tass--2020-03-21--Coronavirus cases jump to 306 in Russia in past day

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has registered a spike in coronavirus cases - from 253 to 306 - over the past 24 hours , the Russian task force for prevention and spread of the novel coronavirus told reporters on Saturday .
`` In the past 24 hours , Russia has registered 53 coronavirus cases in 18 regions .
As of today , the Russian Federation has registered 306 coronavirus cases in total , '' the task force said adding that four patients had been discharged from hospitals over the past day .
According to the task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region , six in Moscow , five in Tatarstan , four in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , three in the Sverdlovsk Region , two in each of the Tula , Kaliningrad , Krasnodar Regions , Kabardino-Balkaria and the city of St. Petersburg .
One new patient was registered in each of the Ryazan , Kurgan , Chelyabinsk , Stavropol , Krasnoyarsk , and Khabarovsk Regions , Yugra and the Republic of Crimea .
Over the past 24 hours , four coronavirus patients were discharged from hospitals .
Among them three are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow Region .
The task force says that a total of 16 people have recovered from the disease .
Among them are 13 Russians , two Chinese and one Italian .
Moreover , three Russian nationals , who contracted the disease on Diamond Princess cruise ship , were discharged from hospital as well .
Russia ’ s Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said earlier there are no grounds for panic of the coronavirus infection in the country thanks to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading to a limited extent .
According to preliminary data for 2020 , there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths .
In a number of regions , there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the same period last year .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it spread across China and then throughout the world , affecting more than 150 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the latest reports , over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surged to over 10,000 .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russia has registered a spike in coronavirus cases - from 253 to 306 - over the past 24 hours, the Russian task force for prevention and spread of the novel coronavirus told reporters on Saturday.
"In the past 24 hours, Russia has registered 53 coronavirus cases in 18 regions. As of today, the Russian Federation has registered 306 coronavirus cases in total," the task force said adding that four patients had been discharged from hospitals over the past day.
According to the task force, 17 new cases were confirmed in the Moscow Region, six in Moscow, five in Tatarstan, four in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, three in the Sverdlovsk Region, two in each of the Tula, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar Regions, Kabardino-Balkaria and the city of St. Petersburg. One new patient was registered in each of the Ryazan, Kurgan, Chelyabinsk, Stavropol, Krasnoyarsk, and Khabarovsk Regions, Yugra and the Republic of Crimea.
Over the past 24 hours, four coronavirus patients were discharged from hospitals. Among them three are in Moscow and one is in the Moscow Region. The task force says that a total of 16 people have recovered from the disease. Among them are 13 Russians, two Chinese and one Italian. Moreover, three Russian nationals, who contracted the disease on Diamond Princess cruise ship, were discharged from hospital as well.
Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said earlier there are no grounds for panic of the coronavirus infection in the country thanks to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries, that is, in January, the infection was spreading to a limited extent. According to preliminary data for 2020, there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths. In a number of regions, there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the same period last year.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then throughout the world, affecting more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. According to the latest reports, over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surged to over 10,000.


tass--2020-03-21--Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Moscow Region nearly doubles in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , reaching 35 , the region ’ s coronavirus task force @ @ @ @ @ There are 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Moscow Region , '' the task @ @ @ @ @ March 20 , there were 18 reported cases .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the @ @ @ @ @ as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large @ @ @ @ @ a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new @ @ @ @ @ in more than 150 countries and territories , among them Russia .
As of March @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 have been officially confirmed in Russia .
The World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000 , with more than 10,000 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the Moscow Region has nearly doubled in the past 24 hours, reaching 35, the region’s coronavirus task force informed on Telegram.
"There are 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Moscow Region," the task force stated. As of March 20, there were 18 reported cases.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories, among them Russia. As of March 20, over 250 cases of COVID-19 have been officially confirmed in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000, with more than 10,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--No plans to order Russian citizens to stay home due to COVID-19 so far - first deputy PM

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
There are no plans so far to order Russian citizens to stay home due to the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov said in an interview with the ‘ Vesti v Subbotu ’ ( News on Saturday ) program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel .
`` There has been no such order so far , as far as I am aware , and no such plans , '' he said in response to a question on whether the Russian population will be ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like it happened in Italy .
Starting March 10 , a nationwide quarantine has been introduced in Italy : all universities , shops ( except supermarkets and pharmacies ) , restaurants , bars , and sports facilities in the country have been closed .
Entry for tourists has been banned .
The government does not rule out that the quarantine , currently in place until April 3 , will be prolonged .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories , among them Russia , which by now has over 250 cases , including over 130 cases in Moscow .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000 , with more than 10,000 deaths .
WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. There are no plans so far to order Russian citizens to stay home due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov said in an interview with the ‘Vesti v Subbotu’ (News on Saturday) program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel.
"There has been no such order so far, as far as I am aware, and no such plans," he said in response to a question on whether the Russian population will be ordered to stay home by the government, like it happened in Italy.
Starting March 10, a nationwide quarantine has been introduced in Italy: all universities, shops (except supermarkets and pharmacies), restaurants, bars, and sports facilities in the country have been closed. Entry for tourists has been banned. The government does not rule out that the quarantine, currently in place until April 3, will be prolonged.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories, among them Russia, which by now has over 250 cases, including over 130 cases in Moscow. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000, with more than 10,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Global economy will recover after COVID-19 situation stabilizes - Russian PM

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The global economy will begin to recover after the current situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) stabilizes , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during the government session on economic issues on Saturday .
He added that Russia ’ s oil industry is ready for volatility on world markets .
`` Today , the global economy is going through a very negative period , which directly affects the oil market : oil prices have dropped by over 60 % since the start of the year and by 55 % in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This happened due to the effect of the coronavirus on the global economy and the risk of expanded supply . ''
He noted that the daily oil price moves surpass 10 % , which is `` a clear sign of uncertainty of market players about the next steps . ''
The Russian head of government explained that the situation with the novel coronavirus is the most significant factor affecting the economy and causing a drop in oil prices .
`` The global economy will begin to recover gradually only after the epidemiological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
`` The Russian oil industry is ready for such volatility , it is one of the most competitive [ industries ] in the world . ''
Mishustin added that Russian companies maintain their production volume .
`` As for petrol prices , the government and the Ministry of Energy monitor the supply of oil products to the market daily and exercise price control , '' he added .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories , among them Russia , which by now has over 250 cases , including over 130 cases in Moscow .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000 , with more than 10,000 deaths .
WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The global economy will begin to recover after the current situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) stabilizes, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during the government session on economic issues on Saturday. He added that Russia’s oil industry is ready for volatility on world markets.
"Today, the global economy is going through a very negative period, which directly affects the oil market: oil prices have dropped by over 60% since the start of the year and by 55% in the past month," Mishustin stated. "This happened due to the effect of the coronavirus on the global economy and the risk of expanded supply." He noted that the daily oil price moves surpass 10%, which is "a clear sign of uncertainty of market players about the next steps."
The Russian head of government explained that the situation with the novel coronavirus is the most significant factor affecting the economy and causing a drop in oil prices.
"The global economy will begin to recover gradually only after the epidemiological situation in the world normalizes," he added. "The Russian oil industry is ready for such volatility, it is one of the most competitive [industries] in the world."
Mishustin added that Russian companies maintain their production volume. "As for petrol prices, the government and the Ministry of Energy monitor the supply of oil products to the market daily and exercise price control," he added.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories, among them Russia, which by now has over 250 cases, including over 130 cases in Moscow. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000, with more than 10,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-22--Russia’s Defense Ministry to send some 100 virologists and epidemiologists to Italy

