tass--2020-03-18--Russian PM orders to restrict flights to UK, US, UAE

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has instructed the Transport Ministry to introduce temporary @ @ @ @ @ UK , USA and the UAE from March 20 .
The document was published on @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
`` [ I hereby request ] Russia ’ s Transport Ministry to @ @ @ @ @ is introduced on passenger traffic from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territories @ @ @ @ @ the United States of America , the United Arab Emirates and vice versa from 00:00 @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , with the exception of : regular flights Moscow - London ( and @ @ @ @ @ New York ( and back ) , Moscow - Abu Dhabi ( and back ) @ @ @ @ @ Airport ( terminal F ) , '' according to the ruling .
The exception also @ @ @ @ @ to return citizens of the abovementioned states to their countries and Russian citizens - to @ @

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has instructed the Transport Ministry to introduce temporary restrictions on flights to the UK, USA and the UAE from March 20. The document was published on the website of the Cabinet on Wednesday.
"[I hereby request ]Russia’s Transport Ministry to ensure that a temporary restriction is introduced on passenger traffic from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territories of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and vice versa from 00:00 Moscow time on March 20, 2020, with the exception of: regular flights Moscow - London (and back), Moscow - New York (and back), Moscow - Abu Dhabi (and back) operated via the Sheremetyevo International Airport (terminal F)," according to the ruling.
The exception also applies to the charter flights to return citizens of the abovementioned states to their countries and Russian citizens - to Russia.


tass--2020-03-18--Hainan's Boao forum to wrap up park renovation by March

HAIKOU , March 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Boao Economic Forum for Asia on the Island of Hainan by the end of March will wrap up construction work in an area of about 2,000 square meters for the park complex renovation near the central conference hall - a huge building that can accommodate thousands , the Hainan Daily newspaper reported .
According to the publication , such a large-scale activity is dedicated to the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Boao forum .
In addition to lawns and plantings , more than 20 exhibition halls , five VIP zones and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , as noted , the plan for additional renovation has already been completed by 97 % .
`` Final work is underway on landscaping parks and paving paths , and by March 30 we are planning to wrap up everything , '' a representative of the contractor said .
According to the statement , the activities on the arrangement of the forum 's territory did not stop , even despite the outbreak of the coronavirus .
To ensure security , the entire adjacent area was disinfected twice a day , and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed in mandatory two-week quarantine .
Boao Forum for Asia , dubbed the Davos of the East , is a big platform for signing important agreements and international coordination between business and political elites , The forum has been held since 2001 , usually in spring , following China 's main annual political event — the two sessions , where the Chinese authorities shape up the country 's national strategy .
The government pays special attention to the forum as it facilitates China 's international contracts , settles diplomatic agenda , promotes China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community of Common Destiny '' globally .
According to the Chinese top diplomat , this regular forum `` has become an important bridge connecting China with the outside world '' .
The Boao Forum bacame the center of global attention in April , 2018 , when China 's President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony .
Speaking at the forum , the Chinese leader for the first time announced a number of important national policy highlights regarding the new market reforms , structural changes and boosting China 's openness .

HAIKOU, March 17. /TASS/. The Boao Economic Forum for Asia on the Island of Hainan by the end of March will wrap up construction work in an area of about 2,000 square meters for the park complex renovation near the central conference hall - a huge building that can accommodate thousands, the Hainan Daily newspaper reported.
According to the publication, such a large-scale activity is dedicated to the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Boao forum. In addition to lawns and plantings, more than 20 exhibition halls, five VIP zones and one tourist center were renovated. At the moment, as noted, the plan for additional renovation has already been completed by 97%.
"Final work is underway on landscaping parks and paving paths, and by March 30 we are planning to wrap up everything," a representative of the contractor said.
According to the statement, the activities on the arrangement of the forum's territory did not stop, even despite the outbreak of the coronavirus. To ensure security, the entire adjacent area was disinfected twice a day, and people arriving from other China's regions were placed in mandatory two-week quarantine.
About the forum's history
Boao Forum for Asia, dubbed the Davos of the East, is a big platform for signing important agreements and international coordination between business and political elites, The forum has been held since 2001, usually in spring, following China's main annual political event — the two sessions, where the Chinese authorities shape up the country's national strategy.
The government pays special attention to the forum as it facilitates China's international contracts, settles diplomatic agenda, promotes China's image and the concept of "Community of Common Destiny" globally. According to the Chinese top diplomat, this regular forum "has become an important bridge connecting China with the outside world".
The Boao Forum bacame the center of global attention in April, 2018, when China's President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony. Speaking at the forum, the Chinese leader for the first time announced a number of important national policy highlights regarding the new market reforms, structural changes and boosting China's openness.


