Fallen leaves, especially needle litter, are easily prone to burning. Peatlands have dried up, and this is a big problem. And all this, of course, is an opportunity for villains and provocateurs. Someone wants to make life in the country unbearable, someone wants to hide their dirty deeds in arson," Avakov said.
The minister called on the public to share information about arsonists who set the forest on fire with the police.
"Of course, the police are already probing such and other incidents. An ad hoc group was set up at the Interior Ministry; the National Guard launched an anti-sabotage operation in the forest ... thousands of our people do not sleep [putting out] the fire all day and night, breathing in dust and radiation," he said.
Those who will be caught "won't get off with a fine alone," the minister added.


unian--2020-04-21--The Guardian: WHO warns that few have developed antibodies to COVID-19

Herd immunity hopes dealt blow by report suggesting only 2 % -3 % of people have been infected .
Only a tiny proportion of the global population – maybe as few as 2 % or 3 % – appear to have antibodies in the blood showing they have been infected with COVID-19 , according to the World Health Organization , a finding that bodes ill for hopes that herd immunity will ease the exit from lockdown .
`` Easing restrictions is not the end of the epidemic in any country , '' said WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So-called lockdowns can help to take the heat out of a country 's epidemic , '' according to The Guardian .
But serological testing to find out how large a proportion of the population have had the infection and developed antibodies to it – which it is hoped will mean they have some level of immunity – suggests that the numbers are low .
`` Early data suggests that a relatively small percentage of the populations may have been infected , '' Tedros said .
`` Not more than 2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerkhove , an American infectious diseases expert who is the WHO 's technical lead on COVID-19 , said they had thought the number of people infected would be higher , but she stressed it was still too early to be sure .
`` Initially , we see a lower proportion of people with antibodies than we were expecting , '' she said .
`` A lower number of people are infected . ''
On Friday , a study carried out in Santa Clara , California by Stanford University and released as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 50 to 85 times more people had been infected with the virus than official figures showed .
Santa Clara county had 1,094 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the time the study was carried out , but antibody tests suggest that between 48,000 and 81,000 people had been infected by early April , most of whom did not develop symptoms .
But even those high figures mean that within the whole population of the county , only 3 % have been infected and have antibodies to the virus .
A study in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that just 3 % had antibodies .
Van Kerkhove said they needed to look carefully at the way the studies were being carried out .
`` A number of studies we are aware of in pre-print have suggested that small proportions of the population [ have antibodies ] , '' she said .
These were `` in single digits , up to 14 % in Germany and France '' .
`` It is really important to understand how the studies were done . ''
That would include asking how they found the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or were they blood donors , who tend to be healthy adults ?
They would also need to look at how well the blood tests were performed .
`` We are working with a number of countries carrying out these serology studies , '' she added .
The WHO-supported studies would use robust methods and the tests would be validated for accuracy .
The hope will be that people who have had COVID-19 will be able to resume their lives .
But Van Kerkhove last week said that even if tests showed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove that they were immune .
`` There are a lot of countries that are suggesting using rapid diagnostic serological tests to be able to capture what they think will be a measure of immunity , '' she said .
`` Right now , we have no evidence that the use of a serological test can show that an individual has immunity or is protected from reinfection . ''