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry will send to Italy nearly 100 virologists and epidemiologists , and eight medical teams with equipment to provide assistance in combating the coronavirus , the ministry told reporters on Sunday .
`` A group of some 100 people is ready for the flight , which consists of leading specialists of the Russian Defense Ministry in the field of virology and epidemiology , who have major international experience in fighting against the epidemic along with modern equipment for diagnosing and carrying out disinfection efforts , '' the ministry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors and virologists to Italy .
The planes are ready to take off from Chkalovsky military airfield near Moscow .
Earlier , the Russian Defense Ministry reported that it was setting up an air group to deliver to Italy eight teams of military virologists and doctors , as well as medical equipment and disinfection systems for transport and territory starting from March 22 .
On Saturday , Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia ’ s readiness to provide necessary assistance during his phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
In particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mobile systems based on Kamaz trucks for aerosol disinfection of transport and territory , as well as medical and other equipment and brigades of Russian specialists for providing assistance in the worst-hit Italian regions .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry will send to Italy nearly 100 virologists and epidemiologists, and eight medical teams with equipment to provide assistance in combating the coronavirus, the ministry told reporters on Sunday.
"A group of some 100 people is ready for the flight, which consists of leading specialists of the Russian Defense Ministry in the field of virology and epidemiology, who have major international experience in fighting against the epidemic along with modern equipment for diagnosing and carrying out disinfection efforts," the ministry said.
Nine Il-76 aircraft will send the doctors and virologists to Italy. The planes are ready to take off from Chkalovsky military airfield near Moscow.
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that it was setting up an air group to deliver to Italy eight teams of military virologists and doctors, as well as medical equipment and disinfection systems for transport and territory starting from March 22.
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to provide necessary assistance during his phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. In particular, Russia plans to deliver protection kits, mobile systems based on Kamaz trucks for aerosol disinfection of transport and territory, as well as medical and other equipment and brigades of Russian specialists for providing assistance in the worst-hit Italian regions.


tass--2020-03-22--Over 163,000 coronavirus tests carried out in Russia

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
More than 163,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the laboratories of Russia @ @ @ @ @ Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , the sanitary watchdog reported .
`` @ @ @ @ @ some 163,529 laboratory tests on human material for the novel coronavirus have been carried out @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 52,000 are currently under medical supervision over coronavirus in Russia .
The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ China in late December 2019 .
Later more than 150 countries were hit by this @ @ @ @ @ as a pandemic by the World Health Organization .
According to the latest data , @ @ @ @ @ the virus and more than 12,000 have died .
A total of 306 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. More than 163,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the laboratories of Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, the sanitary watchdog reported.
"As of March 21, some 163,529 laboratory tests on human material for the novel coronavirus have been carried out," the watchdog said.
Some 52,000 are currently under medical supervision over coronavirus in Russia.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019. Later more than 150 countries were hit by this infection, which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, nearly 300,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died. A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-22--Gunman who plotted terrorist attack neutralized in Russia’s Bashkortostan

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s special services in Bashkortostan have killed a gunman who plotted @ @ @ @ @ National Anti-Terrorism Committee ’ s information center told TASS on Sunday .
At 17:00 on @ @ @ @ @ to stop a car with a gunman inside near Bashkortostan ’ s capital of Ufa @ @ @ @ @ lay down arms and surrender to the authorities he opened fire .
The gunman was @ @ @ @ @ '' the NAC said .
The gunman had been plotting to carry out a terrorist @ @ @ @ @ NAC ’ s data .
He had carried a gun and a self-made explosive , @ @ @ @ @ .
Neither security services personnel nor civilians were hurt in the operation .
A search @ @ @ @ @ launched .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. Russia’s special services in Bashkortostan have killed a gunman who plotted a terrorist attack, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee’s information center told TASS on Sunday.
At 17:00 on Saturday the security services attempted to stop a car with a gunman inside near Bashkortostan’s capital of Ufa. "When asked to lay down arms and surrender to the authorities he opened fire. The gunman was neutralized by return fire," the NAC said.
The gunman had been plotting to carry out a terrorist attack, according to the NAC’s data. He had carried a gun and a self-made explosive, which was ready for use.
Neither security services personnel nor civilians were hurt in the operation. A search effort and investigation has been launched.


tass--2020-03-22--Over 570 Russians evacuated from Uzbekistan’s capital

TASHKENT , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Aeroflot and Uzbekistan Airways have evacuated another 576 Russians from Tashkent to Moscow and Novosibirsk after Uzbekistan suspended transportation services with all countries amid the coronavirus spread , the Russian Embassy in the Uzbek capital said on Sunday .
`` On March 21 , 541 and 35 people were taken from Uzbekistan to Moscow and Novosibirsk by Aeroflot and Uzbekistan Airways flights , respectively , '' the Embassy said .
Earlier , Aeroflot carried out four charter flights from Tashkent to Moscow , evacuating 1,136 Russians .
On March 15 , Uzbekistan recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republic .
On the same day , authorities imposed quarantine in all kindergartens and educational institutions , canceled the celebration of Navruz , a holiday marking the beginning of spring .
Transportation services with all countries have been halted .
As of Sunday , 42 people were infected with coronavirus in the country .
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019 .
Later more than 150 countries were hit by this infection , which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died .
A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia .

TASHKENT, March 22. /TASS/. Aeroflot and Uzbekistan Airways have evacuated another 576 Russians from Tashkent to Moscow and Novosibirsk after Uzbekistan suspended transportation services with all countries amid the coronavirus spread, the Russian Embassy in the Uzbek capital said on Sunday.
"On March 21, 541 and 35 people were taken from Uzbekistan to Moscow and Novosibirsk by Aeroflot and Uzbekistan Airways flights, respectively," the Embassy said.
Earlier, Aeroflot carried out four charter flights from Tashkent to Moscow, evacuating 1,136 Russians.
On March 15, Uzbekistan recorded the first novel coronavirus case in the republic. On the same day, authorities imposed quarantine in all kindergartens and educational institutions, canceled the celebration of Navruz, a holiday marking the beginning of spring. Transportation services with all countries have been halted. As of Sunday, 42 people were infected with coronavirus in the country.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019. Later more than 150 countries were hit by this infection, which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, nearly 300,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died. A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-22--Moscow’s authorities won’t shut down metro over coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow metro won ’ t be shut down amid the spread of @ @ @ @ @ city mayor , Sergey Sobyanin , announced on Sunday .
`` It ’ s impossible @ @ @ @ @ In technological terms , the metro has been created so that trains must run constantly @ @ @ @ @ that all networks operate as normal .
If we stop the metro , we will @ @ @ @ @ half a year .
That ’ s why in any situation the metro will be @ @ @ @ @ Rossiya-1 TV channel , rejecting all rumors on preparations for closing the metro as nonsense @ @ @ @ @ recorded in central China in late December 2019 , but later hit more than 150 @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic by the World Health Organization .
According to the latest data , nearly @ @ @ @ @ virus and more than 11,000 have died .
A total of 306 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The Moscow metro won’t be shut down amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, the city mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, announced on Sunday.
"It’s impossible to stop the metro. In technological terms, the metro has been created so that trains must run constantly, pump the air so that all networks operate as normal. If we stop the metro, we will have to restore it for half a year. That’s why in any situation the metro will be working," Sobyanin told Rossiya-1 TV channel, rejecting all rumors on preparations for closing the metro as nonsense.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019, but later hit more than 150 countries and was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, nearly 270,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 11,000 have died. A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-22--US hospitals lack funds and may close in few weeks - newspaper

WASHINGTON , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
A number of the US hospitals experience serious lack of funding and will @ @ @ @ @ a few weeks without significant financial aid , American Hospital Association ( AHA ) said @ @ @ @ @ Post .
According to AHA , a decision to cancel non-urgent operations to free resources @ @ @ @ @ hospitals ’ most profitable services .
Besides , hospitals already face difficulties while procuring essential @ @ @ @ @ to hospital beds .
Suppliers demand immediate payment , but hospitals have no funds to @ @ @ @ @ says , adding that this situation takes place in the most affected states - Washington @ @ @ @ @ Jersey .
On Thursday , three leading associations of doctors and lower junior medical staff @ @ @ @ @ Association and American Nurse Association - have asked the Congress to approve $ 100 billion @ @ @ @ @ bid to prevent coronavirus infection spread .
According to the John Hopkins University , 25,400 @ @ @ @ @ registered in the US , at least 307 people died .

