tass--2020-03-19--Health watchdog authorizes Russian-Japanese coronavirus testing system for use in Russia

`` The MedPromResurs company has been created to promote a new Russian-Japanese diagnostic system to detect COVID-19 , which has been authorized by the Federal Service for Surveillance for use in Russia , '' the statement reads .
MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare has authorized a Russian-Japanese coronavirus diagnostic system for use in Russia , the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) said in a statement .
`` MedPromResurs is working to launch the production of portable laboratories , chemicals and other parts of the diagnostic system at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be employed to diagnose the coronavirus both in Russia and abroad , '' the Fund added .
According to the RDIF , the project also involves Japan ’ s K.R .
Mirai Genomics and Russia ’ s Genetic Technologies .
According to RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev , the United Arab Emirates , Saudi Arabia and Austria have made preliminary bids for the purchase of over 500,000 tests .
On March 16 , the RDIF approved investment in the production of coronavirus diagnostic systems .
`` Diagnosis by the test is swift - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test systems has been adapted for use both in fixed laboratories and unique portable mini-laboratories ( the size of a small suitcase ) and can be used anywhere - including hospitals and public institutions ( schools , offices , airports , train stations ) , '' the RDIF said , adding that `` full scale use of the testing system is expected in April 2020 . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 140 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died .
Russia has identified 199 cases so far .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ s people informed about the coronavirus situation .

"The MedPromResurs company has been created to promote a new Russian-Japanese diagnostic system to detect COVID-19, which has been authorized by the Federal Service for Surveillance for use in Russia," the statement reads.
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare has authorized a Russian-Japanese coronavirus diagnostic system for use in Russia, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said in a statement.
"MedPromResurs is working to launch the production of portable laboratories, chemicals and other parts of the diagnostic system at manufacturing facilities in Russia. The system will be employed to diagnose the coronavirus both in Russia and abroad," the Fund added.
According to the RDIF, the project also involves Japan’s K.R. Mirai Genomics and Russia’s Genetic Technologies. According to RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Austria have made preliminary bids for the purchase of over 500,000 tests.
On March 16, the RDIF approved investment in the production of coronavirus diagnostic systems. "Diagnosis by the test is swift - just 30 minutes. A range of test systems has been adapted for use both in fixed laboratories and unique portable mini-laboratories (the size of a small suitcase) and can be used anywhere - including hospitals and public institutions (schools, offices, airports, train stations)," the RDIF said, adding that "full scale use of the testing system is expected in April 2020."
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health 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 140 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died. Russia has identified 199 cases so far. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia’s coronavirus cases climb to 199

Russia’s coronavirus cases climb to 199

Efforts are now underway to put the infected under medical observation and conduct laboratory tests , according to the disease response center MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 52 in the past 24 hours , reaching 199 , the Coronavirus Control and Prevention Center said in a statement on Thursday , adding that new cases had been identified in 23 regions .
`` A total of 52 coronavirus cases were recorded in 23 Russian regions in the past 24 hours , '' the statement reads .
Twelve new cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region , and another five in the Sverdlovsk Region .
The Tula , Krasnoyarsk and Khabarovsk regions have reported three cases each .
The Tambov , Voronezh , Kirov and Krasnodar regions have identified two cases each , while isolated cases have been registered in the Ivanovo , Ryazan , Murmansk , Nizhny Novgorod , Novosibirsk , Orenburg , Saratov , Tver , Perm , Sakha , Khanty-Mansiysk and Chuvash regions , as well as in the city of St. Petersburg .
The center pointed out that the patients ’ contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway to put the infected under medical observation and conduct laboratory tests .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health 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 170 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 220,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8,900 have died .
Russia has identified 199 cases .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the population informed about the coronavirus situation .

Efforts are now underway to put the infected under medical observation and conduct laboratory tests, according to the disease response center
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 52 in the past 24 hours, reaching 199, the Coronavirus Control and Prevention Center said in a statement on Thursday, adding that new cases had been identified in 23 regions. "A total of 52 coronavirus cases were recorded in 23 Russian regions in the past 24 hours," the statement reads.
Read also All Russian regions put on high alert due to COVID-19
Twelve new cases have been recorded in Moscow, five in the Moscow Region, and another five in the Sverdlovsk Region. The Tula, Krasnoyarsk and Khabarovsk regions have reported three cases each. The Tambov, Voronezh, Kirov and Krasnodar regions have identified two cases each, while isolated cases have been registered in the Ivanovo, Ryazan, Murmansk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Orenburg, Saratov, Tver, Perm, Sakha, Khanty-Mansiysk and Chuvash regions, as well as in the city of St. Petersburg. The center pointed out that the patients’ contacts had been identified. Efforts are now underway to put the infected under medical observation and conduct laboratory tests. Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-03-19--All Russian regions put on high alert due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
All 85 Russian regions have been put on high alert due to the @ @ @ @ @ ( COVID-19 ) .
All schools and universities have switched to remote learning .
All @ @ @ @ @ events have been cancelled in accordance with the decrees signed by Russian regional governments .
@ @ @ @ @ regions of the Russian Far East , Siberia , the Ural region , Volga region @ @ @ @ @ ’ s northeastern and southern regions , have been put on high alert .
On @ @ @ @ @ Central and North Caucasian Federal Districts have introduced the same measures .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. All 85 Russian regions have been put on high alert due to the threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). All schools and universities have switched to remote learning. All sporting competitions and all public events have been cancelled in accordance with the decrees signed by Russian regional governments.
By March 19, all regions of the Russian Far East, Siberia, the Ural region, Volga region, as well as Russia’s northeastern and southern regions, have been put on high alert. On Thursday, Russia’s Central and North Caucasian Federal Districts have introduced the same measures.


tass--2020-03-19--First coronavirus death confirmed in Northern Ireland

LONDON , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The first coronavirus-related death has been recorded in Northern Ireland , the UK @ @ @ @ @ Care said in a statement on Thursday .
Three of 105 deaths in the UK @ @ @ @ @ Wales and Northern Ireland reported one death each , while the rest of them occurred @ @ @ @ @ s reports said that a total of 2,626 people in the UK had tested positive @ @ @ @ @ The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 people have contracted the virus , @ @ @ @ @ died .
A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far @

LONDON, March 19. /TASS/. The first coronavirus-related death has been recorded in Northern Ireland, the UK Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement on Thursday.
Three of 105 deaths in the UK were recorded in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland reported one death each, while the rest of them occurred in England.
Wednesday’s reports said that a total of 2,626 people in the UK had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus, about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Nearly all planned trips of Russian diplomats postponed or canceled

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Practically all foreign trips , visits and talks planned by employees of the @ @ @ @ @ postponed or canceled , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ note that nearly all foreign trips , visits , talks planned by high-ranking members and @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry have been canceled or postponed , '' the diplomat said .
She noted @ @ @ @ @ ’ s main goal at the moment is to aid Russian citizens returning from abroad @ @ @ @ @ , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 140 @ @ @ @ @ reports , over 210,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and about @ @ @ @ @ are 199 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Practically all foreign trips, visits and talks planned by employees of the Russian Foreign Ministry have been postponed or canceled, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday.
"I would like to note that nearly all foreign trips, visits, talks planned by high-ranking members and regular employees of the Russian Foreign Ministry have been canceled or postponed," the diplomat said.
She noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry’s main goal at the moment is to aid Russian citizens returning from abroad.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 140 countries. According to latest reports, over 210,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 8,500 have died. There are 199 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Russia.


tass--2020-03-19--Iran ready to provide aid to US in fight against coronavirus

TEHRAN , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Tehran is ready to provide assistance to the US to control the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Minister Alireza Raisi announced Thursday .
`` Iran is ready to help the US to @ @ @ @ @ he said , according to the IRNA news agency .
He added that if `` @ @ @ @ @ Iran , then they should remove sanctions and compensate caused losses . ''
According to @ @ @ @ @ US healthcare system is not ready to curb the coronavirus [ threat ] . ''
@ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump repeatedly offered assistance to Iran in curbing the coronavirus spread .
In @ @ @ @ @ including President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif , said that the US @ @ @ @ @ .
Iranian authorities used to repeat that US restrictions against Tehran complicate the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
On March 16 , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang claimed that unilateral sanctions @ @ @ @ @ amid coronavirus spread would only exacerbate the situation .