tass--2020-03-18--CCTV cameras track down over 200 self-isolation violators in Moscow

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
CCTV cameras of Moscow ’ s Safe City system have revealed more than 200 people who have violated the coronavirus self-isolation rules , head of the Russian Interior Ministry ’ s Moscow Directorate Oleg Baranov said at a meeting in the Moscow City Duma on Wednesday .
`` This system ( Safe City ) has shown its effectiveness in monitoring citizens ’ compliance with quarantine regulations .
More than 200 citizens who had committed violations have been identified , '' he said .
According to Baranov , the Safe City cameras helped solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people wanted by the police were detained .
The efficiency of the system is growing by 15-20 % annually .
He stressed that 178,000 cameras had been installed in Moscow to date , adding that another 9,000 would be installed in 2020 .
In a situation when there are serious risks of the infection spread in the city and a high alert regime is in effect , staying in hospital is mandatory for those who have acute respiratory infection symptoms if there are reasons to believe that they could have contracted the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is the length of the incubation period of the new virus .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. CCTV cameras of Moscow’s Safe City system have revealed more than 200 people who have violated the coronavirus self-isolation rules, head of the Russian Interior Ministry’s Moscow Directorate Oleg Baranov said at a meeting in the Moscow City Duma on Wednesday.
"This system (Safe City) has shown its effectiveness in monitoring citizens’ compliance with quarantine regulations. More than 200 citizens who had committed violations have been identified," he said.
According to Baranov, the Safe City cameras helped solve 4,000 crimes in 2019, while eight people wanted by the police were detained. The efficiency of the system is growing by 15-20% annually.
He stressed that 178,000 cameras had been installed in Moscow to date, adding that another 9,000 would be installed in 2020.
In a situation when there are serious risks of the infection spread in the city and a high alert regime is in effect, staying in hospital is mandatory for those who have acute respiratory infection symptoms if there are reasons to believe that they could have contracted the coronavirus infection. The hospitalization lasts 14 days. That is the length of the incubation period of the new virus.


tass--2020-03-18--Brent crude oil falls below $28 first time since January 2016

Brent crude oil price down below $ 30 first time since January 2016 MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ for Brent crude oil with May delivery on London ’ s ICE fell by 2.75 @ @ @ @ @ barrel on Wednesday .
The last time oil of this grade was at this level @ @ @ @ @ price of the WTI oil futures lost 4.9 % and reached $ 25.96 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ 2003 .

Brent crude oil price down below $30 first time since January 2016
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The price of futures contract for Brent crude oil with May delivery on London’s ICE fell by 2.75% reaching $27.9 per barrel on Wednesday.
The last time oil of this grade was at this level in January 2016.
The price of the WTI oil futures lost 4.9% and reached $25.96 per barrel, the level of May 2003.


tass--2020-03-18--Dollar exceeds 78 rubles on Moscow Exchange

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar exchange rate against the ruble gained 3.4 % since its previous @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday to 78.01 rubles , according to the trading data .
The euro is @ @ @ @ @ rubles .
The dollar exceeded the 79 rubles mark as trading opened hitting the February @ @ @ @ @ currency is declining as the price of Brent crude oil futures for May delivery lost @ @ @ @ @ s ICE to $ 27.75 per barrel , while the WTI oil price dropped by @ @ @ @ @ per barrel .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The dollar exchange rate against the ruble gained 3.4% since its previous closure on the Moscow Exchange on Wednesday to 78.01 rubles, according to the trading data.
The euro is up 3.45% at 85.76 rubles.
The dollar exceeded the 79 rubles mark as trading opened hitting the February 2016 high.
The Russian currency is declining as the price of Brent crude oil futures for May delivery lost 3.4% on London’s ICE to $27.75 per barrel, while the WTI oil price dropped by 5.5% to $25.82 per barrel.