WASHINGTON, March 22. /TASS/. A number of the US hospitals experience serious lack of funding and will have to shut down in a few weeks without significant financial aid, American Hospital Association (AHA) said, according to The Washington Post.
According to AHA, a decision to cancel non-urgent operations to free resources for coronavirus patients took away hospitals’ most profitable services. Besides, hospitals already face difficulties while procuring essential goods - from personal protection to hospital beds. Suppliers demand immediate payment, but hospitals have no funds to do that, the report says, adding that this situation takes place in the most affected states - Washington, New York, New Jersey.
On Thursday, three leading associations of doctors and lower junior medical staff - AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurse Association - have asked the Congress to approve $100 billion to fund hospitals in a bid to prevent coronavirus infection spread.
According to the John Hopkins University, 25,400 coronavirus infection cases have been registered in the US, at least 307 people died.


tass--2020-03-22--Slovakia wants no escalation with Russia - Defense Minister

PRAGUE , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Slovakia under new Prime Minister Igor Matovic will ramp up its efforts on fulfilling its NATO obligations , but will not seek to escalate tensions with Russia , the new Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad ’ said Saturday .
`` Our entire government , its orientation , the program statement [ of the Cabinet ] and the staff of the Ministry [ of Defense ] will strictly [ fulfill obligations ] that stem from our NATO membership , '' he said .
`` That stall [ in Slovak activity ] , which we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is definitely over . ''
According to Nad ’ , the new Slovak government will take a reserved position towards Russia .
`` We don ’ t pretend as if Russia makes no steps that cross the line of friendly relations .
But this does not mean that tensions must escalate in our relations .
If we are treated in a friendly and responsible way , we will respond in kind , '' the Minister of Defense , known for his previous criticism of Russia , said .
The government of Slovakia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread is in effect , has been approved by the President Zuzana Caputova Saturday .

PRAGUE, March 22. /TASS/. Slovakia under new Prime Minister Igor Matovic will ramp up its efforts on fulfilling its NATO obligations, but will not seek to escalate tensions with Russia, the new Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad’ said Saturday.
"Our entire government, its orientation, the program statement [of the Cabinet] and the staff of the Ministry [of Defense] will strictly [fulfill obligations] that stem from our NATO membership," he said. "That stall [in Slovak activity], which we have seen during the last four years, is definitely over."
According to Nad’, the new Slovak government will take a reserved position towards Russia.
"We don’t pretend as if Russia makes no steps that cross the line of friendly relations. But this does not mean that tensions must escalate in our relations. If we are treated in a friendly and responsible way, we will respond in kind," the Minister of Defense, known for his previous criticism of Russia, said.
The government of Slovakia, where state of emergency over the coronavirus spread is in effect, has been approved by the President Zuzana Caputova Saturday.


tass--2020-03-22--US Vice President Pence has no coronavirus infection

WASHINGTON , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus tests of US Vice President Mike Pence his wife Karen were negative @ @ @ @ @ secretary Katie Miller announced in a tweet Saturday .
`` Pleased to report that the @ @ @ @ @ negative for both Vice President @ Mike_Pence and Second Lady @ KarenPence , '' she @ @ @ @ @ Pence said that he and his wife will undergo the coronavirus test .
He explained @ @ @ @ @ administration has been infected earlier , but added that neither he , nor US President @ @ @ @ @ directly .
Pence asserted that there is no reason to believe he could have been @ @ @ @ @ undergo the test our of caution .
According to data by John Hopkins University , @ @ @ @ @ registered in the US , at least 307 people died .

WASHINGTON, March 22. /TASS/. Coronavirus tests of US Vice President Mike Pence his wife Karen were negative, Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller announced in a tweet Saturday.
"Pleased to report that the COVID-19 test results came back negative for both Vice President @Mike_Pence and Second Lady @KarenPence," she tweeted.
On Saturday, Pence said that he and his wife will undergo the coronavirus test. He explained that an employee of the administration has been infected earlier, but added that neither he, nor US President Donald Trump contacted the employee directly.
Pence asserted that there is no reason to believe he could have been infected and that he will undergo the test our of caution.
According to data by John Hopkins University, 25,400 coronavirus cases have been registered in the US, at least 307 people died.


tass--2020-03-22--Russia launches OneWeb satellites, despite coronavirus pandemic

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
UK-made OneWeb satellites have been successfully launched into orbit , thanks to efforts of Russian and foreign companies , who made it possible , despite difficult epidemiologic situation in the world , Glavkosmos CEO Dmitry Loskutov said Saturday .
On March 21 , the launch has been conducted within the agreement between Glavkosmos and France ’ s Arianespace .
A Soyuz-2.1b rocket has taken 34 OneWeb satellites to orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome , increasing the constellation to 74 units .
The first six satellites have been launches from the Kourou Space Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
On February 7 , 2020 , 34 more satellites have been launched .
Later in 2020 , the UK-made satellites will be launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome for the first time .
Overall , OneWeb seeks to deploy about 600 satellites and begin their commercial use in 2020 .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province , it spread across China and then throughout the world , affecting more than 150 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the latest reports , over 270,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surged to over 11,000 .
The epidemic caused all operations to stop at the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana .
The Center underscored that such measures seek to protect the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , required for preparations for future launches .
A source told TASS that Russian staffers continued to work at the Kourou Center even after coronavirus infection was discovered in the neighboring settlement .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. UK-made OneWeb satellites have been successfully launched into orbit, thanks to efforts of Russian and foreign companies, who made it possible, despite difficult epidemiologic situation in the world, Glavkosmos CEO Dmitry Loskutov said Saturday.
On March 21, the launch has been conducted within the agreement between Glavkosmos and France’s Arianespace. A Soyuz-2.1b rocket has taken 34 OneWeb satellites to orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, increasing the constellation to 74 units.
The first six satellites have been launches from the Kourou Space Center via Soyuz-ST missile on February 28, 2019. On February 7, 2020, 34 more satellites have been launched. Later in 2020, the UK-made satellites will be launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome for the first time.
Overall, OneWeb seeks to deploy about 600 satellites and begin their commercial use in 2020.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then throughout the world, affecting more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. According to the latest reports, over 270,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surged to over 11,000.
The epidemic caused all operations to stop at the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana. The Center underscored that such measures seek to protect the health of the employees and to provide safety, required for preparations for future launches. A source told TASS that Russian staffers continued to work at the Kourou Center even after coronavirus infection was discovered in the neighboring settlement.


tass--2020-03-22--Hundreds of passengers, including Russian nationals remain aboard a ship in port of Savona

ROME , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Several hundred passengers , including Russian nationals , remain stranded aboard the Costa Luminosa cruise ship , docked in Italy ’ s Savona .
According to ANSA report news agency report , the first batch of tourists - primarily Italian nationals from nearby regions - began disembarking Saturday .
According to the report , 84 people remain in isolation aboard the ship after several coronavirus cases have been discovered .
All infected passengers stepped ashore during the ship ’ s previous stop at the port of Marcel .
The disembarkment will continue Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Civil Protection and the Italian Red Cross .
There are people from countries who have completely cut air service with Italy aboard the ship .
Earlier , Costa Crociere company , the owner of the Costa Luminosa , told TASS that there are 10 Russian nationals aboard the ship .
Russia ’ s Aeroflot continues flights between Moscow and Rome .
The Italian authorities discuss the procedure of the evacuation of the foreigners at the moment .
Russian Consulate General in Genoa monitors the situation and remains in contact with local authorities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian nationals from another ship , Costa Pacifica , have been successfully transported from Genoa to Rome for a flight to Moscow .
The authorities of Italy ’ s Veneto region have already denied docking in Venice to another ship , Costa Victoria , which was scheduled to arrive there on March 28 .