TEHRAN, March 19. /TASS/. Tehran is ready to provide assistance to the US to control the coronavirus spread, Iranian Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi announced Thursday.
"Iran is ready to help the US to control the coronavirus," he said, according to the IRNA news agency. He added that if "the US wants to help Iran, then they should remove sanctions and compensate caused losses." According to the deputy minister, "US healthcare system is not ready to curb the coronavirus [threat]."
On March 12, US President Donald Trump repeatedly offered assistance to Iran in curbing the coronavirus spread. In response, Iranian politicians, including President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, said that the US can assist by withdrawing sanctions.
Iranian authorities used to repeat that US restrictions against Tehran complicate the country’s fight against the disease.
On March 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang claimed that unilateral sanctions of the US against Iran amid coronavirus spread would only exacerbate the situation.


tass--2020-03-19--JA Solar offer solar modules with Mono PERC MBB Cells adopting Ga-doped Silicon Wafers

BEIJING , March 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent introduction of Ga doped wafers company wide , JA Solar becomes the first firm in the world to mass-produce high-efficiency Mono PERC MBB cells and modules using Ga-doped wafers .
JA Solar , a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products , announced that all its production lines of Mono PERC MBB Cells and related modules can be switched to produce modules and cells adopting Ga-doped silicon wafers .
Integrating with PERC-SE technology and large-size wafers , Ga doping technology consistently improves the performance of both cells and modules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Ga-doped silicon wafers for making solar cells '' IP rights to JA Solar , which paved way for JA Solar to use Ga doped wafers worldwide .
The application of Ga-doped silicon wafers to solar cells can effectively mitigate the initial light-induced degradation ( LID ) issue , which limits the performance of solar modules with traditional Si wafers .
The Ga-doped silicon wafer technology allows for improved performance in power generation , particularly the much better stability , ensuring customers with long-term benefits .
Mr. Jin Baofang , JA Solar 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO , stated , `` JA Solar is committed to building respect for and recognizing the importance of intellectual property .
While focusing on research and innovation , we apply advanced third-party technologies to further optimize our product performance .
The application of Ga-doped wafers in the manufacturing of mono PERC MBB cells and modules enables us to provide our global customers with better solar products and help the realization of grid parity . ''

BEIJING, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the recent introduction of Ga doped wafers company wide, JA Solar becomes the first firm in the world to mass-produce high-efficiency Mono PERC MBB cells and modules using Ga-doped wafers.
JA Solar, a world-leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products, announced that all its production lines of Mono PERC MBB Cells and related modules can be switched to produce modules and cells adopting Ga-doped silicon wafers. Integrating with PERC-SE technology and large-size wafers, Ga doping technology consistently improves the performance of both cells and modules.
In 2019, Shin-Etsu Chemical granted its "Ga-doped silicon wafers for making solar cells" IP rights to JA Solar, which paved way for JA Solar to use Ga doped wafers worldwide. The application of Ga-doped silicon wafers to solar cells can effectively mitigate the initial light-induced degradation (LID) issue, which limits the performance of solar modules with traditional Si wafers.
The Ga-doped silicon wafer technology allows for improved performance in power generation, particularly the much better stability, ensuring customers with long-term benefits.
Mr. Jin Baofang, JA Solar's Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO, stated, "JA Solar is committed to building respect for and recognizing the importance of intellectual property. While focusing on research and innovation, we apply advanced third-party technologies to further optimize our product performance. The application of Ga-doped wafers in the manufacturing of mono PERC MBB cells and modules enables us to provide our global customers with better solar products and help the realization of grid parity."
CONTACT: Xiaorui Sun, +86-10-6361-1888 x1698, bj.sunxr@jasolar.com


tass--2020-03-19--Media Alert: Supermicro Announces its First GPU Live Forum

SAN JOSE , California , March 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 24 , 2020 , Supermicro will present its first GPU Live Forum .
An expert line-up of Supermicro product managers will share insights and updates on the industry 's broadest portfolio of NVIDIA GPU systems .
Attendees will experience product panel discussions , product demos , networking opportunities with live Q & A , and a unique chance to chat live with Supermicro product experts in our virtual environment .
Where : This is a digital-only event – it will include booth presentations and demos , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Q & A .
When : Beginning March 24 , 2020 .
All sessions and information will remain live for a year .
Please click here for more information and to register .
Supermicro ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , the leading innovator in high-performance , high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center , Cloud Computing , Enterprise IT , Hadoop/Big Data , HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide .
Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its `` We Keep IT Green® '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy-efficient , environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market .
Supermicro , Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer , Inc. All other brands , names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

SAN JOSE, California, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 24, 2020, Supermicro will present its first GPU Live Forum. An expert line-up of Supermicro product managers will share insights and updates on the industry's broadest portfolio of NVIDIA GPU systems. Attendees will experience product panel discussions, product demos, networking opportunities with live Q & A, and a unique chance to chat live with Supermicro product experts in our virtual environment.
Sessions will include:
GPU Accelerated VDI Solution Powered by NVIDIA vGPU
High-Density Computing Blade Servers & GPU Options
Intelligent Edge Computing with NVIDIA EGX
End-to-End AI with Supermicro's Validated NGC and EGX Platforms
Accelerating Distributed DL Training with Optimized GPU Computing Solution
Infrastructure Challenges within GPU-CPU Workflows
What: Supermicro GPU Live Forum
Where: This is a digital-only event – it will include booth presentations and demos, as well as in-depth breakout sessions and live Q&A.
When: Beginning March 24, 2020. All sessions and information will remain live for a year.
Please click here for more information and to register.
About Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Supermicro (Nasdaq: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/Big Data, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green®" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.
Supermicro, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SMCI-F
CONTACT: Greg Kaufman; Super Micro Computer, Inc.; pr@supermicro.com


tass--2020-03-19--Authorities working to restrict foods prices growth

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ministries of Industry and Agriculture control food prices in cooperation with the @ @ @ @ @ purchased products for two months at the least for the time being , Minister of @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
`` I can only say that food stocks for two months at @ @ @ @ @ purchased .
The work with suppliers is carried daily in cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry @ @ @ @ @ no disruptions in logistical centers in the first instance , '' the Minister said .
@ @ @ @ @ Agriculture and the Federal Antimonopoly Service keep a close eye on preventing the food price @ @ @ @ @ As far as the Federal Tax Service is concerned , they are also involved in @ @ @ @ @ via cash counters the prices for categories we [ have determined ] - 47 positions @ @ @ @ @ other socially important products , the Minister added .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian Ministries of Industry and Agriculture control food prices in cooperation with the Federal Antimonopoly Service and retailers purchased products for two months at the least for the time being, Minister of Industry Denis Manturov told reporters on Thursday.
"I can only say that food stocks for two months at the least have already been purchased. The work with suppliers is carried daily in cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry, so that there are no disruptions in logistical centers in the first instance," the Minister said.
Russian Ministries of Industry and Agriculture and the Federal Antimonopoly Service keep a close eye on preventing the food price hike, Manturov noted.
As far as the Federal Tax Service is concerned, they are also involved in this work to monitor online via cash counters the prices for categories we [have determined] - 47 positions. These are foods and other socially important products, the Minister added.


tass--2020-03-19--Testing COVID-19 vaccines to take no less than six months — scientist

Rizvanov pointed to the importance of proving the effectiveness and safety of a yet-to-be created vaccine , adding that research into an agent against HIV had been underway for more than two decades now , but none of the vaccines turned out effective enough .
MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The director of the clinical research center of precision regenerative medicine at the Kazan Federal University , Albert Rizvanov , who together with a team of researchers has been working on a vaccine against the novel coronavirus , believes that an effective solution may be identified faster if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but anyway testing proposed vaccines will take no less than six months .
`` Quite often producing a vaccine is tantamount to a tiny one-tenth of the whole job , because the most intricate part of the task is to prove that the vaccine is effective and safe , '' he told TASS on Thursday .
`` The same applies to the coronavirus situation — the more groups join research into the vaccine , the better .
Possibly , some will succeed .
Many countries and laboratories around the world are working on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in progress ( no less than five at different stages ) .
The way I see it , the tests [ of vaccines being developed around the world ] may last six to twelve months , '' he stated .
The Kazan researcher ’ s idea is to try to create a vaccine without using a live virus or its purified proteins .
This will become possible by using genetic engineering methods and therapy that is also applied in the treatment of hereditary diseases and cancer .
`` The gist of the proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organism the genes of the pathogen , thus evoking an immune response .
One of the advantages of this method is that it does not need a live virus or infected material .
We can take the decoded genome that has been published and on the basis of this information promptly produce a genetic vaccine like computer software , synthesize it and test on animals .
A prototype of the vaccine against the coronavirus will be available no earlier than in six months from now , if we stick to the original schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prototype of the vaccine has been finalized , the researchers will proceed with tests involving a living virus .