Herd immunity hopes dealt blow by report suggesting only 2%-3% of people have been infected.
Only a tiny proportion of the global population – maybe as few as 2% or 3% – appear to have antibodies in the blood showing they have been infected with COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization, a finding that bodes ill for hopes that herd immunity will ease the exit from lockdown.
"Easing restrictions is not the end of the epidemic in any country," said WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a media briefing in Geneva on Monday. "So-called lockdowns can help to take the heat out of a country's epidemic," according to The Guardian.
But serological testing to find out how large a proportion of the population have had the infection and developed antibodies to it – which it is hoped will mean they have some level of immunity – suggests that the numbers are low.
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"Early data suggests that a relatively small percentage of the populations may have been infected," Tedros said. "Not more than 2%-3%."
Read alsoTotal number of COVID-19 cases confirmed worldwide approaching 2.5 mln
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, an American infectious diseases expert who is the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said they had thought the number of people infected would be higher, but she stressed it was still too early to be sure. "Initially, we see a lower proportion of people with antibodies than we were expecting," she said. "A lower number of people are infected."
On Friday, a study carried out in Santa Clara, California by Stanford University and released as a "pre-print" without peer review, found that 50 to 85 times more people had been infected with the virus than official figures showed.
Santa Clara county had 1,094 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the time the study was carried out, but antibody tests suggest that between 48,000 and 81,000 people had been infected by early April, most of whom did not develop symptoms.
But even those high figures mean that within the whole population of the county, only 3% have been infected and have antibodies to the virus. A study in the Netherlands of 7,000 blood donors also found that just 3% had antibodies.
Van Kerkhove said they needed to look carefully at the way the studies were being carried out. "A number of studies we are aware of in pre-print have suggested that small proportions of the population [have antibodies]," she said. These were "in single digits, up to 14% in Germany and France". "It is really important to understand how the studies were done."
Read alsoChinese scientists successfully conduct first animal trials of inactivated coronavirus vaccine
That would include asking how they found the people to test. Was it at random or were they blood donors, who tend to be healthy adults? They would also need to look at how well the blood tests were performed.
"We are working with a number of countries carrying out these serology studies," she added. The WHO-supported studies would use robust methods and the tests would be validated for accuracy.
The hope will be that people who have had COVID-19 will be able to resume their lives. But Van Kerkhove last week said that even if tests showed a person had antibodies, it did not prove that they were immune.
"There are a lot of countries that are suggesting using rapid diagnostic serological tests to be able to capture what they think will be a measure of immunity," she said. "Right now, we have no evidence that the use of a serological test can show that an individual has immunity or is protected from reinfection."


unian--2020-04-21--Zelensky signs law amending 2020 budget

Zelensky signs law amending 2020 budget

Ukraine has amended the national budget for 2020 with regard to coronavirus-related developments .
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has singed bill No .
553-IX into law to amend the 2020 national budget of Ukraine ; the bill was passed by the Verkhovna Rada , Ukraine 's parliament , at a special plenary meeting on April 13 .
`` Amendments to the national budget for the current year have been made to optimize spending related to external and internal challenges associated with the coronavirus epidemic and the global economic crisis , '' the President 's Office said on April 18 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' budget , interest-free loans for small businesses , and $ 135 mln aid to fight coronavirus In particular , the document envisages the establishment of a fund with UAH 64.7 billion ( US $ 2.4 billion ) to be allocated for top-priority areas in fighting COVID-19 .
In addition , the amended national budget provides for UAH 15.8 billion ( US $ 583.5 million ) in additional payments to healthcare workers , who are tackling the epidemic .
In total , the Health Ministry 's spending increased by UAH 16.4 billion ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document also envisages the allocation of UAH 10.6 billion ( US $ 391.4 million ) for lump sum payments to pensioners .
The Social Policy Ministry 's expenses will increase by UAH 19.5 billion ( US $ 720.1 million ) .
In total , additional UAH 3 billion ( US $ 110.8 million ) in emergency spending is earmarked in the reserve fund .
Budgets for road construction and repairs have remained unchanged .
Therefore , a large-scale construction program related to overhauls and construction of roads , which improves the country 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue .
In particular , almost UAH 70 billion ( US $ 2.6 billion ) in budget funds has been allocated for road infrastructure .
At the same time , the national budget foresees no cuts in funding of the country 's defense and security , as well as agricultural sector .

Zelensky signs law amending 2020 budget
15:20, 21.04.20 6410
Ukraine has amended the national budget for 2020 with regard to coronavirus-related developments.
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unian--2020-04-21--Belarus not going to cancel May 9 parade amid coronavirus epidemic

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in that country as of April 20 was 6,264 , including 51 deaths @ @ @ @ @ Belarus has confirmed that the military parade scheduled for May 9 will take place despite @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus disease .
This was the ministry 's response to a petition signed by over @ @ @ @ @ the military parade be canceled , according to the local news outlet tyt.by .
The @ @ @ @ @ stress that the parade and its rehearsals involve large crowds of people , which is @ @ @ @ @ Yet , the military parade will take place despite the fact that other mass events @ @ @ @ @ canceled .
`` The current epidemiological situation in the Republic of Belarus allows the Armed @ @ @ @ @ combat training activities .
Preparations for the parade and the event itself is an integral @ @ @ @ @ of the troops , '' the ministry explained .
The total number of confirmed coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ of April 20 was 6,264 , including 51 deaths .