ROME, March 22. /TASS/. Several hundred passengers, including Russian nationals, remain stranded aboard the Costa Luminosa cruise ship, docked in Italy’s Savona. According to ANSA report news agency report, the first batch of tourists - primarily Italian nationals from nearby regions - began disembarking Saturday.
According to the report, 84 people remain in isolation aboard the ship after several coronavirus cases have been discovered. All infected passengers stepped ashore during the ship’s previous stop at the port of Marcel. The disembarkment will continue Sunday, with assistance of the Department of Civil Protection and the Italian Red Cross. There are people from countries who have completely cut air service with Italy aboard the ship.
Earlier, Costa Crociere company, the owner of the Costa Luminosa, told TASS that there are 10 Russian nationals aboard the ship. Russia’s Aeroflot continues flights between Moscow and Rome. The Italian authorities discuss the procedure of the evacuation of the foreigners at the moment. Russian Consulate General in Genoa monitors the situation and remains in contact with local authorities.
On Saturday, 37 Russian and 4 Belarusian nationals from another ship, Costa Pacifica, have been successfully transported from Genoa to Rome for a flight to Moscow.
The authorities of Italy’s Veneto region have already denied docking in Venice to another ship, Costa Victoria, which was scheduled to arrive there on March 28.


tass--2020-03-22--Russia ready to send doctors, medical equipment to coronavirus-hit Italy

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Aerospace Forces are ready to fly teams of Russian virologists and medical equipment to coronavirus-stricken Italy starting Sunday , the Defense Ministry said on Saturday .
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s instruction , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave orders to set up an air group `` for urgent aid deliveries to the Italian Republic for anti-coronavirus efforts , starting on March 22 , '' the Defense Ministry said .
`` As soon as Italy is ready , the Russian Aerospace Forces ’ military transport aircraft will fly eight mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vehicles for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories , as well as medical equipment to the republic , '' the defense ministry said .
Italy has confirmed its readiness to accept Russian Aerospace Forces ’ planes .
On March 21 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed aid delivery in a phone call with his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini .
`` During the call , the Italian defense chief confirmed [ Italy ’ s ] readiness to accept Russian planes with specialists , vehicles and equipment , starting March 22 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia for promptly providing aid to fight the pandemic in accordance with an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
Earlier in the day , President Putin phoned the Italian premier .
The Kremlin ’ s press office said that the Russian president reassured him of Moscow ’ s readiness to promptly provide all necessary help and furnished information on its practical parameters .
In particular , the supplies of protective means and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying disinfectants over transport and in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment are to be delivered .
In addition , Russian specialists are going to be dispatched to the country ’ s worst-hit regions for practical assistance .
According to the latest reports , the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy .
The country has reported that 42,681 people have been infected with the deadly virus , up 4,871 from Friday ’ s figures .
That said , over 6,000 people have recovered from the deadly disease .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The Russian Aerospace Forces are ready to fly teams of Russian virologists and medical equipment to coronavirus-stricken Italy starting Sunday, the Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s instruction, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave orders to set up an air group "for urgent aid deliveries to the Italian Republic for anti-coronavirus efforts, starting on March 22," the Defense Ministry said.
"As soon as Italy is ready, the Russian Aerospace Forces’ military transport aircraft will fly eight mobile teams of Russian military virologists and doctors, vehicles for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories, as well as medical equipment to the republic," the defense ministry said.
Italy has confirmed its readiness to accept Russian Aerospace Forces’ planes.
On March 21, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed aid delivery in a phone call with his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini. "During the call, the Italian defense chief confirmed [Italy’s] readiness to accept Russian planes with specialists, vehicles and equipment, starting March 22," the Ministry said.
Guerini also thanked Russia for promptly providing aid to fight the pandemic in accordance with an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
Earlier in the day, President Putin phoned the Italian premier. The Kremlin’s press office said that the Russian president reassured him of Moscow’s readiness to promptly provide all necessary help and furnished information on its practical parameters. In particular, the supplies of protective means and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying disinfectants over transport and in the areas as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered. In addition, Russian specialists are going to be dispatched to the country’s worst-hit regions for practical assistance.
According to the latest reports, the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy. The country has reported that 42,681 people have been infected with the deadly virus, up 4,871 from Friday’s figures. That said, over 6,000 people have recovered from the deadly disease.


tass--2020-03-23--Ministry initiates compensation to tour operators for carryings tourists back to Russia

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The measures proposed by the Russian Economic Development Ministry to support tour operators and air carriers envision compensations for carrying tourists back and for the cost of cancelled non-refundable tickets , a source in the ministry ’ s press service told TASS , adding that the package of proposals has been drafted together with the Federal Agency for Tourism .
Earlier the ministry submitted to the government a draft decree on settlement of losses incurred by tour operators and air carriers due to cancellation of tours and suspension of flights over the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures it is suggested that state support will be provided to tour operators in the form of subsidies to compensate for losses incurred by them due to restrictions related to prevention of the global coronavirus spread .
Losses of tour operators incurred in the period from January 24 to March 30 , 2020 in implementation of the travel product by them and connected with ( non-refundable tariffs of air carriers ) are subject to compensation , '' the source said .
The support measures include compensation for expenses of charter and regular flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also planned to compensate for expenses related to carrying tourists back to the Russian Federation to tour operators .
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
According to the latest figures provided by the World Health Organization , over 270,000 individuals worldwide have got infected and around 11,000 have died .
In Russia , 306 infection cases have been registered .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The measures proposed by the Russian Economic Development Ministry to support tour operators and air carriers envision compensations for carrying tourists back and for the cost of cancelled non-refundable tickets, a source in the ministry’s press service told TASS, adding that the package of proposals has been drafted together with the Federal Agency for Tourism.
Earlier the ministry submitted to the government a draft decree on settlement of losses incurred by tour operators and air carriers due to cancellation of tours and suspension of flights over the coronavirus pandemic.
"As one of such measures it is suggested that state support will be provided to tour operators in the form of subsidies to compensate for losses incurred by them due to restrictions related to prevention of the global coronavirus spread. Losses of tour operators incurred in the period from January 24 to March 30, 2020 in implementation of the travel product by them and connected with (non-refundable tariffs of air carriers) are subject to compensation," the source said.
The support measures include compensation for expenses of charter and regular flights, the ministry noted. It is also planned to compensate for expenses related to carrying tourists back to the Russian Federation to tour operators.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the latest figures provided by the World Health Organization, over 270,000 individuals worldwide have got infected and around 11,000 have died. In Russia, 306 infection cases have been registered.


tass--2020-03-23--Kremlin spokesman: Putin doesn't plan to work from home, at least so far

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin so far dose not plan to shift to work @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation , Putin 's press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the president is planned .
At least so far .
His working schedule is routine @ @ @ @ @ A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 @ @ @ @ @ Russia , which by now has 367 cases .
The World Health Organization says that @ @ @ @ @ the globe have exceeded 300,000 , with more than 13,000 deaths .
The World Health @ @ @ @ @ officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .
In order to @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus situation in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin so far dose not plan to shift to work from home because of the coronavirus situation, Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Sunday.
"No work from home for the president is planned. At least so far. His working schedule is routine," he said.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 367 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 300,000, with more than 13,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic. In order to keep the citizens updated on the coronavirus situation in Russia.


tass--2020-03-23--Abkhazian opposition leader Bzhania winning presidential polls with 57.83%

SUKHUM , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia 's opposition leader Aslan Bzhania is leading Sunday 's rerun presidential polls @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for his election campaign team told TASS on Sunday after counting ballots @ @ @ @ @ stations .
His rival , Economic Minister Adgur Ardzinba , is scoring 35.2 % of @ @ @ @ @ candidate , former Interior Minister Leonid Dzapshba , has only about one percent of votes @ @ @ @ @ Elections Commission has not yet announced preliminary results .