Rizvanov pointed to the importance of proving the effectiveness and safety of a yet-to-be created vaccine, adding that research into an agent against HIV had been underway for more than two decades now, but none of the vaccines turned out effective enough.
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The director of the clinical research center of precision regenerative medicine at the Kazan Federal University, Albert Rizvanov, who together with a team of researchers has been working on a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, believes that an effective solution may be identified faster if more research teams join the effort, but anyway testing proposed vaccines will take no less than six months.
"Quite often producing a vaccine is tantamount to a tiny one-tenth of the whole job, because the most intricate part of the task is to prove that the vaccine is effective and safe," he told TASS on Thursday.
"The same applies to the coronavirus situation — the more groups join research into the vaccine, the better. Possibly, some will succeed. Many countries and laboratories around the world are working on the problem. Several clinical tests are in progress (no less than five at different stages). The way I see it, the tests [of vaccines being developed around the world] may last six to twelve months," he stated.
The Kazan researcher’s idea is to try to create a vaccine without using a live virus or its purified proteins. This will become possible by using genetic engineering methods and therapy that is also applied in the treatment of hereditary diseases and cancer.
"The gist of the proposed method is to deliver into a living organism the genes of the pathogen, thus evoking an immune response. One of the advantages of this method is that it does not need a live virus or infected material. We can take the decoded genome that has been published and on the basis of this information promptly produce a genetic vaccine like computer software, synthesize it and test on animals. A prototype of the vaccine against the coronavirus will be available no earlier than in six months from now, if we stick to the original schedule," Rizvanov commented.
Once a prototype of the vaccine has been finalized, the researchers will proceed with tests involving a living virus.
Vaccine tests around the world


tass--2020-03-19--Sheremetyevo airport closes terminals E and C from March 20

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow-based Sheremetyevo airport is to close terminals E and C from March 20 @ @ @ @ @ to terminal D and F , Dmitry Kaygorodov , the airport ’ s Deputy General @ @ @ @ @ 24 television channel .
`` From midnight , March 20 , we close terminals E @ @ @ @ @ departure , and all flights that are currently operated at these terminals will be transferred @ @ @ @ @ F , '' he said .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Moscow-based Sheremetyevo airport is to close terminals E and C from March 20, flights will be transferred to terminal D and F, Dmitry Kaygorodov, the airport’s Deputy General Director, told the Rossiya 24 television channel.
"From midnight, March 20, we close terminals E and C for arrival and departure, and all flights that are currently operated at these terminals will be transferred to terminals D and terminal F," he said.


tass--2020-03-19--Bomb threats sent to three Russian passenger planes

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Three passenger planes have received anonymous bomb threats on Thursday , a source in the aviation services informed TASS .
`` Domodedovo Airport received an anonymous email claiming that explosives had been placed on flights from St. Petersburg to Moscow , from Moscow to Ufa and from Novosibirsk to Moscow .
The first plane has landed without incident , '' the source stated .
According to Flightradar24.com , on Thursday , a plane en route from Moscow to Perm sounded a general emergency alert an hour after leaving Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is currently preparing to land in Perm .
A wave of bomb threats began in Moscow , St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019 .
Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats at various facilities : courts , schools , hospitals , airports , train stations .
All the previous threats resulted to be false .
Earlier , Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) informed that it had blocked access to five foreign mail services used to send out bomb threats at various facilities in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also received anonymous bomb threats since early March .
In all cases but the first two , the crew chose not to request emergency landings , completing the trip at the stipulated destination , where the planes underwent a security sweep .
All bomb threats were confirmed false .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Three passenger planes have received anonymous bomb threats on Thursday, a source in the aviation services informed TASS. "Domodedovo Airport received an anonymous email claiming that explosives had been placed on flights from St. Petersburg to Moscow, from Moscow to Ufa and from Novosibirsk to Moscow. The first plane has landed without incident," the source stated.
According to Flightradar24.com, on Thursday, a plane en route from Moscow to Perm sounded a general emergency alert an hour after leaving Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport. The plane has not changed its route. It is currently preparing to land in Perm.
A wave of bomb threats began in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019. Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats at various facilities: courts, schools, hospitals, airports, train stations. All the previous threats resulted to be false. Earlier, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) informed that it had blocked access to five foreign mail services used to send out bomb threats at various facilities in the country.
At least 30 passenger planes also received anonymous bomb threats since early March. In all cases but the first two, the crew chose not to request emergency landings, completing the trip at the stipulated destination, where the planes underwent a security sweep. All bomb threats were confirmed false.


tass--2020-03-19--Damascus calls on West to lift sanctions against Syria due to threat of COVID-19

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has condemned the sanctions policy of the US and the West against the country during the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
`` In light of the dangerous escalation represented by the Coronavirus and the international alert to confront this pandemic and to contain it and prevent its spread , the U.S. and the European Union are continuing to impose illegitimate unilateral coercive measures on a number of states , some of which are hugely suffering from the spread of the virus , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simplest humanitarian values and principles , '' SANA news agency quotes the Foreign Ministry source as saying .
`` Syrian Arab Republic whose people have suffered and still suffer from the terrorist aggression and the illegitimate unilateral coercive measures which affect the life of the citizens and particularly the health sector , calls on the international community to respect the principles of the international humanitarian law and the sanctity of the human life , and to work on lifting those sanctions immediately , particularly in the current circumstances after the Coronavirus has spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source stressed .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The Syrian Foreign Ministry has condemned the sanctions policy of the US and the West against the country during the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
"In light of the dangerous escalation represented by the Coronavirus and the international alert to confront this pandemic and to contain it and prevent its spread, the U.S. and the European Union are continuing to impose illegitimate unilateral coercive measures on a number of states, some of which are hugely suffering from the spread of the virus, in a blatant violation of human rights and the simplest humanitarian values and principles," SANA news agency quotes the Foreign Ministry source as saying.
"Syrian Arab Republic whose people have suffered and still suffer from the terrorist aggression and the illegitimate unilateral coercive measures which affect the life of the citizens and particularly the health sector, calls on the international community to respect the principles of the international humanitarian law and the sanctity of the human life, and to work on lifting those sanctions immediately, particularly in the current circumstances after the Coronavirus has spread in the neighboring countries," the source stressed.


tass--2020-03-19--Bomb threats reported on six planes, says law enforcement source

`` Sheremetyevo Airport received an anonymous message about bombs planted aboard planes en route from Kazan to Moscow and from Moscow to Ufa .
Domodedovo Airport received a message about bombs on flights en route from St. Petersburg to Moscow , from Moscow to Ufa and from Novosibirsk to Moscow , '' the source said .
MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Bomb threats were reported on six domestic flights in one day , a Russian law enforcement source told TASS on Thursday .
There was also a message concerning a plane bound from Moscow for or the Urals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the planes bound for Moscow from St. Petersburg , Kazan and Ufa had landed normally , as well as the flight from Perm .
No explosive devices were found on board .
Messages about bombs aboard planes started coming in on March 3 .
As many as 30 flight have been affected so far but all threats turned out to be hoaxes .
According to another law enforcement source , anonymous messages keep coming in , reporting bombs on planes , in court buildings , shopping malls and airports , and demanding @ @ @ @

"Sheremetyevo Airport received an anonymous message about bombs planted aboard planes en route from Kazan to Moscow and from Moscow to Ufa. Domodedovo Airport received a message about bombs on flights en route from St. Petersburg to Moscow, from Moscow to Ufa and from Novosibirsk to Moscow," the source said.
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Bomb threats were reported on six domestic flights in one day, a Russian law enforcement source told TASS on Thursday.
There was also a message concerning a plane bound from Moscow for or the Urals city of Perm. The source added that the planes bound for Moscow from St. Petersburg, Kazan and Ufa had landed normally, as well as the flight from Perm. No explosive devices were found on board.
Messages about bombs aboard planes started coming in on March 3. As many as 30 flight have been affected so far but all threats turned out to be hoaxes.
According to another law enforcement source, anonymous messages keep coming in, reporting bombs on planes, in court buildings, shopping malls and airports, and demanding payment in Bitcoin.


tass--2020-03-19--Low noise Borei class sub remained unnoticed by US during voyage to Far East