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in that country as of April 20 was 6,264, including 51 deaths.
The Defense Ministry of Belarus has confirmed that the military parade scheduled for May 9 will take place despite the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease.
This was the ministry's response to a petition signed by over 7,000 Belarusians who demanded that the military parade be canceled, according to the local news outlet tyt.by.
Read alsoPutin postpones May 9 parade over coronavirus
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The people who signed the petition stress that the parade and its rehearsals involve large crowds of people, which is dangerous during the pandemic.
Yet, the military parade will take place despite the fact that other mass events in that country have been canceled.
"The current epidemiological situation in the Republic of Belarus allows the Armed Forces to carry out planned combat training activities. Preparations for the parade and the event itself is an integral part of the combat training of the troops," the ministry explained.
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in that country as of April 20 was 6,264, including 51 deaths.


unian--2020-04-21--Naftogaz: Ukraine has huge crude oil storage capacities

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Naftogaz: Ukraine has huge crude oil storage capacities
14:40, 21.04.20 7868
The top manager says oil storage is now the most profitable business.
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unian--2020-04-21--Quarantine in Kyiv may be eased after coronavirus curve flattened – Klitschko

Klitschko explained he was analyzing his Western counterparts ' actions .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko says quarantine restrictions in the @ @ @ @ @ gradually after the coronavirus curve is flattened .
`` We have to pass the peak @ @ @ @ @ expect it in Ukraine and the city in a week or two .
After that @ @ @ @ @ , we will gradually ease the restrictive measures , '' he wrote on Telegram on @ @ @ @ @ mayor reports 42 new COVID-19 cases , two deaths in past day Klitschko explained he @ @ @ @ @ Western counterparts who lift the restrictions `` carefully and slowly '' after the peak is @ @ @ @ @ mayor , the capital has developed a plan for the phased easing of the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ the city must develop .
He also said it was necessary to `` revive '' @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , Ukraine 's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said the ministry would offer to @ @ @ @ @ 12 .

Klitschko explained he was analyzing his Western counterparts' actions.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko says quarantine restrictions in the capital city will be eased gradually after the coronavirus curve is flattened.
"We have to pass the peak of the disease. We expect it in Ukraine and the city in a week or two. After that, based on the situation, we will gradually ease the restrictive measures," he wrote on Telegram on April 21.
Read alsoKyiv mayor reports 42 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths in past day
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Klitschko explained he was analyzing actions of his Western counterparts who lift the restrictions "carefully and slowly" after the peak is over.
According to the mayor, the capital has developed a plan for the phased easing of the restrictions since businesses must work and the city must develop. He also said it was necessary to "revive" the economy.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine's Health Minister Maksym Stepanov said the ministry would offer to extend quarantine measures until May 12.


unian--2020-04-21--Chinese scientists successfully conduct first animal trials of inactivated coronavirus vaccine

Collectively , the results suggest a path forward for clinical development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for use in humans .
Medical scientists from China have conducted the first trials of an inactivated coronavirus vaccine in mice , rats , and monkeys .
They posted preliminary results of their research on bioRxiv.org , an open access preprint repository for the biological sciences .
It says that scientists have successfully forced the body of all animals participating in the experiment to produce antibodies that can neutralize different strains of SARS-CoV-2 .
`` Here we developed a pilot-scale production of a purified inactivated SARS-CoV-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which induced SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies in mice , rats and non-human primates .
These antibodies potently neutralized 10 representative SARS-CoV-2 strains , indicative of a possible broader neutralizing ability against SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating worldwide .
Immunization with two different doses ( 3 micrograms or 6 micrograms per dose ) provided partial or complete protection in macaques against SARS-CoV-2 challenge , respectively , without any antibody-dependent enhancement of infection , '' the paper says .
The vaccine was created by Sinovac Biotech Ltd , Beijing , China and their colleagues from the Chinese Academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in vitro neutralization and challenge models for a candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine , we isolated SARS-CoV-2 strains from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF ) samples of 11 hospitalized patients ( including 5 ICU patients ) , among which 4 are from China , 4 from Italy , 1 from Switzerland , 1 from UK and 1 from Spain , '' the research says .
The sequence initially determined for PiCoVacc P1 stock was used as a reference sequence .
`` To investigate the spectrum of neutralizing activities elicited by PiCoVacc , we conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SARS-CoV-2 strains using mouse and rat serums collected 3 weeks post vaccination .
Neutralizing titers against these strains demonstrate that PiCoVacc is capable of eliciting antibodies that possibly exhibit potent neutralization activities against SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating worldwide , '' the scientists said .
They next evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of PiCoVacc in rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) , a non-human primate species that shows a COVID-19-like disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection .
Macaques were immunized three times via the intramuscular route with medium or high doses of PiCoVacc .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection with very small histopathological changes in lung .
`` We provide extensive evidences for the safety of PiCoVacc in macaques ; neither infection enhancement nor immunopathological exacerbation was observed in our studies .
Our data also demonstrate a complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge with 6 micrograms per dose of PiCoVacc in macaques .
Collectively these results suggest a path forward for clinical development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for use in humans .
Phases I , II and III clinical trials with PiCoVacc , as well as other SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates , are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they say .