tass--2020-03-18--Russian constitutional vote may be postponed due to threats to public health

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution , set to be held on April 22 , may be postponed due to threats to the public health amid the coronavirus spread , Central Election Commission ( CEC ) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova said at the commission ’ s meeting on Wednesday .
`` Ensuring people ’ s health and safety is our priority , '' she pointed out .
`` It is not our intention to hold the nationwide vote on April 22 no matter what .
If threats to the public ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 , it will be postponed to another date , '' Pamfilova noted , adding that according to the bill on constitutional amendments , the vote was supposed to take place no sooner than a month after the bill was signed `` but it can be held later if necessary . ''
The top election official pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree on Tuesday , which sets April 22 as the date for the constitutional vote .
`` It was impossible for him [ the president ] to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , otherwise we would have had no legal reasons to launch large-scale preparations , '' Pamfilova explained .
The CEC chairperson also informed that she had held a teleconference with the Russian consumer watchdog ’ s head Anna Popova earlier on Wednesday , which also involved a virologist .
`` Forewarned is forearmed .
All of us are determined to take preventive measures , our agencies are working effectively , '' she stated .
On Tuesday , Putin held a meeting with Pamfilova and said that the constitutional vote could be postponed if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold it on April 22 .
On Monday , Russia ’ s Constitutional Court ruled that the bill on constitutional amendments proposed by the president was in line with the Constitution .
On March 11 , Russia ’ s State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) passed the third and final reading of the bill , which was approved by the Federation Council ( the upper house ) later on the same day .
After that , all of the country ’ s regional legislatures also approved the document .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms .
However , the incumbent head of state can run for president regardless of the time spent in office before the amendment came into force .
The document also expands the authority of Russia ’ s parliament and Constitutional Court , bars officials from holding foreign passports and residence permits and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia ’ s legal system .
The constitutional amendments will come into force if approved in a nationwide vote .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 160 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 190,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 8,000 have died .
Russia has by now identified 114 cases .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution, set to be held on April 22, may be postponed due to threats to the public health amid the coronavirus spread, Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova said at the commission’s meeting on Wednesday.
"Ensuring people’s health and safety is our priority," she pointed out. "It is not our intention to hold the nationwide vote on April 22 no matter what. If threats to the public’s health and safety arise by April 22, it will be postponed to another date," Pamfilova noted, adding that according to the bill on constitutional amendments, the vote was supposed to take place no sooner than a month after the bill was signed "but it can be held later if necessary."
The top election official pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree on Tuesday, which sets April 22 as the date for the constitutional vote.
"It was impossible for him [the president] to sign the decree without setting a date, otherwise we would have had no legal reasons to launch large-scale preparations," Pamfilova explained.
The CEC chairperson also informed that she had held a teleconference with the Russian consumer watchdog’s head Anna Popova earlier on Wednesday, which also involved a virologist. "Forewarned is forearmed. All of us are determined to take preventive measures, our agencies are working effectively," she stated.
On Tuesday, Putin held a meeting with Pamfilova and said that the constitutional vote could be postponed if the coronavirus situation made it impossible to hold it on April 22.
Constitutional amendments
On Monday, Russia’s Constitutional Court ruled that the bill on constitutional amendments proposed by the president was in line with the Constitution.
On March 11, Russia’s State Duma (the lower house of parliament) passed the third and final reading of the bill, which was approved by the Federation Council (the upper house) later on the same day. After that, all of the country’s regional legislatures also approved the document.
The bill sets a limit of two presidential terms. However, the incumbent head of state can run for president regardless of the time spent in office before the amendment came into force. The document also expands the authority of Russia’s parliament and Constitutional Court, bars officials from holding foreign passports and residence permits and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia’s legal system.
The constitutional amendments will come into force if approved in a nationwide vote.
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 160 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 190,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 8,000 have died. Russia has by now identified 114 cases.


tass--2020-03-18--Press review: Can coronavirus delay Russia’s constitutional vote and lift EU sanctions