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The US military failed to detect Russia ’ s project 955 ( Borei class ) submarine The Alexander Nevsky during its voyage from Russia ’ s Northern Fleet to the Pacific several years ago by virtue of its low noise and special maneuvers performed on the way , the submarine ’ s former commander , Captain 1st Class Vasily Tankovid , told TASS in an interview .
`` As far as its stealth parameters are concerned , in this respect we are far ahead of our own and foreign ships .
The characteristics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low noise levels , '' Tankovid said about The Alexander Nevsky ’ s features .
The submarine made a 42-day voyage from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet in 2015 .
During the journey it remained on the surface for twelve days .
Tankovid recalled that the United States learned about the voyage only when the submarine arrived in Vilyuchinsk , the Kamchatka Peninsula .
`` Participation of the fleet ’ s forces , competent use of the submarine ’ s capabilities and special maneuvers upset the United States ’ attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Americans ‘ woke up ’ only when we arrived at the pier .
In fact they lost our track at a certain point , '' Tankovid said .
Low noise , imperceptible trail in the water and other stealth features make Russia ’ s Borei class submarines invisible to many of the current foreign counterparts .
`` This explains why even in the Bering Strait , where the US coast is visible to the naked eye , we remained unnoticed and sailed past quietly and calmly , '' Tankovid said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submarine of project 955 Borei .
Its keel-laying ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk was held on March 19 , 2004 .
The sub was set afloat in November 2010 .
Officially the submarine became organic to the Pacific Fleet in December 2013 , but territorially it had remained at a Northern Fleet base for testing its main weapon - the ballistic missile Bulava .
The submarine is capable of carrying 16 such missiles .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The US military failed to detect Russia’s project 955 (Borei class) submarine The Alexander Nevsky during its voyage from Russia’s Northern Fleet to the Pacific several years ago by virtue of its low noise and special maneuvers performed on the way, the submarine’s former commander, Captain 1st Class Vasily Tankovid, told TASS in an interview.
"As far as its stealth parameters are concerned, in this respect we are far ahead of our own and foreign ships. The characteristics of US ships are nowhere near our low noise levels," Tankovid said about The Alexander Nevsky’s features. The submarine made a 42-day voyage from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Fleet in 2015. During the journey it remained on the surface for twelve days. Tankovid recalled that the United States learned about the voyage only when the submarine arrived in Vilyuchinsk, the Kamchatka Peninsula.
"Participation of the fleet’s forces, competent use of the submarine’s capabilities and special maneuvers upset the United States’ attempts to monitor the submarine on the way. The Americans ‘woke up’ only when we arrived at the pier. In fact they lost our track at a certain point," Tankovid said.
Low noise, imperceptible trail in the water and other stealth features make Russia’s Borei class submarines invisible to many of the current foreign counterparts. "This explains why even in the Bering Strait, where the US coast is visible to the naked eye, we remained unnoticed and sailed past quietly and calmly," Tankovid said.
The Alexander Nevsky submarine
The Alexander Nevsky is a second strategic nuclear-powered submarine of project 955 Borei. Its keel-laying ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk was held on March 19, 2004. The sub was set afloat in November 2010. Officially the submarine became organic to the Pacific Fleet in December 2013, but territorially it had remained at a Northern Fleet base for testing its main weapon - the ballistic missile Bulava. The submarine is capable of carrying 16 such missiles.


tass--2020-03-19--Coronavirus cases in Spain surpass 17,000

MADRID , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
At least 17,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Spain since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ country , Spain ’ s Ministry of Health reported on Thursday .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ died and 1,107 patients have recovered .
On Wednesday , the Ministry of Health said @ @ @ @ @ the virus and 558 patients died .
The first coronavirus case in Spain was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ number of infected people began to grow after a local outbreak was reported in Italy @

MADRID, March 19. /TASS/. At least 17,147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Spain since the beginning of the outbreak in the country, Spain’s Ministry of Health reported on Thursday.
According to the ministry, 767 people have died and 1,107 patients have recovered. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health said that 13,716 people had contracted the virus and 558 patients died. The first coronavirus case in Spain was confirmed on January 31, the number of infected people began to grow after a local outbreak was reported in Italy.


tass--2020-03-19--Iran’s coronavirus cases rise by 1,046 in 24 hours

TEHRAN , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Iran rose by 1,046 in the past 24 hours , Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said on Thursday .
`` Over the past 24 hours , 1,046 new coronavirus cases were identified in the country , taking the total number to 18,407 , '' he said , as cited by the Fars news agency .
The deputy health minister added that a total of 1,284 patients had died .
Iran ’ s Health Ministry reported the country ’ s first coronavirus cases in the province of Qom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country have been closed until the end of March , while many countries have cut transport links with Iran .
Iran ’ s coronavirus cases include a number of senior state officials , namely First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri , Minister of Cultural Heritage , Handicrafts , and Tourism Ali Asghar Mounesan and Minister of Industry , Mines and Business Reza Rahmani .
In addition , 23 members of the country ’ s parliament also tested positive for the coronavirus .
Two of them - Fatema Rahbar and Mohammad Ali Ramazani Dastak - @ @ @ @ @

TEHRAN, March 19. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Iran rose by 1,046 in the past 24 hours, Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said on Thursday.
"Over the past 24 hours, 1,046 new coronavirus cases were identified in the country, taking the total number to 18,407," he said, as cited by the Fars news agency. The deputy health minister added that a total of 1,284 patients had died.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported the country’s first coronavirus cases in the province of Qom on February 19. Schools in the country have been closed until the end of March, while many countries have cut transport links with Iran.
Iran’s coronavirus cases include a number of senior state officials, namely First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Ali Asghar Mounesan and Minister of Industry, Mines and Business Reza Rahmani. In addition, 23 members of the country’s parliament also tested positive for the coronavirus. Two of them - Fatema Rahbar and Mohammad Ali Ramazani Dastak - died of the infection.


tass--2020-03-19--All people arriving in Russia must undergo 14-day self-isolation

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
All people arriving in Russia from abroad will be required to undergo a two-week self-isolation , starting from the day of arrival , due to the risk of the coronavirus spread , reads the directive of Russia ’ s Chief Sanitary Doctor Anna Popova posted on the official legal information website on Thursday .
`` The top officials of Russia ’ s constituent entities [ must ] ensure the isolation of all individuals arriving in the Russian Federation for a period of 14 days from the day of their arrival , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governors were tasked with overseeing compliance with quarantine rules and providing information to the territorial departments of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing .
Self-isolated people will be provided with social support , if necessary .
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them have died .
A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far , one person has died .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. All people arriving in Russia from abroad will be required to undergo a two-week self-isolation, starting from the day of arrival, due to the risk of the coronavirus spread, reads the directive of Russia’s Chief Sanitary Doctor Anna Popova posted on the official legal information website on Thursday.
"The top officials of Russia’s constituent entities [must] ensure the isolation of all individuals arriving in the Russian Federation for a period of 14 days from the day of their arrival," the document reads.
Under the directive, governors were tasked with overseeing compliance with quarantine rules and providing information to the territorial departments of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. Self-isolated people will be provided with social support, if necessary.
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus, about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far, one person has died.


tass--2020-03-19--Russian researchers fully decode COVID-19 genome

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian scientists from the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza have managed to decode the first full genome of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , the Russian Health Ministry informed on Thursday .
`` Specialists of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza with the Russian Health Ministry sequenced the first full genome of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Russia from the material taken from a COVID-19 patient , '' the message informs .
Acting Director of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza Dmitry Lioznov stated that genetical research would help scientists understand the nature and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would in turn contribute to the development of a vaccine and treatment methods .
`` This coronavirus is new to us , so it is crucial to have an opportunity to determine the pattern of its spread and entry on the territory of our country , and the way the virus changes .
This information will help us work out vaccines and antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus , '' the ministry ’ s press service quotes Lioznov as saying .
The Health Ministry informed that the data had been sent to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) and the world ’ s leading research teams monitoring the global evolution of the novel coronavirus .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 170 countries .
According to latest reports , over 210,000 people have been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8,500 have died .
There are 147 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia and one reported death .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian scientists from the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza have managed to decode the first full genome of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Russian Health Ministry informed on Thursday.
"Specialists of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza with the Russian Health Ministry sequenced the first full genome of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in Russia from the material taken from a COVID-19 patient," the message informs.
Acting Director of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza Dmitry Lioznov stated that genetical research would help scientists understand the nature and the evolution of the virus, which would in turn contribute to the development of a vaccine and treatment methods. "This coronavirus is new to us, so it is crucial to have an opportunity to determine the pattern of its spread and entry on the territory of our country, and the way the virus changes. This information will help us work out vaccines and antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus," the ministry’s press service quotes Lioznov as saying.
The Health Ministry informed that the data had been sent to an international database used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the world’s leading research teams monitoring the global evolution of the novel coronavirus.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 170 countries. According to latest reports, over 210,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 8,500 have died. There are 147 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia and one reported death.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia to lift all restrictions for import of basic goods for one month