Collectively, the results suggest a path forward for clinical development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for use in humans.
Medical scientists from China have conducted the first trials of an inactivated coronavirus vaccine in mice, rats, and monkeys.
They posted preliminary results of their research on bioRxiv.org, an open access preprint repository for the biological sciences.
It says that scientists have successfully forced the body of all animals participating in the experiment to produce antibodies that can neutralize different strains of SARS-CoV-2.
Видео дня
"Here we developed a pilot-scale production of a purified inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus vaccine candidate (PiCoVacc), which induced SARS-CoV-2-specific neutralizing antibodies in mice, rats and non-human primates. These antibodies potently neutralized 10 representative SARS-CoV-2 strains, indicative of a possible broader neutralizing ability against SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating worldwide. Immunization with two different doses (3 micrograms or 6 micrograms per dose) provided partial or complete protection in macaques against SARS-CoV-2 challenge, respectively, without any antibody-dependent enhancement of infection," the paper says.
Read alsoUkraine's chief doctor: Zelensky offers local scientists US$1 mln for coronavirus vaccine
The vaccine was created by Sinovac Biotech Ltd, Beijing, China and their colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
"To develop preclinical in vitro neutralization and challenge models for a candidate SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, we isolated SARS-CoV-2 strains from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples of 11 hospitalized patients (including 5 ICU patients), among which 4 are from China, 4 from Italy, 1 from Switzerland, 1 from UK and 1 from Spain," the research says.
The sequence initially determined for PiCoVacc P1 stock was used as a reference sequence.
"To investigate the spectrum of neutralizing activities elicited by PiCoVacc, we conducted neutralization assays against the other 9 isolated SARS-CoV-2 strains using mouse and rat serums collected 3 weeks post vaccination. Neutralizing titers against these strains demonstrate that PiCoVacc is capable of eliciting antibodies that possibly exhibit potent neutralization activities against SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating worldwide," the scientists said.
They next evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of PiCoVacc in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), a non-human primate species that shows a COVID-19-like disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Macaques were immunized three times via the intramuscular route with medium or high doses of PiCoVacc. All vaccinated macaques were largely protected against SARS-CoV-2 infection with very small histopathological changes in lung.
"We provide extensive evidences for the safety of PiCoVacc in macaques; neither infection enhancement nor immunopathological exacerbation was observed in our studies. Our data also demonstrate a complete protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge with 6 micrograms per dose of PiCoVacc in macaques. Collectively these results suggest a path forward for clinical development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines for use in humans. Phases I, II and III clinical trials with PiCoVacc, as well as other SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates, are expected to begin later this year," they say.


unian--2020-04-21--EU ready to help Ukraine to eliminate Chornobyl fires – envoy

As of today , Ukrainian firefighters are trying to contain three fires in the Chornobyl zone .
Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Belgium , Representative of Ukraine to the European Union and European Atomic Energy Community Mykola Tochytskyi has said the EU is ready to help Ukraine to eliminate fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone .
`` The EU always supports Ukraine .
During our conversation , European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič assured the EU is ready to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in resolving the situation with fires in the Chornobyl zone , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
`` We highly appreciate the willingness of European friends to help Ukraine , '' Tochytskyi added .
As UNIAN reported earlier , wildfires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone broke out on April 4 and were extinguished on April 14 .
However , they resumed on April 16 .
Tens of hectares of forest were burned .
As of today , Ukrainian firefighters are trying to contain three fires in the Chornobyl zone .
Over 1,300 firefighters and 299 pieces of equipment , including three helicopters , are involved in extinguishing @ @ @