Kommersant : Russia ’ s constitutional vote likely to be delayed over coronavirus Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Tuesday on holding the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments on April 22 .
The president noted that the vote would be held on that day if the epidemiological situation in the country permitted .
Earlier , representatives of the Golos movement for protecting voters ’ rights and journalist Alexei Venediktov called for postponing the vote due to the coronavirus pandemic , Kommersant business daily writes .
The Golos activists believe that the coronavirus spread hinders campaigning for and against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus at polling stations in addition to having problems with opening polls overseas .
The president published the decree on setting the date for the constitutional vote after the Constitutional Court had approved the plans .
Within three days , a procedure for holding and preparing the vote will be approved , creating legal grounds for launching a campaign to inform the public .
Experts interviewed by Kommersant pointed out that the coronavirus outbreak could last for two or three months .
The first coronavirus cases in Russia were officially confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started introducing its first quarantine measures in the first weeks of March .
So , the constitutional vote could be postponed until the summer , according to the newspaper .
A source in the Central Election Commission said the election authority was `` working on preparing for the vote rather than on putting it off . ''
At a meeting with Russia ’ s election chief Ella Pamfilova , Putin hoped that the CEC would ensure the vote at the highest level and in full compliance with law .
No threshold for voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will enter into force if more than half of the voters endorse them .
German politicians are calling for canceling sanctions against Russia amid the coronavirus pandemic , Waldemar Herdt , a member of the Bundestag ’ s Committee on Foreign Affairs , told Izvestia .
Nations should help each other during hard times and the current crisis will deal a heavy blow to the entire EU economy .
The move to lift anti-Russian sanctions could boost trade in Europe , the MP insisted .
The German parliament is expected to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , which could be held online .
`` These sanctions should have been canceled before this crisis caused by the coronavirus .
However , now when the borders are closed this issue is even more pressing , '' the politician said .
`` I think this crisis will harm the economy of both Germany and the entire EU .
No doubt , we should have closer ties with our neighbors and restore trade with Russia , this will do good for the entire economic system and will be timely . ''
Chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Interim Commission on Information Policy and Cooperation with the Media Alexei Pushkov told the newspaper that the chances that Berlin ’ s initiative would be backed by all EU members were slim .
The major stumbling block is the position of German Chancellor Angela Merkel , he noted .
However , if the coronavirus crisis continues , the EU will have to give up its Russophobia , the politician stressed .
German political scientist Alexander Rahr agrees that the idea of cancelling anti-Russian sanctions would be logical , but now EU leaders should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to seek closer ties with Russia .
The key problem here is ideology and it ’ s hard for them to cross the line that they have drawn for themselves , the expert noted .
The behavior of the EU or its members will now depend on the coronavirus situation in Russia .
If everything remains as is , the Europeans could restore cooperation , he explained .
The price for a barrel of oil in rubles has slipped much lower than the level , which the Russian Energy Ministry feels is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a barrel of oil costs some 1,800 rubles instead of the `` tolerable '' level of 2,500 rubles .
The profitability of Russian oil companies could be restored by weakening the ruble by one-third , according to a forecast by foreign experts .
Russians should now start preparing for 100 rubles per dollar .
Until there are signs that the coronavirus pandemic could be taken under control , the ruble remains vulnerable , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports .
The price of Russia ’ s Urals oil has dropped to $ 25 per barrel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirill Tremasov said .
`` It ’ s not far away from the 2016 minimum when at a certain point oil plunged to $ 23.50 .
Then the ruble rate was 82 per dollar , and now it ’ s nearly 74 , '' the expert wrote on his Telegram channel , not ruling out a further decline of the Russian currency .
Deputy Head of the Alpari analytical center Natalya Milchakova notes that that a lot will depend not only on oil prices but also on macroeconomic data , including on inflation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the demand or the lack of demand in Russia ’ s government bonds .
`` Should investors flee from Russian state debt amid new sanctions or an economic slump the ruble could dip even below earlier levels , '' she warned .
The Union of European Football Associations ( UEFA ) has officially declared postponing Euro 2020 for a year .
The tournament will be held on June 11-July 11 , 2021 .
This is the best solution amid the current coronavirus pandemic , experts interviewed by Izvestia said .
The matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world and Russia will be one of the hosts .
It was obvious that it would be impossible to hold the Euro championship as scheduled .
Almost all of the continent ’ s football championships have been suspended and now it is unclear when they will resume .
Even if the situation with the coronavirus in Europe normalizes soon , it will be unrealistic to play all the missed matches by mid-June , the paper says .
`` All of Europe has been engulfed by this pandemic , '' prominent Russian coach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are no countries on the continent , which have not been hit by this disease .
So , it seems to me that even if one country had been picked as the Euro 2020 host , it would have been postponed anyway .
UEFA has introduced an interesting experiment with 12 hosts , but now it ’ s not going to happen .
Let ’ s wait for a year . ''
The European football ’ s governing body decided to hold the event in 12 cities in Europe to mark the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hosts will remain unchanged : Russia , England , Ireland , Germany , Italy , Azerbaijan , Spain , Scotland , Hungary , Romania , Denmark and the Netherlands .
Harsh measures on preventing the spread of the coronavirus have not fazed the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s units and facilities .
The troops in Alabino , near Moscow , continue preparing for the anticipated parade marking the 75th anniversary of the USSR ’ s Victory in the Great Patriotic War , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes citing military sources .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort despite a ban on mass open-air events in the Moscow Region and in the Russian capital itself .
The Defense Ministry reports that the Baltic Fleet has sent more than 500 marines to Moscow to prepare for the march on May 9 .
Some 1,000 cadets from the Military Academy of Strategic Missile Forces are preparing for the parade .
More than 450 paratroopers from Kostroma will also arrive in Moscow to take part in the parade .
They will be accommodated and train near the Alabino firing range on a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this training shows that the Victory Day parade will involve more than 15,000 troops and 375 pieces of equipment , the paper writes .