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will lift all restrictions for imports of essential goods for one month starting Friday , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said opening a government meeting on Thursday .
`` From tomorrow all restrictions on supplies of essential goods , including customs restrictions will be lifted for one month .
We are introducing a green route for importers and large retail chains .
A zero customs duty rate is set for the import of a number of goods , including medicines and medical devices , `` he said .
Mishustin stressed that Russian industries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of medical devices , which are now in high demand .
He urged the Health Ministry to determine the procedure for their simplified and faster registration , while the Industry and Trade Ministry should submit a schedule of daily production volumes of masks and other personal protective equipment to the government .
This schedule should take into account the commissioning of new production capacities .
`` We will monitor availability [ of all necessary goods and devices ] online , and for this purpose we are creating a single information center where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each region , '' the Prime Minister said .
Mishustin also announced plans to simplify distance trade in medicines and medical products that are sold over the counter .
At the same time , control over their turnover will be strengthened so that unscrupulous suppliers do not supply counterfeit products , he stressed .
Mishustin noted that the coronavirus pandemic has already had a serious impact on the export of goods and services .
Besides that there are a number of barriers in the domestic market .
Speaking about the development of agricultural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the task of increasing the income level of rural residents .
Also , according to him , it is necessary to encourage entrepreneurial activity and create conditions for investment in the industry .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russia will lift all restrictions for imports of essential goods for one month starting Friday, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said opening a government meeting on Thursday.
"From tomorrow all restrictions on supplies of essential goods, including customs restrictions will be lifted for one month. We are introducing a green route for importers and large retail chains. A zero customs duty rate is set for the import of a number of goods, including medicines and medical devices, "he said.
Mishustin stressed that Russian industries need to increase production and accelerate the production of medical devices, which are now in high demand. He urged the Health Ministry to determine the procedure for their simplified and faster registration, while the Industry and Trade Ministry should submit a schedule of daily production volumes of masks and other personal protective equipment to the government. This schedule should take into account the commissioning of new production capacities.
"We will monitor availability [of all necessary goods and devices] online, and for this purpose we are creating a single information center where all the information will be collected for each region," the Prime Minister said.
Mishustin also announced plans to simplify distance trade in medicines and medical products that are sold over the counter. At the same time, control over their turnover will be strengthened so that unscrupulous suppliers do not supply counterfeit products, he stressed.
Mishustin noted that the coronavirus pandemic has already had a serious impact on the export of goods and services. Besides that there are a number of barriers in the domestic market.
Speaking about the development of agricultural sector, the Prime Minister pointed at the task of increasing the income level of rural residents. Also, according to him, it is necessary to encourage entrepreneurial activity and create conditions for investment in the industry.


tass--2020-03-19--US National Security Advisor O’Brien to head US delegation to Moscow on May 9

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The US delegation to the celebratory events in Moscow timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War will be headed by US National Security Advisor Robert O ’ Brien , US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan said in a statement published by the US embassy on Thursday .
`` I am honored to announce that Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs , Ambassador Robert C. O ’ Brien , will lead the U.S. delegation to Moscow on May 9 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Sullivan said .
`` This high-level delegation underscores the commitment of the United States to honor the joint sacrifice of the allies , and the people of the United States and the Soviet Union who gave so much to ensure a safer world for all . ''
The celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War will take place on May 9 , 2020 in Moscow .
Russia has sent invitations to US President Donald Trump , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson , North Korean leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Independent States ( CIS ) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , as well as a number of European leaders .
Leaders of India , Cuba , France , the Czech Republic , Venezuela , Belarus , Armenia , Bulgaria , and Serbia are among those who confirmed their attendance .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The US delegation to the celebratory events in Moscow timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War will be headed by US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan said in a statement published by the US embassy on Thursday.
"I am honored to announce that Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, will lead the U.S. delegation to Moscow on May 9 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the war against Nazi Germany," Sullivan said. "This high-level delegation underscores the commitment of the United States to honor the joint sacrifice of the allies, and the people of the United States and the Soviet Union who gave so much to ensure a safer world for all."
The celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War will take place on May 9, 2020 in Moscow. Russia has sent invitations to US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as well as a number of European leaders. Leaders of India, Cuba, France, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, Belarus, Armenia, Bulgaria, and Serbia are among those who confirmed their attendance.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia’s accumulated reserves allow authorities to quickly respond to situation — minister

`` I believe that the measures that were determined by the government , the resources and reserves that we have formed in the budget , which make the National Wealth Fund , overall 300 bln rubles , will allow us to quickly respond to developments and to help businesses , people , constituent entities of the Russian Federation , and of course enterprises in need , '' he said .
`` Hence , the situation is not easy — we can all see that — but the government has an action plan that we will work on , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a stronger effect on the Russian economy than declining oil prices .
`` Two factors are working at the moment — lower oil prices and the consequences of the so-called coronavirus infection .
I believe the second component is even more serious for our economy , since it directly affects entire industries , '' Siluanov indicated .
The Russian government said earlier it has resources to respond to threats related to the coronavirus spread thanks to the service of sanitary and epidemiological safety provision , support of research and development works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and epidemiological safety provision , support of research and development in that field , Russia has substantial resources to respond to such threats , '' the statement reads .

"I believe that the measures that were determined by the government, the resources and reserves that we have formed in the budget, which make the National Wealth Fund, overall 300 bln rubles, will allow us to quickly respond to developments and to help businesses, people, constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and of course enterprises in need," he said.
"Hence, the situation is not easy — we can all see that — but the government has an action plan that we will work on," the minister stated.
Siluanov added that coronavirus has a stronger effect on the Russian economy than declining oil prices. "Two factors are working at the moment — lower oil prices and the consequences of the so-called coronavirus infection. I believe the second component is even more serious for our economy, since it directly affects entire industries," Siluanov indicated.
The Russian government said earlier it has resources to respond to threats related to the coronavirus spread thanks to the service of sanitary and epidemiological safety provision, support of research and development works. "Thanks to the service of sanitary and epidemiological safety provision, support of research and development in that field, Russia has substantial resources to respond to such threats," the statement reads.


tass--2020-03-19--Press review: Ruble hammered by global economic upheaval and will COVID-19 cut off EAEU