As of today, Ukrainian firefighters are trying to contain three fires in the Chornobyl zone.
Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Belgium, Representative of Ukraine to the European Union and European Atomic Energy Community Mykola Tochytskyi has said the EU is ready to help Ukraine to eliminate fires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone.
Read alsoUkraine's Emergency Service: 45 people killed in fires last week
"The EU always supports Ukraine. During our conversation, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič assured the EU is ready to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in resolving the situation with fires in the Chornobyl zone," the ambassador wrote on Twitter on April 20, 2020.
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"We highly appreciate the willingness of European friends to help Ukraine," Tochytskyi added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, wildfires in the Chornobyl exclusion zone broke out on April 4 and were extinguished on April 14. However, they resumed on April 16. Tens of hectares of forest were burned.
As of today, Ukrainian firefighters are trying to contain three fires in the Chornobyl zone. Over 1,300 firefighters and 299 pieces of equipment, including three helicopters, are involved in extinguishing the fires.


unian--2020-04-21--Reuters: Ukraine weekly wheat exports jump 47% despite government warning

Overall grain exports , which include wheat , corn and barley , also rose , reaching 47.436 million tonnes .
Ukrainian wheat exports jumped nearly 50 percent in the week of April 11-17 despite a government warning that it could ban shipments if export rates are too high .
Preliminary data from the APK-Inform consultancy on Sunday showed that Ukraine exported 319,000 tonnes of wheat last week , up from 217,000 tonnes a week earlier , Reuters said .
Read alsoUkraine 's economy ministry updates on course of spring sowing campaign Taras Vysotskiy , deputy economy minister in charge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , one of world 's top grain exporters , was ready to ban wheat exports if sales exceed limits agreed with traders .
APK-Inform said that the 2019/20 season 's wheat exports had reached 18.56 million tonnes as of April 17 , compared with 12 million tonnes at the same date in 2019 .
Overall grain exports , which include wheat , corn and barley , also rose , reaching 47.436 million tonnes , up from 35.922 million tonnes in the same period the previous season .
Most of Ukraine 's grain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Spain this season .
Ukrainian bakers and millers last month asked the government to limit exports of grain and related products to maintain bread prices in the event of the coronavirus crisi deepening .

Overall grain exports, which include wheat, corn and barley, also rose, reaching 47.436 million tonnes.
Ukrainian wheat exports jumped nearly 50 percent in the week of April 11-17 despite a government warning that it could ban shipments if export rates are too high.
Preliminary data from the APK-Inform consultancy on Sunday showed that Ukraine exported 319,000 tonnes of wheat last week, up from 217,000 tonnes a week earlier, Reuters said.
Read alsoUkraine's economy ministry updates on course of spring sowing campaign
Видео дня
Taras Vysotskiy, deputy economy minister in charge of agriculture, told Reuters last week that Ukraine, one of world's top grain exporters, was ready to ban wheat exports if sales exceed limits agreed with traders.
APK-Inform said that the 2019/20 season's wheat exports had reached 18.56 million tonnes as of April 17, compared with 12 million tonnes at the same date in 2019.
Overall grain exports, which include wheat, corn and barley, also rose, reaching 47.436 million tonnes, up from 35.922 million tonnes in the same period the previous season.
Most of Ukraine's grain exports have headed for Egypt, Turkey, and Spain this season.
Ukrainian bakers and millers last month asked the government to limit exports of grain and related products to maintain bread prices in the event of the coronavirus crisi deepening.


unian--2020-04-21--Ukraine's Justice Ministry to introduce supervised probation

Supervised probation is an alternative form of sentencing when a convict has the supervision of his or her probation , which lets them avoid jail time .
Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Malyuska has said a new type of punishment called supervised probation will be introduced in Ukraine as part of the second phase of prison reform .
`` We are introducing a completely new type of punishment – supervised probation .
Supervised probation is when a person is under the supervision of a probation agency instead of going to jail .
He or she has certain obligations : for example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or training .
Sometimes their movement will be electronically monitored .
Restriction of freedom is when a person stays overnight in a correctional center and can leave it during the daytime .
Now it 's not quite clear why this type of punishment exists and what purpose it serves .
Accordingly , we want the restriction of freedom to be replaced with the previously mentioned supervised probation , '' he said in a video message posted on Facebook .
According to Malyuska , this method of punishing criminals is quite effective since people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not commit new crimes .
A total of 98 % of them are rehabilitated .