SUKHUM, March 22. /TASS/. Abkhazia's opposition leader Aslan Bzhania is leading Sunday's rerun presidential polls with 57.83% of votes, a spokesman for his election campaign team told TASS on Sunday after counting ballots at the majority of polling stations.
His rival, Economic Minister Adgur Ardzinba, is scoring 35.2% of yhe vote. The third candidate, former Interior Minister Leonid Dzapshba, has only about one percent of votes.
The republic's Central Elections Commission has not yet announced preliminary results.


tass--2020-03-23--Almost 500 Russian, CIS nationals to be evacuated from Morocco on March 23

RABAT , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Almost 500 Russian and CIS nationals are expected to be evacuated from Morocco 's Casablanca on Monday , a spokesman for the Russian embassy in that country told TASS on Sunday .
`` A flight from Moscow is expected to arrive in the morning on March 23 to evacuate Russian nationals and citizens of the CIS countries who want to return to Russia and whose names are on the lists complied by the embassy and the consulate general in Casablanca , '' the spokesman said , adding that most of about 500 such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia , these people will placed under quarantine or in self-isolation .
According to the spokesman , the embassy and the consulate general will provide motor vehicles to take Russians and CIS nationals from Morocco 's cities of Marrakesh , Fez , Tangier , Casablanca , Agadir , El Jadida , Rabat during the night to March 23 .
Morocco imposed an emergency sanitary regime in the evening on Macrh 20 in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Movements in public places have been banned and people are strongly advised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of private vehicles and public transport between cities was imposed overnight to March 22 .
The first coronavirus case in Morocco was confirmed on March 2 .
Since then , as many as 109 people have contracted the infection , three have died and another three have recovered .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 367 cases .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 300,000 , with more than 13,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

RABAT, March 22. /TASS/. Almost 500 Russian and CIS nationals are expected to be evacuated from Morocco's Casablanca on Monday, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in that country told TASS on Sunday.
"A flight from Moscow is expected to arrive in the morning on March 23 to evacuate Russian nationals and citizens of the CIS countries who want to return to Russia and whose names are on the lists complied by the embassy and the consulate general in Casablanca," the spokesman said, adding that most of about 500 such people are Russians.
Upon return to Russia, these people will placed under quarantine or in self-isolation.
According to the spokesman, the embassy and the consulate general will provide motor vehicles to take Russians and CIS nationals from Morocco's cities of Marrakesh, Fez, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, El Jadida, Rabat during the night to March 23.
Morocco imposed an emergency sanitary regime in the evening on Macrh 20 in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Movements in public places have been banned and people are strongly advised to stay home. A ban on movement of private vehicles and public transport between cities was imposed overnight to March 22.
The first coronavirus case in Morocco was confirmed on March 2. Since then, as many as 109 people have contracted the infection, three have died and another three have recovered.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 367 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 300,000, with more than 13,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-22--Merkel to be placed under quarantine at home after contact with infected doctor

BERLIN , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be placed under quarantine at home after contacts @ @ @ @ @ later diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , German government spokesman , Steffen Seibert said on @ @ @ @ @ 's meeting with journalists , the chancellor was told that the doctor who gave her @ @ @ @ @ has tested positive for the coronavirus , '' he said .
`` The chancellor decided @ @ @ @ @ at home . ''
However , in his words , she will continue to perform @ @ @ @ @ , the overall number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany stands at 18,600 .
Fifty-five @ @ @ @

BERLIN, March 22. /TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be placed under quarantine at home after contacts with a doctor who was later diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, German government spokesman, Steffen Seibert said on Sunday.
"After today's meeting with journalists, the chancellor was told that the doctor who gave her a preventive inoculation on Friday has tested positive for the coronavirus," he said. "The chancellor decided to immediately go on quarantine at home."
However, in his words, she will continue to perform her duties.
By now, the overall number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany stands at 18,600. Fifty-five patients have died.


tass--2020-03-22--Number of coronavirus cases in Moscow up to 191 in past day - taskforce

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Fifty-four more novel coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow in the past day , with overal number of such cases reaching 191 , a spokesman for the city 's coronavirus response taskforce said on Sunday .
`` Fifty-four coronavirus infection cases have been confirmed in Moscow .
By now , a total of 191 cases have been registered in the capital city , '' the spokesman said .
All contacts of the new pateints , including those who were onboard the same flights with them , have been traced .
The have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The newly exposed coronavirus patients arrived by flifgts SU 2383 from Geneva on March 11 , 202 ; ·· 422 from Riga on March 16 , 2020 ; SU 2463 from Paris on March 16 , 2020 ; SU 2193 from Amsterdam on March 17 , 2020 ; and SU 2501 from Madrid on March 17 , 2020 , '' the spokesman said and called on all those who were onboard these flights to call a doctor and refrain from going outside , including to visit a medical establishment .
A pneumonia outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 367 cases .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 300,000 , with more than 13,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
In order to keep the citizens updated on the coronavirus situation in Russia , the government has launched a website at http : //···············.·· .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. Fifty-four more novel coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow in the past day, with overal number of such cases reaching 191, a spokesman for the city's coronavirus response taskforce said on Sunday.
"Fifty-four coronavirus infection cases have been confirmed in Moscow. By now, a total of 191 cases have been registered in the capital city," the spokesman said.
All contacts of the new pateints, including those who were onboard the same flights with them, have been traced. The have been placed under medical supervision.
"The newly exposed coronavirus patients arrived by flifgts SU 2383 from Geneva on March 11, 202; ·· 422 from Riga on March 16, 2020; SU 2463 from Paris on March 16, 2020; SU 2193 from Amsterdam on March 17, 2020; and SU 2501 from Madrid on March 17, 2020," the spokesman said and called on all those who were onboard these flights to call a doctor and refrain from going outside, including to visit a medical establishment.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 367 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 300,000, with more than 13,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic. In order to keep the citizens updated on the coronavirus situation in Russia, the government has launched a website at http://···············.··.


tass--2020-03-22--Third plane with Russian virologists heads to Italy

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The third Il-76 military plane of Russia ’ s Aerospace Defense Forces with virologists , doctors and equipment departed for Italy to provide assistance in combating the novel coronavirus outbreak , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Sunday .
`` The third Il-76 plane of Russia ’ s Aerospace Defense Forces departed from Chkalovsky military airfield with Russian military specialists and equipment for the Italian Republic to provide assistance in fighting against the coronavirus , '' the ministry said .
The military aircraft will head to the Italian Air Force ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 km to the southwest of Rome .
It will deliver `` a task force of military doctors , specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology with modern equipment on diagnosing and carrying out disinfection events . ''
Two more Russian planes with specialists and medical equipment took off for Italy earlier on Sunday .
The Russian defense ministry said earlier that at President Vladimir Putin 's instruction it had set up an air taskforce of nine Il-76 planes to deliver to Italy eight mobile brigades of medics and about 100 military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport vehicles and territories , as well as medical equipment .
In a telephone conversation with Italian Prime MInister Giuseppe Conte , Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia 's readiness to offer urgent assistance to Italy to help it cope with the novel coronavirus infection .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The third Il-76 military plane of Russia’s Aerospace Defense Forces with virologists, doctors and equipment departed for Italy to provide assistance in combating the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Sunday.
"The third Il-76 plane of Russia’s Aerospace Defense Forces departed from Chkalovsky military airfield with Russian military specialists and equipment for the Italian Republic to provide assistance in fighting against the coronavirus," the ministry said.
The military aircraft will head to the Italian Air Force’s military airport Pratica di Mare, some 30 km to the southwest of Rome. It will deliver "a task force of military doctors, specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology with modern equipment on diagnosing and carrying out disinfection events."
Two more Russian planes with specialists and medical equipment took off for Italy earlier on Sunday.
The Russian defense ministry said earlier that at President Vladimir Putin's instruction it had set up an air taskforce of nine Il-76 planes to deliver to Italy eight mobile brigades of medics and about 100 military viroligists and epidemiologists, equipment for disinfecting transport vehicles and territories, as well as medical equipment.
In a telephone conversation with Italian Prime MInister Giuseppe Conte, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to offer urgent assistance to Italy to help it cope with the novel coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-03-22--Coronavirus cases in Russia rise to 367

Coronavirus cases in Russia rise to 367

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Russia has grown by 61 to 367 over the past day , with 54 of them in Moscow , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday .
`` Over the past day , 61 coronavirus cases have been registered in six regions in Russia , '' the center said .
Fifty-four cases have been recorded in Moscow , one in the Novgorod Region , two in the Kirov Region , one in the Arkhangelsk Region , one in the Bryansk Region and two cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infection has been brought to Russia from European countries , the crisis center said .
As of now , a total of 16 people have recovered , including 13 Russians , two Chinese and one Italian .
Three Russians from the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan have been discharged from hospital .
Earlier , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said there were no reasons to panic over the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia .
All measures taken by the Russian government are preventive , she stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries , that is , in January , the infection was spreading to a limited extent .
According to preliminary data for 2020 , there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths .
In a number of regions , there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the same period last year .
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019 .
More than 160 countries have been hit by this infection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization .
According to the latest data , nearly 300,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died .
A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Russia has grown by 61 to 367 over the past day, with 54 of them in Moscow, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday.
"Over the past day, 61 coronavirus cases have been registered in six regions in Russia," the center said. Fifty-four cases have been recorded in Moscow, one in the Novgorod Region, two in the Kirov Region, one in the Arkhangelsk Region, one in the Bryansk Region and two cases in the republic of Udmurtia.
The coronavirus infection has been brought to Russia from European countries, the crisis center said.
As of now, a total of 16 people have recovered, including 13 Russians, two Chinese and one Italian. Three Russians from the coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan have been discharged from hospital.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said there were no reasons to panic over the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia. All measures taken by the Russian government are preventive, she stressed. Golikova added that, due to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries, that is, in January, the infection was spreading to a limited extent. According to preliminary data for 2020, there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths. In a number of regions, there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the same period last year.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019. More than 160 countries have been hit by this infection, which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, nearly 300,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died. A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-22--No plans to impose tough quarantine in Russia, crisis center says