The ruble continues to fall against major currencies , and it seems that this plunge will only continue .
Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta are awaiting the Bank of Russia ’ s upcoming meeting on the key rate , emphasizing that so far the regulator has taken few measures to stabilize the financial system .
At the same time , the Russian authorities seem to be just now beginning to realize the real scale of the disaster , the newspaper wrote .
A number of experts do not rule out a further decline .
Thus , Goldman Sachs expects a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 20 per barrel and a fall in global demand to a record 1.1 mln barrels per day .
Analysts expect to see a more serious reaction from the Bank of Russia to the developments .
`` A nervous atmosphere persists , and players are waiting for additional intervention by the Bank of Russia and the Finance Ministry .
The regulator should show that it is really concerned about financial stability .
If this trend continues , it will lead to a panic and many players will exit the market , '' Head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newspaper .
`` The current devaluation of the ruble will hit the wallets of Russians , who are already insolvent , the hardest .
What is happening with the exchange rate and the economy can plunge the average Russian family into a full-fledged crisis , and this is not a joke , '' senior analyst at Alpari Analytical Center Anna Bodrova said .
While analysts are wondering about the poor response of the Bank of Russia to the plummeting ruble , the Russian government seems to be only beginning to realize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian economy and is counting up the losses .
Thus , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov admitted that `` entire sectors of the economy are shrinking '' due to the virus .
He also does not rule out that the current global situation would lead to the rejection of macroeconomic forecasts previously voiced in the government , first of all , the federal budget .
The Russian economy may well spiral downwards in the near future , experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
`` The state has taken certain steps to brace for negative events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , filling the National Wealth Fund ) .
But this is not enough to avoid a recession , which may come soon .
Over the course of this year , Russia , along with the rest of the world , will enter a global crisis that could last quite a while , '' Head of the AMarkets analytical department Artem Deyev told the newspaper .
COVID-19 ’ s penetration into the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) is testing the alliance ’ s strength .
Russia closed its borders , Kazakhstan and Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus and Kyrgyzstan are in isolation .
Communication between the countries that are members of the EAEU has been virtually discontinued .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , the cut in ties is a major blow to the integration processes and is pushing the EAEU back .
`` The situation negatively affects the EAEU .
First of all , national egoism is surfacing .
In times of economic turmoil , states act with less regard for others for their own survival .
This harms any union , and the EAEU is no exception , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
Advisor to the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Kubatbek Rakhimov agrees that the situation is alarming .
`` As the experience of the EU has shown , all integration associations are at risk of relative disintegration in a few days , when borders are closed , and the movement of people and goods is limited .
At least three sectors are automatically affected : transportation , tourism , and the labor market .
The restrictions that Moscow and Nur-Sultan have now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan , '' he told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
The crisis has two faces — epidemiological and economic — and makes it possible to rethink many approaches to Eurasian integration .
According to Rakhimov , it could be possible to more closely coordinate activities at the level of the Eurasian Economic Commission to work out a general mechanism for closer interaction .
The situation is aggravated by falling oil prices and the subsequent devaluation of the Russian ruble , a key currency in the EAEU .
The process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other EAEU countries , which will affect the dollar ’ s performance .
Trade volumes between EAEU countries will fall in dollar terms , although in physical terms they may not change much .
Expert on Central Asia and the Middle East Alexander Knyazev told the newspaper that the breakdown in ties is a major blow to the globalization processes , throwing it far back .
`` However , the EAEU is hardly worth considering in a special context .
The disruption is happening in the EU and in all integration associations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts warn oil price war will have no winners The price of a barrel of WTI US oil with April deliveries fell by 29.5 % to $ 20.81 per barrel , and Brent oil with May delivery by 15.66 % to $ 24.84 per barrel .
Raw materials began falling in January , when the outbreak of the coronavirus was followed by a decrease in demand for fuel .
However , a greater collapse occurred on March 9 , after the OPEC+ deal failed .
Lower global prices could lead to a sharp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States first , experts told Vedomosti , but in the long run there will be no winners in the oil price war .
On March 10 , following the drop in oil prices , shares of US shale companies collapsed , chief investment strategist at BCS Broker Maxim Shein told the newspaper .
Thus , EOG shares fell by 35 % and Continental Resources shed 40 % .
If the parties fail to agree , and Saudi Arabia continues the price war , then shale production in the United States might collapse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ producers have already announced cost reductions and cut output .
A group of US senators has already called on Saudi Arabia not to increase production and not to lower prices for its oil .
They noted that Riyadh ’ s actions took place right when the coronavirus global crisis was in full swing , and hinted that a collapse in the oil market could undermine the long-term partnership between the two countries .
`` There will be no winners in the price war '' , Igor Yushkov , senior analyst at the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled that cheap oil is forcing Russia to use the National Wealth Fund to ensure budget spending .
But the agreements by exporting countries are not the only factor affecting prices .
As a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus , the Chinese economy has slowed down , and European countries are closing their borders leading to a decrease in demand for fuel .
Once the demand recovers , exporters can once again sit at the negotiating table , Yushkov noted .
Izvestia : Beijing expels US journalists as spat with Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties '' and this time it is reporters .
This week , Beijing announced it would yank the accreditation of 13 US journalists working in China .
Officially , this was a response to the US , which also dramatically cut back the number of Chinese media personnel eligible to operate in the United States .
According to Izvestia , the information war between the two geopolitical rivals has been brewing for a long time , but with the coronavirus pandemic it has come to a boiling point .
The current expulsion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
In February , the US ordered a major reduction of employees from several Chinese media outlets from 160 to 100 people .
`` The fact that the Chinese expel almost full offices reflects the depth of the tensions .
I know many of the journalists personally , and they are not anti-Chinese , many specialized in writing articles from areas not touching on ideology , but related to the economy , '' one of the journalists working in China for many years told Izvestia .
This time , both sides went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The US media and the government , against the backdrop of the coronavirus epidemic , crossed some red lines , which greatly affected China ’ s mood , '' Vasily Kashin , senior researcher at the Institute of the Far East of the Russian Academy of Sciences , told Izvestia .
`` China understood that it was important for any major media to be present in the country , and they were playing a difficult game .
They made it clear that it was impossible to cross a certain line .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visa for a long time , issuing it at the very last moment , while visa denials were rare and were considered an extreme measure , '' Izvestia ’ s source added .
Speeches by officials on the epidemic only exacerbated Beijing ’ s resentment , the newspaper wrote , adding that US President Donald Trump branding the pandemic a `` Chinese virus '' was most likely the last straw .
For the first time in its 64-year history , the Eurovision Song Contest has been canceled .
While such decision was expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news , PR director of Russia ’ s entry Little Big group Polina Khramova told Izvestia .
Meanwhile , former contestants support the decision .
Immediately after the news , Little Big was in a light shock .
The artists did not expect such a sudden cancellation .
`` It ’ s still difficult for us to comment on this , '' Khramova told Izvestia .
`` Like you , we have learned about this from the news .
No one had told us about this in advance , '' she added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eurovision Song Contest , interviewed by Izvestia , agree that although the competition is broadcasted , the live audience matters .
`` If someone imagined Eurovision online , then this is not Eurovision , '' Ksenia Rubtsova , producer of Russia ’ s earlier contestants , the Buranovskiye Babushki , told Izvestia .
`` The feature of this competition is in the atmosphere and the spirit of competition .
And , frankly , [ holding ] Eurovision in such an alarming atmosphere would have looked like a feast during the plague , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broadcasting Union ( EBU ) , the contest ’ s organizers , were confident that the competition will be held safely in 2021 in Rotterdam .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia’s budget suffers major blow as dollar reaches 80 rubles The ruble continues to fall against major currencies, and it seems that this plunge will only continue. Experts interviewed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta are awaiting the Bank of Russia’s upcoming meeting on the key rate, emphasizing that so far the regulator has taken few measures to stabilize the financial system. At the same time, the Russian authorities seem to be just now beginning to realize the real scale of the disaster, the newspaper wrote.
A number of experts do not rule out a further decline. Thus, Goldman Sachs expects a drop in oil prices in Q2 to $20 per barrel and a fall in global demand to a record 1.1 mln barrels per day. Analysts expect to see a more serious reaction from the Bank of Russia to the developments. "A nervous atmosphere persists, and players are waiting for additional intervention by the Bank of Russia and the Finance Ministry. The regulator should show that it is really concerned about financial stability. If this trend continues, it will lead to a panic and many players will exit the market," Head of Operations at Metallinvestbank Sergey Romanchuk told the newspaper. "The current devaluation of the ruble will hit the wallets of Russians, who are already insolvent, the hardest. What is happening with the exchange rate and the economy can plunge the average Russian family into a full-fledged crisis, and this is not a joke," senior analyst at Alpari Analytical Center Anna Bodrova said. While analysts are wondering about the poor response of the Bank of Russia to the plummeting ruble, the Russian government seems to be only beginning to realize the scale of what is happening in the Russian economy and is counting up the losses. Thus, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov admitted that "entire sectors of the economy are shrinking" due to the virus. He also does not rule out that the current global situation would lead to the rejection of macroeconomic forecasts previously voiced in the government, first of all, the federal budget. The Russian economy may well spiral downwards in the near future, experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. "The state has taken certain steps to brace for negative events in the global economy (creating reserves, filling the National Wealth Fund). But this is not enough to avoid a recession, which may come soon. Over the course of this year, Russia, along with the rest of the world, will enter a global crisis that could last quite a while," Head of the AMarkets analytical department Artem Deyev told the newspaper. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Isolation threatens to push back EAEU development
COVID-19’s penetration into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is testing the alliance’s strength. Russia closed its borders, Kazakhstan and Armenia imposed a state of emergency, and Belarus and Kyrgyzstan are in isolation. Communication between the countries that are members of the EAEU has been virtually discontinued. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, the cut in ties is a major blow to the integration processes and is pushing the EAEU back. "The situation negatively affects the EAEU. First of all, national egoism is surfacing. In times of economic turmoil, states act with less regard for others for their own survival. This harms any union, and the EAEU is no exception," said Alexander Vorobyov, research associate at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Advisor to the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Kubatbek Rakhimov agrees that the situation is alarming. "As the experience of the EU has shown, all integration associations are at risk of relative disintegration in a few days, when borders are closed, and the movement of people and goods is limited. At least three sectors are automatically affected: transportation, tourism, and the labor market. The restrictions that Moscow and Nur-Sultan have now imposed will hit workers from Kyrgyzstan and from neighboring countries like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan," he told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. The crisis has two faces — epidemiological and economic — and makes it possible to rethink many approaches to Eurasian integration. According to Rakhimov, it could be possible to more closely coordinate activities at the level of the Eurasian Economic Commission to work out a general mechanism for closer interaction. The situation is aggravated by falling oil prices and the subsequent devaluation of the Russian ruble, a key currency in the EAEU. The process of devaluing national currencies has begun in other EAEU countries, which will affect the dollar’s performance. Trade volumes between EAEU countries will fall in dollar terms, although in physical terms they may not change much. Expert on Central Asia and the Middle East Alexander Knyazev told the newspaper that the breakdown in ties is a major blow to the globalization processes, throwing it far back. "However, the EAEU is hardly worth considering in a special context. The disruption is happening in the EU and in all integration associations," the expert said. Vedomosti: Experts warn oil price war will have no winners
The price of a barrel of WTI US oil with April deliveries fell by 29.5% to $20.81 per barrel, and Brent oil with May delivery by 15.66% to $24.84 per barrel. Raw materials began falling in January, when the outbreak of the coronavirus was followed by a decrease in demand for fuel. However, a greater collapse occurred on March 9, after the OPEC+ deal failed. Lower global prices could lead to a sharp drop in shale oil production in the United States first, experts told Vedomosti, but in the long run there will be no winners in the oil price war. On March 10, following the drop in oil prices, shares of US shale companies collapsed, chief investment strategist at BCS Broker Maxim Shein told the newspaper. Thus, EOG shares fell by 35% and Continental Resources shed 40%. If the parties fail to agree, and Saudi Arabia continues the price war, then shale production in the United States might collapse, Shein warned. US shale oil producers have already announced cost reductions and cut output. A group of US senators has already called on Saudi Arabia not to increase production and not to lower prices for its oil. They noted that Riyadh’s actions took place right when the coronavirus global crisis was in full swing, and hinted that a collapse in the oil market could undermine the long-term partnership between the two countries. "There will be no winners in the price war", Igor Yushkov, senior analyst at the National Energy Security Fund told Kommersant. He recalled that cheap oil is forcing Russia to use the National Wealth Fund to ensure budget spending. But the agreements by exporting countries are not the only factor affecting prices. As a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus, the Chinese economy has slowed down, and European countries are closing their borders leading to a decrease in demand for fuel. Once the demand recovers, exporters can once again sit at the negotiating table, Yushkov noted. Izvestia: Beijing expels US journalists as spat with Washington escalates
The US-China conflict has new "casualties" and this time it is reporters. This week, Beijing announced it would yank the accreditation of 13 US journalists working in China. Officially, this was a response to the US, which also dramatically cut back the number of Chinese media personnel eligible to operate in the United States. According to Izvestia, the information war between the two geopolitical rivals has been brewing for a long time, but with the coronavirus pandemic it has come to a boiling point. The current expulsion of US reporters was largely predictable, Izvestia wrote. In February, the US ordered a major reduction of employees from several Chinese media outlets from 160 to 100 people. "The fact that the Chinese expel almost full offices reflects the depth of the tensions. I know many of the journalists personally, and they are not anti-Chinese, many specialized in writing articles from areas not touching on ideology, but related to the economy," one of the journalists working in China for many years told Izvestia. This time, both sides went too far, Izvestia wrote. "The US media and the government, against the backdrop of the coronavirus epidemic, crossed some red lines, which greatly affected China’s mood," Vasily Kashin, senior researcher at the Institute of the Far East of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Izvestia. "China understood that it was important for any major media to be present in the country, and they were playing a difficult game. They made it clear that it was impossible to cross a certain line. For example, they could not update the journalist visa for a long time, issuing it at the very last moment, while visa denials were rare and were considered an extreme measure," Izvestia’s source added. Speeches by officials on the epidemic only exacerbated Beijing’s resentment, the newspaper wrote, adding that US President Donald Trump branding the pandemic a "Chinese virus" was most likely the last straw. Izvestia: Eurovision scrapped amid coronavirus fears For the first time in its 64-year history, the Eurovision Song Contest has been canceled. While such decision was expected, the contestants learned about this from the news, PR director of Russia’s entry Little Big group Polina Khramova told Izvestia. Meanwhile, former contestants support the decision.
Read also Eurovision Song Contest cancelled over coronavirus