Meanwhile , public activists and parents of the cadets have voiced concerns that these preparations , which are taking place amid the coronavirus threat , could affect the participants ’ health .
However , a military doctor assured the paper that `` there would be no COVID-19 breakout in the army and the fleet , '' stressing that `` military medicine is still strong in Russia . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , Italy and France in combating the coronavirus .
Russia ’ s medical units could help the National Guard ensure a curfew in big cities to prevent the spread of the disease , he explained .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: Russia’s constitutional vote likely to be delayed over coronavirus
Read also Putin signs decree on holding nationwide voting on constitutional amendments on April 22
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Tuesday on holding the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments on April 22. The president noted that the vote would be held on that day if the epidemiological situation in the country permitted. Earlier, representatives of the Golos movement for protecting voters’ rights and journalist Alexei Venediktov called for postponing the vote due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kommersant business daily writes. The Golos activists believe that the coronavirus spread hinders campaigning for and against the amendments and poses risks of contracting the coronavirus at polling stations in addition to having problems with opening polls overseas. The president published the decree on setting the date for the constitutional vote after the Constitutional Court had approved the plans. Within three days, a procedure for holding and preparing the vote will be approved, creating legal grounds for launching a campaign to inform the public. Experts interviewed by Kommersant pointed out that the coronavirus outbreak could last for two or three months. The first coronavirus cases in Russia were officially confirmed in February. Moscow’s mayoral office started introducing its first quarantine measures in the first weeks of March. So, the constitutional vote could be postponed until the summer, according to the newspaper. A source in the Central Election Commission said the election authority was "working on preparing for the vote rather than on putting it off." At a meeting with Russia’s election chief Ella Pamfilova, Putin hoped that the CEC would ensure the vote at the highest level and in full compliance with law. No threshold for voter turnout has been set and the amendments will enter into force if more than half of the voters endorse them. Izvestia: Germany mulls lifting anti-Russian sanctions amid coronavirus German politicians are calling for canceling sanctions against Russia amid the coronavirus pandemic, Waldemar Herdt, a member of the Bundestag’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, told Izvestia. Nations should help each other during hard times and the current crisis will deal a heavy blow to the entire EU economy. The move to lift anti-Russian sanctions could boost trade in Europe, the MP insisted. The German parliament is expected to discuss the proposal at the upcoming meeting in a week, which could be held online.
"These sanctions should have been canceled before this crisis caused by the coronavirus. However, now when the borders are closed this issue is even more pressing," the politician said. "I think this crisis will harm the economy of both Germany and the entire EU. No doubt, we should have closer ties with our neighbors and restore trade with Russia, this will do good for the entire economic system and will be timely." Chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Interim Commission on Information Policy and Cooperation with the Media Alexei Pushkov told the newspaper that the chances that Berlin’s initiative would be backed by all EU members were slim. The major stumbling block is the position of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he noted. However, if the coronavirus crisis continues, the EU will have to give up its Russophobia, the politician stressed. German political scientist Alexander Rahr agrees that the idea of cancelling anti-Russian sanctions would be logical, but now EU leaders should understand that it’s advantageous for them to seek closer ties with Russia. The key problem here is ideology and it’s hard for them to cross the line that they have drawn for themselves, the expert noted. The behavior of the EU or its members will now depend on the coronavirus situation in Russia. If everything remains as is, the Europeans could restore cooperation, he explained. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Experts warn $25-a-barrel oil will shatter Russian ruble
Read also Brent crude oil price down below $30 first time since January 2016
The price for a barrel of oil in rubles has slipped much lower than the level, which the Russian Energy Ministry feels is acceptable for commercial production. Today, a barrel of oil costs some 1,800 rubles instead of the "tolerable" level of 2,500 rubles. The profitability of Russian oil companies could be restored by weakening the ruble by one-third, according to a forecast by foreign experts. Russians should now start preparing for 100 rubles per dollar. Until there are signs that the coronavirus pandemic could be taken under control, the ruble remains vulnerable, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports. The price of Russia’s Urals oil has dropped to $25 per barrel, Director at Analytical Department at Locko Invest Kirill Tremasov said. "It’s not far away from the 2016 minimum when at a certain point oil plunged to $23.50. Then the ruble rate was 82 per dollar, and now it’s nearly 74," the expert wrote on his Telegram channel, not ruling out a further decline of the Russian currency. Deputy Head of the Alpari analytical center Natalya Milchakova notes that that a lot will depend not only on oil prices but also on macroeconomic data, including on inflation of consumer prices in Russia as well as the demand or the lack of demand in Russia’s government bonds. "Should investors flee from Russian state debt amid new sanctions or an economic slump the ruble could dip even below earlier levels," she warned. Izvestia: Coronavirus outbreak forces UEFA to postpone Euro 2020
Read also UEFA postpones Euro 2020 to 2021 over coronavirus
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has officially declared postponing Euro 2020 for a year. The tournament will be held on June 11-July 11, 2021. This is the best solution amid the current coronavirus pandemic, experts interviewed by Izvestia said. The matches will be held in 12 cities across the world and Russia will be one of the hosts. It was obvious that it would be impossible to hold the Euro championship as scheduled. Almost all of the continent’s football championships have been suspended and now it is unclear when they will resume. Even if the situation with the coronavirus in Europe normalizes soon, it will be unrealistic to play all the missed matches by mid-June, the paper says. "All of Europe has been engulfed by this pandemic," prominent Russian coach Sergei Silkin told the paper. "There are no countries on the continent, which have not been hit by this disease. So, it seems to me that even if one country had been picked as the Euro 2020 host, it would have been postponed anyway. UEFA has introduced an interesting experiment with 12 hosts, but now it’s not going to happen. Let’s wait for a year." The European football’s governing body decided to hold the event in 12 cities in Europe to mark the 60th anniversary of the first continental Cup. The hosts will remain unchanged: Russia, England, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Azerbaijan, Spain, Scotland, Hungary, Romania, Denmark and the Netherlands. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Victory Day parade preparations underway despite coronavirus