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia won ’ t impose any tough quarantine in the near future , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday , stressing that recent measures are enough to deal with the coronavirus spread at the current level .
`` No tough quarantine will be introduced soon .
The range of measures , which are currently being taken , are enough and are fully in line with the current level of the spread of infection in the country , '' the crisis center said .
Earlier , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia .
All measures taken by the Russian government are preventive , she stressed .
Golikova added that , due to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries , that is , in January , the infection was spreading to a limited extent .
According to preliminary data for 2020 , there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths .
In a number of regions , there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019 .
More than 160 countries have been hit by this infection , which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization .
According to the latest data , nearly 300,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died .
A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. Russia won’t impose any tough quarantine in the near future, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday, stressing that recent measures are enough to deal with the coronavirus spread at the current level.
"No tough quarantine will be introduced soon. The range of measures, which are currently being taken, are enough and are fully in line with the current level of the spread of infection in the country," the crisis center said.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said there were no reasons to panic over the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia. All measures taken by the Russian government are preventive, she stressed. Golikova added that, due to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries, that is, in January, the infection was spreading to a limited extent. According to preliminary data for 2020, there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths. In a number of regions, there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the same period last year.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019. More than 160 countries have been hit by this infection, which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, nearly 300,000 people have contracted the virus and more than 12,000 have died. A total of 306 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-22--Russia sends second plane with virologists to Italy

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The second plane of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry with military virologists and equipment headed to Italy , the ministry told reporters on Sunday .
`` The second Il-76 plane of Russia ’ s Aerospace Defense Forces with Russian military specialists and equipment onboard departed from Chkalovsky airfield ( in the Moscow Region ) to the Italian Republic , '' the ministry said .
The Il-76 aircraft will head to the Italian Air Force ’ s military airport Pratica di Mare , some 30 km to the southwest of Rome .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology with modern equipment on diagnosing and carrying out disinfection events .
Earlier in the day , the first plane with a task force of Russian military doctors and specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology was sent to Italy .
The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier that it was setting up an air group to deliver to Italy eight teams of doctors and nearly 100 military virologists and epidemiologists , as well as medical equipment and disinfection systems for transport and territory starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia ’ s readiness to provide necessary assistance during his phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
In particular , Russia plans to deliver protection kits , mobile systems based on Kamaz trucks for aerosol disinfection of transport and territory , as well as medical and other equipment and teams of Russian specialists for providing assistance in the worst-hit Italian regions .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The second plane of Russia’s Defense Ministry with military virologists and equipment headed to Italy, the ministry told reporters on Sunday.
"The second Il-76 plane of Russia’s Aerospace Defense Forces with Russian military specialists and equipment onboard departed from Chkalovsky airfield (in the Moscow Region) to the Italian Republic," the ministry said.
The Il-76 aircraft will head to the Italian Air Force’s military airport Pratica di Mare, some 30 km to the southwest of Rome. It will deliver a task force of military doctors, specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology with modern equipment on diagnosing and carrying out disinfection events.
Earlier in the day, the first plane with a task force of Russian military doctors and specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology was sent to Italy.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported earlier that it was setting up an air group to deliver to Italy eight teams of doctors and nearly 100 military virologists and epidemiologists, as well as medical equipment and disinfection systems for transport and territory starting from March 22.
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to provide necessary assistance during his phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. In particular, Russia plans to deliver protection kits, mobile systems based on Kamaz trucks for aerosol disinfection of transport and territory, as well as medical and other equipment and teams of Russian specialists for providing assistance in the worst-hit Italian regions.


tass--2020-03-22--First plane with Russian virologists heads to Italy

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The first Il-76 military plane of Russia ’ s Aerospace Defense Forces with virologists , doctors and equipment departed for Italy to provide assistance in combating the novel coronavirus outbreak , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Sunday .
`` The first Il-76 plane of Russia ’ s Aerospace Defense Forces departed from Chkalovsky military airfield with Russian military specialists and equipment for the Italian Republic to provide assistance in fighting against the coronavirus , '' the ministry said .
The military aircraft will head to the Italian Air Force ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 km to the southwest of Rome .
It will deliver `` a task force of military doctors , specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology with modern equipment on diagnosing and carrying out disinfection events . ''
Earlier , the Russian Defense Ministry reported that it was setting up an air group to deliver to Italy eight teams of military virologists and doctors , as well as medical equipment and disinfection systems for transport and territory starting from March 22 .
On Saturday , Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
In particular , Russia plans to deliver protection kits , mobile systems based on Kamaz trucks for aerosol disinfection of transport and territory , as well as medical and other equipment and teams of Russian specialists for providing assistance in the worst-hit Italian regions .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The first Il-76 military plane of Russia’s Aerospace Defense Forces with virologists, doctors and equipment departed for Italy to provide assistance in combating the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Sunday.
"The first Il-76 plane of Russia’s Aerospace Defense Forces departed from Chkalovsky military airfield with Russian military specialists and equipment for the Italian Republic to provide assistance in fighting against the coronavirus," the ministry said.
The military aircraft will head to the Italian Air Force’s military airport Pratica di Mare, some 30 km to the southwest of Rome. It will deliver "a task force of military doctors, specialists in the field of virology and epidemiology with modern equipment on diagnosing and carrying out disinfection events."
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that it was setting up an air group to deliver to Italy eight teams of military virologists and doctors, as well as medical equipment and disinfection systems for transport and territory starting from March 22.
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia’s readiness to provide necessary assistance during his phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. In particular, Russia plans to deliver protection kits, mobile systems based on Kamaz trucks for aerosol disinfection of transport and territory, as well as medical and other equipment and teams of Russian specialists for providing assistance in the worst-hit Italian regions.


tass--2020-03-22--Russia ready to launch multi-satellite orbital groups - Roscosmos chief

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of British OneWeb communications satellites on March 21 by the Soyuz 2.1b carrier rocket showed that Russia is ready for deploying multi-satellite orbital groups , Head of Roscosmos space corporation Dmitry Rogozin said on Sunday .
`` By this launch we proved that our equipment is ready for a swift deployment of multi-satellite groups of complex orbital configuration , '' Rogozin wrote on his Twitter account .
The Soyuz 2.1b rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites blasted off at 20:06 Moscow Time on March 21 from the Baikonur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were delivered to the designated orbits .
This launch expanded OneWeb ’ s constellation to 74 satellites in low Earth orbit .
The first six OneWeb satellites were launched on February 28 , 2019 from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket .
Another 34 satellites were sent to the orbit by the Soyuz 2.1b rocket from the Baikonur spaceport on February 7 .
Later in 2020 , the UK-made communications satellites will be launched from the Vostochny spaceport in Russia 's Far East for the first time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 satellites in low Earth orbit .
By 2021 , the British company expects to ensure full-time communication for users around the globe .
Russia plans to create its own multi-satellite orbital group Sfera in the future .
Earlier , Rogozin announced that Roscosmos would allocate funds in 2020 to launch the works on creating the layout of the Sfera orbital group .
The Sfera program was highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual Q & A session on June 7 , 2018 .
Russia plans to launch over 600 communications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next few years , he said .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The launch of British OneWeb communications satellites on March 21 by the Soyuz 2.1b carrier rocket showed that Russia is ready for deploying multi-satellite orbital groups, Head of Roscosmos space corporation Dmitry Rogozin said on Sunday.
"By this launch we proved that our equipment is ready for a swift deployment of multi-satellite groups of complex orbital configuration," Rogozin wrote on his Twitter account.
The Soyuz 2.1b rocket with the Fregat-M booster and 34 OneWeb satellites blasted off at 20:06 Moscow Time on March 21 from the Baikonur spaceport. Several hours later all satellites were delivered to the designated orbits. This launch expanded OneWeb’s constellation to 74 satellites in low Earth orbit.
The first six OneWeb satellites were launched on February 28, 2019 from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket. Another 34 satellites were sent to the orbit by the Soyuz 2.1b rocket from the Baikonur spaceport on February 7. Later in 2020, the UK-made communications satellites will be launched from the Vostochny spaceport in Russia's Far East for the first time.
Overall, OneWeb plans to deploy some 600 satellites in low Earth orbit. By 2021, the British company expects to ensure full-time communication for users around the globe.
Russia plans to create its own multi-satellite orbital group Sfera in the future. Earlier, Rogozin announced that Roscosmos would allocate funds in 2020 to launch the works on creating the layout of the Sfera orbital group.
The Sfera program was highlighted by Russian President Vladimir Putin during his annual Q&A session on June 7, 2018. Russia plans to launch over 600 communications and Earth’s remote sensing satellites in the next few years, he said.