Supervised probation is an alternative form of sentencing when a convict has the supervision of his or her probation, which lets them avoid jail time.
Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Malyuska has said a new type of punishment called supervised probation will be introduced in Ukraine as part of the second phase of prison reform.
Read alsoUkraine may release almost 900 prisoners amid COVID-19 epidemic
"We are introducing a completely new type of punishment – supervised probation. Supervised probation is when a person is under the supervision of a probation agency instead of going to jail. He or she has certain obligations: for example, getting a job, undergoing treatment or training. Sometimes their movement will be electronically monitored. Restriction of freedom is when a person stays overnight in a correctional center and can leave it during the daytime. Now it's not quite clear why this type of punishment exists and what purpose it serves. Accordingly, we want the restriction of freedom to be replaced with the previously mentioned supervised probation," he said in a video message posted on Facebook.
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According to Malyuska, this method of punishing criminals is quite effective since people who are undergoing probation right now almost do not commit new crimes. A total of 98% of them are rehabilitated.


unian--2020-04-21--Kyiv mayor reports 42 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths in past day

Thirteen new patients have been hospitalized , while the rest are self-isolating .
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 42 in the past day , April 21 , to 892 cases .
`` In the past 24 hours , the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive [ for the coronavirus ] increased by 42 , including four healthcare workers .
Another two deaths were recorded in the past day .
In total , there are 892 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kyiv , '' he said during an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an UNIAN correspondent .
According to Klitschko , 15 women aged 25 to 67 and 25 men aged 18 to 72 are among those infected .
In addition , a seven-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy tested positive for the coronavirus .
Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized , while the rest were self-isolating , undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors .
As UNIAN reported earlier , 415 new coronavirus cases , including 10 deaths , were reported in Ukraine in the past day , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,125 as of the morning of April 21 .

Thirteen new patients have been hospitalized, while the rest are self-isolating.
Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko has said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city rose by 42 in the past day, April 21, to 892 cases.
"In the past 24 hours, the number of Kyiv residents who tested positive [for the coronavirus] increased by 42, including four healthcare workers. Another two deaths were recorded in the past day. In total, there are 892 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kyiv," he said during an online briefing on April 21, according to an UNIAN correspondent.
Read alsoUkraine reports 415 new coronavirus cases, incl. 10 deaths, in past day
Видео дня
According to Klitschko, 15 women aged 25 to 67 and 25 men aged 18 to 72 are among those infected. In addition, a seven-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy tested positive for the coronavirus.
Klitschko said 13 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under the supervision of doctors.
As UNIAN reported earlier, 415 new coronavirus cases, including 10 deaths, were reported in Ukraine in the past day, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 6,125 as of the morning of April 21.


unian--2020-04-21--Ukraine's Emergency Service: 45 people killed in fires last week

The losses from the fires are estimated at nearly US $ 0.44 million .
Ukraine 's State Emergency Service has @ @ @ @ @ killed in fires across the country from April 13 to April 19 .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ fires were put out by firefighters , the agency said .
Read alsoPolice considering two @ @ @ @ @ Zhytomyr region As many as 32 people were rescued amid the fires , while firefighters @ @ @ @ @ pieces of equipment from being destroyed by fire .
Estimated losses from the fires are @ @ @ @ @ nearly US $ 0.44 million .
The Emergency Service also reported that bomb disposal squads @ @ @ @ @ which more than 2,000 explosive remnants of war were discovered , seized and destroyed .
@ @ @ @ @ drowning victims were reported during the week .

The losses from the fires are estimated at nearly US$0.44 million.
Ukraine's State Emergency Service has reported that 45 people were killed in fires across the country from April 13 to April 19.
Over the period under review, 3,417 fires were put out by firefighters, the agency said.
Read alsoPolice considering two versions of wildfire occurrence in Zhytomyr region
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As many as 32 people were rescued amid the fires, while firefighters prevented 1,021 buildings and 24 pieces of equipment from being destroyed by fire.
Estimated losses from the fires are UAH 11.818 million, or nearly US$0.44 million.
The Emergency Service also reported that bomb disposal squads had 390 calls, during which more than 2,000 explosive remnants of war were discovered, seized and destroyed.
What is more, 11 drowning victims were reported during the week.