tass--2020-03-18--Investigation of case against Russian professor charged with killing student concluded

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The investigation of the murder case against Russian historian Oleg Sokolov , charged with killing Anastasia Yeshchenko , a postgraduate student of the St. Petersburg State University , has been concluded , Russian Investigative Committee Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko informed TASS on Wednesday .
`` The Main Investigative Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee has concluded the investigation of a criminal case against former associate professor of the St. Petersburg State University Oleg Sokolov charged under Article 105 Part 1 and Article 222 Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code ( Murder , Unlawful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Petrenko said .
`` The criminal case has been sent to the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office to determine the indictment . ''
In the early hours of November 9 , 2019 , St. Petersburg historian Oleg Sokolov , born in 1956 , was rescued from St. Petersburg 's Moyka River with a backpack containing human body fragments .
More remains were later found at his apartment .
A criminal case was opened on murder charges .
Sokolov ’ s victim was identified as Anastasia Yeshchenko , a postgraduate student who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint studies and had an intimate relationship with the academic .
Yeshchenko , born in Russia ’ s Krasnodar Region , graduated from St. Petersburg State University three years ago and went on to become a postgraduate student .
In court , the suspect confessed to the murder on grounds of a personal conflict .
Three days after the criminal case was launched , another bag with fragments of Yeshchenko ’ s body was found in St. Petersburg 's Kirovsky district .
The historian underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was confirmed sane .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The investigation of the murder case against Russian historian Oleg Sokolov, charged with killing Anastasia Yeshchenko, a postgraduate student of the St. Petersburg State University, has been concluded, Russian Investigative Committee Spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko informed TASS on Wednesday.
"The Main Investigative Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee has concluded the investigation of a criminal case against former associate professor of the St. Petersburg State University Oleg Sokolov charged under Article 105 Part 1 and Article 222 Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code (Murder, Unlawful purchase and possession of weapons)," Petrenko said. "The criminal case has been sent to the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office to determine the indictment."
In the early hours of November 9, 2019, St. Petersburg historian Oleg Sokolov, born in 1956, was rescued from St. Petersburg's Moyka River with a backpack containing human body fragments. More remains were later found at his apartment. A criminal case was opened on murder charges.
Sokolov’s victim was identified as Anastasia Yeshchenko, a postgraduate student who had been Sokolov’s co-author in joint studies and had an intimate relationship with the academic. Yeshchenko, born in Russia’s Krasnodar Region, graduated from St. Petersburg State University three years ago and went on to become a postgraduate student. In court, the suspect confessed to the murder on grounds of a personal conflict.
Three days after the criminal case was launched, another bag with fragments of Yeshchenko’s body was found in St. Petersburg's Kirovsky district.
The historian underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was confirmed sane.