tass--2020-03-23--Putin instructs authorities to ensure supply of all necessary means to battle coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that production of all materials citizens and specialists @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus be boosted .
`` I very much hope that you , your colleagues @ @ @ @ @ ... > will do everything necessary to supply all the necessary materials , devices , @ @ @ @ @ need it , and our special services , units working directly with risk groups , @ @ @ @ @ meeting with Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov .
According to the head of state @ @ @ @ @ employees of the Emergencies Ministry , border , customs and other services should have `` @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` And I am asking you to brief me regularly as the production @ @ @ @ @ president instructed the minister .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that production of all materials citizens and specialists need to battle the spread of coronavirus be boosted.
"I very much hope that you, your colleagues, and industry representatives <...> will do everything necessary to supply all the necessary materials, devices, medical equipment to citizens who need it, and our special services, units working directly with risk groups," Putin said at a meeting with Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov.
According to the head of state, the medical personnel, employees of the Emergencies Ministry, border, customs and other services should have "everything necessary for their work."
"And I am asking you to brief me regularly as the production volumes increase," the president instructed the minister.


tass--2020-03-23--Russian Northern Fleet anti-aircraft gunners eliminate enemy armor in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 surface-to-air missile/gun systems from the Northern Fleet ’ s tactical force stationed on Kotelny Island of the New Siberian Islands archipelago practiced delivering fire against ground targets during drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` The anti-aircraft gunners delivered fire against the targets that simulated a notional enemy ’ s combat hardware .
The mock-ups of armored personnel carriers and snowmobiles located at a distance of three kilometers from the air defense missile systems were used as the targets .
All the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the [ Pantsyr-S1 ] systems ’ rapid-fire guns , '' the press office said in a statement .
All the Pantsyr-S1 systems in service with the Northern Fleet and operational on Kotelny Island are adapted to low temperatures and are capable of accomplishing combat assignments in the Arctic without any additional adjustments , the press office specified .
The Pantsyr-S1 ( NATO reporting name : SA-22 Greyhound ) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities , including long-range air defense systems , from all modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns , each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second , as well as 12 anti-aircraft missiles .

MURMANSK, March 23. /TASS/. The combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 surface-to-air missile/gun systems from the Northern Fleet’s tactical force stationed on Kotelny Island of the New Siberian Islands archipelago practiced delivering fire against ground targets during drills, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"The anti-aircraft gunners delivered fire against the targets that simulated a notional enemy’s combat hardware. The mock-ups of armored personnel carriers and snowmobiles located at a distance of three kilometers from the air defense missile systems were used as the targets. All the targets were successfully struck by the fire from the [Pantsyr-S1] systems’ rapid-fire guns," the press office said in a statement.
All the Pantsyr-S1 systems in service with the Northern Fleet and operational on Kotelny Island are adapted to low temperatures and are capable of accomplishing combat assignments in the Arctic without any additional adjustments, the press office specified.
The Pantsyr-S1 (NATO reporting name: SA-22 Greyhound) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities, including long-range air defense systems, from all modern and future air attack weapons.
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns, each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second, as well as 12 anti-aircraft missiles.


tass--2020-03-23--Putin keeps working, but avoiding mass events — Kremlin

`` The president keeps working .
No mass events are planned , they are off the table — it would be irresponsible to do otherwise , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to work as usual , but he is not going to take part in mass events due to the coronavirus threat , Kremlin spokesman , Dmitry Peskov said Monday , adding that parties to the meetings with the president would be tested for coronavirus .
Kremlin spokesman : Putin does n't plan to work from home , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially if it is president ’ s work .
It goes beyond the criteria , named in restrictive and recommendation papers , '' he said .
However , the spokesman recalled that participants of last week ’ s event in Crimea were tested for coronavirus ahead of the president ’ s arrival .
`` We ask medical specialists to arrange tests for public events ’ participants in advance .
I think we will continue to adhere to this practice , '' Peskov stated .
The spokesman noted that `` the president lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in his apartment . ''
`` He has an apartment in Moscow , but he does not live there , he lives in a state residence , '' Peskov commented .
According to Peskov , `` the president usually lives where he works and vice versa . ''
Therefore , the concept of working from home for Putin is relative .

"The president keeps working. No mass events are planned, they are off the table — it would be irresponsible to do otherwise," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to work as usual, but he is not going to take part in mass events due to the coronavirus threat, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said Monday, adding that parties to the meetings with the president would be tested for coronavirus.
Kremlin spokesman: Putin doesn't plan to work from home, at least so far
"Work is work, especially if it is president’s work. It goes beyond the criteria, named in restrictive and recommendation papers," he said.
However, the spokesman recalled that participants of last week’s event in Crimea were tested for coronavirus ahead of the president’s arrival.
"We ask medical specialists to arrange tests for public events’ participants in advance. I think we will continue to adhere to this practice," Peskov stated.
The spokesman noted that "the president lives in state residences, he does not live in his apartment."
"He has an apartment in Moscow, but he does not live there, he lives in a state residence," Peskov commented. According to Peskov, "the president usually lives where he works and vice versa." Therefore, the concept of working from home for Putin is relative.


tass--2020-03-23--Too early to announce Russia’s initiatives for virtual G20 summit — Kremlin

On March 18 , the Saudi Press Agency reported that Riyadh planned to call a virtual emergency summit of the G20 group to discuss the coronavirus situation MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
No final decision has been made yet on holding a virtual G20 summit and it is too early to say what initiatives Russia could present at the event , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` It is too early to speak about it , '' he said when asked if Russia would put forward any initiatives at the summit .
According to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outline ways to hold a virtual summit as the sherpas of G20 member states `` maintain contact over its agenda , based on the understanding that there is only one major topic , the fight against the coronavirus . ''
On March 18 , the Saudi Press Agency reported that Riyadh planned to call a virtual emergency summit of the G20 group to discuss the coronavirus situation .
Saudi Arabia is presiding over the G20 this year .
The 2020 summit of the group is scheduled for November .
In late December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in more than 190 countries and territories , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 345,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 14,900 have died .
Russia has identified 438 cases so far , 17 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched an Internet hotline to keep the population informed about the coronavirus situation .