tass--2020-03-19--Israel’s coronavirus cases reach 529

Israel’s coronavirus cases reach 529

TEL AVIV , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus patients in Israel has risen to 529 , @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said .
According to the ministry , six patients are in serious condition and @ @ @ @ @ number of coronavirus cases grew by 102 in the past 24 hours .
Israel reported @ @ @ @ @ February 27 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
@ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in more @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ far .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

TEL AVIV, March 19. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus patients in Israel has risen to 529, the country’s Health Ministry said.
According to the ministry, six patients are in serious condition and 12 have recovered. The number of coronavirus cases grew by 102 in the past 24 hours.
Israel reported its first coronavirus case on February 27.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health 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 170 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died. Russia has identified 147 cases so far. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-19--Lukoil considers it necessary to resume oil talks between Russia, Saudi Arabia

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Vice President of Russia ’ s oil major Lukoil Leonid Fedun considers it @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Saudi Arabia to stabilize the situation on the oil market .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ again , though for doing that it is necessary to overcome the pessimism of those @ @ @ @ @ '' he said in an interview aired by the RBC business news channel on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ price would equal around $ 50 per barrel if the deal had not failed at @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Vice President of Russia’s oil major Lukoil Leonid Fedun considers it necessary to resume talks between Russia and Saudi Arabia to stabilize the situation on the oil market.
"It is necessary to reach agreements again, though for doing that it is necessary to overcome the pessimism of those who thwarted the deal," he said in an interview aired by the RBC business news channel on Thursday, adding that the oil price would equal around $50 per barrel if the deal had not failed at the talks on March 6.


tass--2020-03-19--Eighty Russian regions declare state of high alert over coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 80 out of 85 Russian regions have declared a state @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , as can be seen from official statements .
Three federal cities — Moscow @ @ @ @ @ — have declared a state of high alert , as well as all regions in @ @ @ @ @ , the Urals , the Volga River basin , the country ’ s south and @ @ @ @ @ Tver regions in central Russia , and three out of seven regions in North Caucasus @ @ @ @ @ regions and Chechnya ) have not yet declared the regime .
A state of high @ @ @ @ @ events will be postponed and the number of people participating in authorized events will be @ @ @ @ @ people are recommended to refrain from traveling abroad , while employers are obliged to keep @ @ @ @ @ disease from coming to work .
Schools and universities have moved to remote learning .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. As many as 80 out of 85 Russian regions have declared a state of high alert over the coronavirus, as can be seen from official statements.
Three federal cities — Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol — have declared a state of high alert, as well as all regions in the Far East, Siberia, the Urals, the Volga River basin, the country’s south and northwest. The Oryol and Tver regions in central Russia, and three out of seven regions in North Caucasus (the Ingushetia and Karachay-Circassian regions and Chechnya) have not yet declared the regime.
A state of high alert means that all public events will be postponed and the number of people participating in authorized events will be reduced. In addition, people are recommended to refrain from traveling abroad, while employers are obliged to keep personnel with symptoms of infectious disease from coming to work. Schools and universities have moved to remote learning.
Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-03-19--Russian company creates breakthrough rapid response test to detect COVID-19