tass--2020-03-18--Attempts to isolate Crimea continue, but it’s harder to carry them out — Russian diplomat

`` The attempts of isolating Crimea continue , but it ’ s becoming more difficult for our opponents to pursue this policy , '' Zakharova stated .
MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s opponents continue their attempts to isolate Crimea , but it ’ s becoming increasingly difficult to accomplish this task , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the Black Sea peninsula ’ s reunification with Russia .
According to the diplomat , opinion polls carried out in the Black Sea peninsula confirm `` a positive atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Against this background , any attempts of disrupting social and political stability in Crimea are doomed to failure , '' the statement reads .
Crimea is a Russian region that is `` mostly subjected to foreign destructive influence , '' but it has been successfully overcoming all difficulties , Zakharova noted .
`` The task to counter blatantly unfriendly Russophobic policy requires consolidated efforts , comprehensive political and legal , financial and economic , information and propaganda , and cultural and humanitarian measures .
In view of this , over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Crimean citizens have made a great effort , '' she stressed .
Looking back with hindsight over Crimea ’ s decision to rejoin Russia six years ago , we , according to Maria Zakharova , can conclude that there were no alternatives to that move `` amid the tense situation unfolding around the peninsula . ''
`` As a result , Crimea did not fall victim to radical nationalists but , having joined Russia , it avoided social and political turbulence seen in the post-Maidan Ukraine .
Crimea escaped the fate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ maneuvers aimed against our country , '' the diplomat explained .
`` Numerous foreign guests arriving in the peninsula have a chance to assess without bias the efforts of federal and regional authorities on improving living conditions of Crimeans , bolstering inter-religious peace and protecting national minorities ’ rights , '' Zakharova added , recalling that more than 70 important international events were held in Crimea and Sevastopol in 2019 .