On March 18, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Riyadh planned to call a virtual emergency summit of the G20 group to discuss the coronavirus situation
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. No final decision has been made yet on holding a virtual G20 summit and it is too early to say what initiatives Russia could present at the event, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "It is too early to speak about it," he said when asked if Russia would put forward any initiatives at the summit.
Read also Number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Saudi Arabia reaches 62
According to the Russian presidential spokesman, efforts are underway to outline ways to hold a virtual summit as the sherpas of G20 member states "maintain contact over its agenda, based on the understanding that there is only one major topic, the fight against the coronavirus." On March 18, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Riyadh planned to call a virtual emergency summit of the G20 group to discuss the coronavirus situation. Saudi Arabia is presiding over the G20 this year. The 2020 summit of the group is scheduled for November. Coronavirus pandemic
Read also Kremlin says Russia and Saudi Arabia do not wage wars over oil prices


tass--2020-03-23--Two laboratories for coronavirus tests open in Moscow region

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow Region ’ s Health Ministry has opened two laboratories for making @ @ @ @ @ regional center for monitoring the coronavirus situation said in its Telegram channel on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ tests have opened today in Serpukhov and Krasnogorsk , the statement runs .
The tests @ @ @ @ @ ’ instructions .
Another three laboratories are due to open soon .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ infection have been identified in the Moscow Region so far .
An outbreak of the @ @ @ @ @ China late last year has spread to more than 150 countries .
The World Health @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest statistics , more than 300,000 people have contracted the virus @ @ @ @ @ disease has claimed 13,000 lives .
According to the anti-coronavirus center , 438 cases of @ @ @ @ @ in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The Moscow Region’s Health Ministry has opened two laboratories for making novel coronavirus tests, the regional center for monitoring the coronavirus situation said in its Telegram channel on Monday.
Two laboratories for making coronavirus tests have opened today in Serpukhov and Krasnogorsk, the statement runs. The tests are made only on doctors’ instructions. Another three laboratories are due to open soon.
A total of 35 cases of the coronavirus infection have been identified in the Moscow Region so far.
An outbreak of the novel coronavirus-related disease in central China late last year has spread to more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, more than 300,000 people have contracted the virus around the world. The disease has claimed 13,000 lives. According to the anti-coronavirus center, 438 cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-23--Russia’s Black Sea Fleet forms crews for latest missile corvettes

`` The Black Sea Fleet has completed forming the crews for the small missile ships Gaivoron and Tsiklon currently under construction at Shipyards .
The crews are manned with officers and contract servicemen in the relevant military specialties , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet has formed the crews for the latest missile corvettes Gaivoron and Tsiklon , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
The new warships ’ crews have been dispatched to the Russian Navy ’ s training center in St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ training , study technical means and shipboard equipment and armament , which they will operate .
After the training is over , the crews will go to the Shipyard to learn to operate the new ships and prepare for their acceptance for service , the statement says .
The small missile ship Gaivoron is the Project Buyan-M eighth serial-produced ship .
The same-type ships Vyshny Volochyok , Orekhovo-Zuyevo and Ingushetia are already operational in the Black Sea Fleet .
Project 21631 Buyan-M-class small missile ships are outfitted with the latest artillery , missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armament , including the most advanced Kalibr-NK precision missile system designated to strike naval and coastal targets .
Buyan-M warships are designated to defend and protect the state ’ s economic zone .
Missile corvettes of this Project delivered strikes with Kalibr-NK cruise missiles against terrorist targets in Syria .
Some Buyan-M corvettes are operational in Russia ’ s Mediterranean permanent taskforce on a rotating basis .
The small missile ship Tsiklon is the Karakurt-class warship .
The Tsiklon will be the first ship of this type in Russia ’ s Black Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently operational only in Russia ’ s Baltic Fleet .
Project 22800 Karakurt-class missile corvettes are a Russian series of green-water multipurpose missile/artillery warships .
The corvettes of this class developed by specialists of the St. Petersburg-based Almaz Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering displace about 800 tonnes and develop a speed of over 30 knots .
Karakurt-class corvettes are armed with Kalibr-NK cruise missiles and also with the modernized AK-176MA 76.2mm artillery system .
The corvettes ’ endurance is 15 days .
Overall , the shipbuilders are planning to build 18 warships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"The Black Sea Fleet has completed forming the crews for the small missile ships Graivoron and Tsiklon currently under construction at Shipyards. The crews are manned with officers and contract servicemen in the relevant military specialties," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet has formed the crews for the latest missile corvettes Graivoron and Tsiklon, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
The new warships’ crews have been dispatched to the Russian Navy’s training center in St. Petersburg. The sailors will undergo general training and study technical means and shipboard equipment and armament, which they will operate. After the training is over, the crews will go to the Shipyard to learn to operate the new ships and prepare for their acceptance for service, the statement says.
The small missile ship Graivoron is the Project Buyan-M eighth serial-produced ship. The same-type ships Vyshny Volochyok, Orekhovo-Zuyevo and Ingushetia are already operational in the Black Sea Fleet.
Project 21631 Buyan-M-class small missile ships are outfitted with the latest artillery, missile, anti-saboteur, air defense and radio-technical armament, including the most advanced Kalibr-NK precision missile system designated to strike naval and coastal targets. Buyan-M warships are designated to defend and protect the state’s economic zone.
Missile corvettes of this Project delivered strikes with Kalibr-NK cruise missiles against terrorist targets in Syria. Some Buyan-M corvettes are operational in Russia’s Mediterranean permanent taskforce on a rotating basis.
The small missile ship Tsiklon is the Karakurt-class warship. The Tsiklon will be the first ship of this type in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. The other same-type warships are currently operational only in Russia’s Baltic Fleet.
Project 22800 Karakurt-class missile corvettes are a Russian series of green-water multipurpose missile/artillery warships. The corvettes of this class developed by specialists of the St. Petersburg-based Almaz Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering displace about 800 tonnes and develop a speed of over 30 knots.
Karakurt-class corvettes are armed with Kalibr-NK cruise missiles and also with the modernized AK-176MA 76.2mm artillery system. The corvettes’ endurance is 15 days.
Overall, the shipbuilders are planning to build 18 warships of this Project for the Russian Navy.


tass--2020-03-23--Russia helps Italy to fight coronavirus without any strings attached — Kremlin

France has not yet sought Russia 's assistance to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus , the Kremlin spokesman stated Loading medical equipment aboard planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces for sending it to the Italian regions worst hit by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s help to Italy in struggling with the coronavirus does not imply any response measures of Rome , including the veto on extension of anti-Russian sanctions by the European Union , presidential press secretary , Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` No , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Any conditions , reckonings or hopes whatsoever are out of the question here , '' he added .
Italy needs help `` of a much wider scale , '' the spokesperson said .
`` What Russia is doing is the help commensurate with its ability , '' Peskov added .
The Kremlin has so far received no requests for assistance from France to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus , the Kremlin spokesman replied when asked whether Paris asked for assistance similar to the aid provided to Italy .
Peskov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the operational level , including through diplomatic channels , so he may not have all the information .
`` At the moment , < … > I know nothing about any formal requests from our French friends , '' he stated .

France has not yet sought Russia's assistance to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Kremlin spokesman stated
Loading medical equipment aboard planes of the Russian Aerospace Forces for sending it to the Italian regions worst hit by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russia’s help to Italy in struggling with the coronavirus does not imply any response measures of Rome, including the veto on extension of anti-Russian sanctions by the European Union, presidential press secretary, Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"No, this is unrelated absolutely," Peskov said. "Any conditions, reckonings or hopes whatsoever are out of the question here," he added. Italy needs help "of a much wider scale," the spokesperson said. "What Russia is doing is the help commensurate with its ability," Peskov added. Contacts with France
Read also Moscow sends note to France over situation with Russians onboard Costa Pacifica


tass--2020-03-23--Russia cancels drills near other countries’ borders over coronavirus

Peskov commented on a statement by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin , who said in his interview with Izvestia @ @ @ @ @ had stopped military drills `` in direct proximity with Russia ’ s borders with Western @ @ @ @ @ , this is linked to preventive measures and this decision is preventive amid the situation @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
More than 160 countries have been hit by this infection , which was @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization .
According to the latest data , more than 320,000 people @ @ @ @ @ over 14,000 have died .
A total of 438 coronavirus cases have been registered in @ @ @ @ @ recovered .
The government has launched a special website to inform the public about the @ @ @ @ @

Peskov commented on a statement by Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, who said in his interview with Izvestia newspaper that the Armed Forces had stopped military drills "in direct proximity with Russia’s borders with Western states."
"Obviously, this is linked to preventive measures and this decision is preventive amid the situation with the overall fight against the coronavirus," the Kremlin spokesman said.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019. More than 160 countries have been hit by this infection, which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. According to the latest data, more than 320,000 people have contracted the virus and over 14,000 have died. A total of 438 coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia and 17 patients have recovered. The government has launched a special website to inform the public about the coronavirus situation in Russia.