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
In the near future , the Sistema-Biotech company ( owned by AFK Sistema ) intends to register a rapid response test system with the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ( Rospotrebnadzor ) that makes it possible to detect coronavirus within two hours , AFK Sistema Managing Partner Artem Sirazutdinov informed TASS .
`` The Sistema-Biotech company plans to submit the registration dossier for its own SBT-DX-nCoV test system to Rospotrebnadzor in the near future , which makes it possible to detect the presence of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make it possible to get an answer within two hours in almost any medical laboratory , which has the appropriate equipment , '' he said .
Sirazutdinov stressed that the company did not consider the project to be commercial , its task is to provide the country with a reliable tool for detecting the virus .
He noted that the accuracy of the test system would be 90-95 % .
He added , that in the event of a positive conclusion , `` the new test system can be put into production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Negotiations have been held with a number of partners regarding a potential contract to manufacture the test systems in the required amount , '' he said .
In addition , Sistema-Biotech is completing the development of a rapid response test system , which will make it possible to pinpoint the virus in saliva within just 30 minutes .
Such mobile test systems can be effectively used , for example , at airports for testing passengers arriving from countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation and at workplaces , Sirazutdinov added .
The current coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 170 countries .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 people have contracted the virus , about 8,500 of them have died .
A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. In the near future, the Sistema-Biotech company (owned by AFK Sistema) intends to register a rapid response test system with the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) that makes it possible to detect coronavirus within two hours, AFK Sistema Managing Partner Artem Sirazutdinov informed TASS.
"The Sistema-Biotech company plans to submit the registration dossier for its own SBT-DX-nCoV test system to Rospotrebnadzor in the near future, which makes it possible to detect the presence of the coronavirus in human biological material. Such tests will make it possible to get an answer within two hours in almost any medical laboratory, which has the appropriate equipment," he said.
Sirazutdinov stressed that the company did not consider the project to be commercial, its task is to provide the country with a reliable tool for detecting the virus. He noted that the accuracy of the test system would be 90-95%.
He added, that in the event of a positive conclusion, "the new test system can be put into production in the immediate future." "Negotiations have been held with a number of partners regarding a potential contract to manufacture the test systems in the required amount," he said.
In addition, Sistema-Biotech is completing the development of a rapid response test system, which will make it possible to pinpoint the virus in saliva within just 30 minutes. Such mobile test systems can be effectively used, for example, at airports for testing passengers arriving from countries with an unfavorable epidemiological situation and at workplaces, Sirazutdinov added.
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 170 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus, about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Oil prices may stop falling at $15-20 per barrel, Lukoil says

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Oil prices may stop the drop at the resistance level of $ 15-20 @ @ @ @ @ of Lukoil Leonid Fedun said in an interview with RBC .
`` We have done @ @ @ @ @ course , like any technical analysis , these are subjective estimates .
But according to @ @ @ @ @ resistance level is now , we are seeing it - it is at $ 32 @ @ @ @ @ the ceiling is about $ 28 [ per barrel ] , and the second resistance @ @ @ @ @ per barrel ] , '' he said , answering a question about a possible continuation @ @ @ @ @ prices .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Oil prices may stop the drop at the resistance level of $15-20 per barrel, Vice President of Lukoil Leonid Fedun said in an interview with RBC.
"We have done a technical analysis. Of course, like any technical analysis, these are subjective estimates. But according to technical analysis, the first resistance level is now, we are seeing it - it is at $32 [per barrel], the ceiling is about $28 [per barrel], and the second resistance level is $15-20 [per barrel]," he said, answering a question about a possible continuation of a decline in oil prices.


tass--2020-03-19--Putin calls on Russian officials ‘to be ready for any scenario’ due to spread of COVID-19

SEVASTOPOL , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Russian officials to be ready for @ @ @ @ @ spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev @ @ @ @ @ people had been placed under medical supervision in Sevastopol , and eight had been taken @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus .
`` So far , there are no confirmed cases , but @ @ @ @ @ case , '' Razvozhaev said .

SEVASTOPOL, March 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Russian officials to be ready for any scenario due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhaev informed the president that 77 people had been placed under medical supervision in Sevastopol, and eight had been taken to hospital on suspicion of the novel coronavirus. "So far, there are no confirmed cases, but we are checking just in case," Razvozhaev said.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia’s Black Sea Fleet conducts artillery drills in Crimea

SEVASTOPOL , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet carried out late-night artillery drills at Crimea @ @ @ @ @ , the Fleet said in a statement on Thursday .
`` The exercise was primarily @ @ @ @ @ to use the Grad-M multiple rocket launchers and the Msta-B howitzers , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ ways to calibrate artillery pieces , prepare to fire and change firing positions .
`` @ @ @ @ @ attention was paid to arranging observation and reconnaissance posts , including the use of unmanned @ @ @ @ @ skills in detecting targets and adjusting artillery fire at night , as well as in @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement added .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s artillery units will complete @ @ @ @ @ .
After that , artillerymen will take tests for the winter training period .

SEVASTOPOL, March 19. /TASS/. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet carried out late-night artillery drills at Crimea’s Opuk training range, the Fleet said in a statement on Thursday.
"The exercise was primarily aimed at training artillery recruits to use the Grad-M multiple rocket launchers and the Msta-B howitzers," the statement reads. Troops particularly practiced ways to calibrate artillery pieces, prepare to fire and change firing positions.
"During the drills, particular attention was paid to arranging observation and reconnaissance posts, including the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to improve the skills in detecting targets and adjusting artillery fire at night, as well as in coordinating with artillery crews," the statement added.
The Black Sea Fleet’s artillery units will complete the drills in late March. After that, artillerymen will take tests for the winter training period.


tass--2020-03-19--Elderly woman with coronavirus dies in Moscow

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
An elderly woman who tested positive for the coronavirus has died at the hospital in Moscow , the coronavirus monitoring center said on Thursday .
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin , who chairs that State Council ’ s Coronavirus Prevention Working Group , has confirmed the city ’ s first coronavirus death .
`` A 79-year-old woman was taken to the hospital on March 13 , and transferred to a private clinic at her family ’ s request on March 14 .
After testing positive for the coronavirus , she was transferred to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement reads .
The deceased had a number of chronic diseases , including diabetes , arterial hypertension , coronary heart disease , coronary atherosclerosis , pulmonary hypertension , kidney stone disease and cerebrovascular disease , the center added .
Infectious Hospital Number Two Chief Medical Officer Svetlana Krasnova said that the patient had received comprehensive treatment at the intensive care unit .
`` The patient ’ s close contacts have been identified and put under medical observation .
None of them has severe symptoms of the disease , '' the monitoring center said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities notified the World Health 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 140 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died .
Russia has identified 147 cases so far .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotline to keep the country ’ s people informed about the coronavirus situation .
As many as 86 coronavirus cases have been identified in Moscow so far .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. An elderly woman who tested positive for the coronavirus has died at the hospital in Moscow, the coronavirus monitoring center said on Thursday. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, who chairs that State Council’s Coronavirus Prevention Working Group, has confirmed the city’s first coronavirus death.
"A 79-year-old woman was taken to the hospital on March 13, and transferred to a private clinic at her family’s request on March 14. After testing positive for the coronavirus, she was transferred to the Infectious Hospital Number Two," the statement reads. The deceased had a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, coronary atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, kidney stone disease and cerebrovascular disease, the center added.
Infectious Hospital Number Two Chief Medical Officer Svetlana Krasnova said that the patient had received comprehensive treatment at the intensive care unit.
"The patient’s close contacts have been identified and put under medical observation. None of them has severe symptoms of the disease," the monitoring center said.
Coronavirus situation
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health 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 140 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died. Russia has identified 147 cases so far. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.
As many as 86 coronavirus cases have been identified in Moscow so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Hainan's Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden to reopen on March 20

HAIKOU , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden , closed amid the coronavirus outbreak , resumes work .
According to www.hinews.cn , the park will open its doors to visitors on March 20 .
All visitors will be required to wear a protective mask and undergo a procedure for checking body temperature at the entrance .
Visitors will also begin to check the data of the `` QR health code '' ( an online program that registers the movements of people and their contacts with patients ) , moreover , to buy a ticket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card .
Tourists with a body temperature above 37.3 degrees will not be allowed into the park , and the number of visitors will also be limited - no more than 50 % of the maximum daily flow of tourists .
Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden is the first park of this kind in China .
It is inhabited by several thousand rare birds and animals of 200 different species .
The park , which is 90 % covered by rainforests 90 % , is located in the Xuying district of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safari area which is accessible only by car .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

HAIKOU, March 19. /TASS/. Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden, closed amid the coronavirus outbreak, resumes work. According to www.hinews.cn, the park will open its doors to visitors on March 20.
All visitors will be required to wear a protective mask and undergo a procedure for checking body temperature at the entrance. Visitors will also begin to check the data of the "QR health code" (an online program that registers the movements of people and their contacts with patients), moreover, to buy a ticket one will have to show an ID card. Tourists with a body temperature above 37.3 degrees will not be allowed into the park, and the number of visitors will also be limited - no more than 50% of the maximum daily flow of tourists.
Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden is the first park of this kind in China. It is inhabited by several thousand rare birds and animals of 200 different species. The park, which is 90% covered by rainforests 90%, is located in the Xuying district of Haikou. It has pedestrian zones and a safari area which is accessible only by car.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.