"The attempts of isolating Crimea continue, but it’s becoming more difficult for our opponents to pursue this policy," Zakharova stated.
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s opponents continue their attempts to isolate Crimea, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to accomplish this task, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of the Black Sea peninsula’s reunification with Russia.
According to the diplomat, opinion polls carried out in the Black Sea peninsula confirm "a positive atmosphere of inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations there." "Against this background, any attempts of disrupting social and political stability in Crimea are doomed to failure," the statement reads.
Crimea is a Russian region that is "mostly subjected to foreign destructive influence," but it has been successfully overcoming all difficulties, Zakharova noted. "The task to counter blatantly unfriendly Russophobic policy requires consolidated efforts, comprehensive political and legal, financial and economic, information and propaganda, and cultural and humanitarian measures. In view of this, over the past time the country’s leadership and Crimean citizens have made a great effort," she stressed.
Looking back with hindsight over Crimea’s decision to rejoin Russia six years ago, we, according to Maria Zakharova, can conclude that there were no alternatives to that move "amid the tense situation unfolding around the peninsula." "As a result, Crimea did not fall victim to radical nationalists but, having joined Russia, it avoided social and political turbulence seen in the post-Maidan Ukraine. Crimea escaped the fate of becoming a testing range for NATO forces’ maneuvers aimed against our country," the diplomat explained.
"Numerous foreign guests arriving in the peninsula have a chance to assess without bias the efforts of federal and regional authorities on improving living conditions of Crimeans, bolstering inter-religious peace and protecting national minorities’ rights," Zakharova added, recalling that more than 70 important international events were held in Crimea and Sevastopol in 2019.


tass--2020-03-18--Russia’s budget for 2020 will be deficit, finance minister says

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s budget in 2020 will be deficit , Finance Minister Anton @ @ @ @ @ of the board of the Federal Treasury .
`` Of course , this year we @ @ @ @ @ budget .
We will have to use the resources of our reserve , the National @ @ @ @ @ the reason it was formed , '' he said .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s budget in 2020 will be deficit, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a meeting of the board of the Federal Treasury.
"Of course, this year we will transfer to a deficit budget. We will have to use the resources of our reserve, the National Wealth Fund, this is the reason it was formed," he said.


tass--2020-03-18--Embassy says there are 333 Russian citizens on Philippine islands

`` Today , there are 333 Russian citizens on 12 Philippine islands , some of which have no airports , '' she said during a broadcast on the diplomatic mission ’ s Facebook page .
BANGKOK , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
At least 333 Russian nationals are currently on 12 islands of the Philippines , Tatiana Shlychkova , minister counsellor of the Russian embassy in the Philippines , said on Wednesday .
The embassy earlier asked the Russian government to send a special plane to evacuate its nationals .
According to the latest information provided by the Philippines ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in the country , four of which have recovered and 12 have died .
The Philippine authorities have declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak from March 15 to April 14 .
The current coronavirus disease 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 160 countries .
According to the latest data , over 190,000 people have contracted the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"Today, there are 333 Russian citizens on 12 Philippine islands, some of which have no airports," she said during a broadcast on the diplomatic mission’s Facebook page.
BANGKOK, March 18. /TASS/. At least 333 Russian nationals are currently on 12 islands of the Philippines, Tatiana Shlychkova, minister counsellor of the Russian embassy in the Philippines, said on Wednesday.
The embassy earlier asked the Russian government to send a special plane to evacuate its nationals. According to the latest information provided by the Philippines’ Department of Health, 187 novel coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the country, four of which have recovered and 12 have died.
The Philippine authorities have declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak from March 15 to April 14.
The current coronavirus disease 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 160 countries. According to the latest data, over 190,000 people have contracted the virus, about 8,000 of whom have died.


tass--2020-03-18--Over 17,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Over 17,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , the press service of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare informed on Wednesday .
`` So far in 2020 , 56,991 people were under medical supervision in Russia .
As of March 17 , 2020 , there are 17,904 people remaining under supervision , '' the message informs .
The federal service established medical supervision for all citizens returning from countries with a significant number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate and report any symptoms of an acute viral respiratory disease .
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 130 countries .
According to latest reports , over 190,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and about 8,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases in Russia .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Over 17,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the press service of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare informed on Wednesday.
"So far in 2020, 56,991 people were under medical supervision in Russia. As of March 17, 2020, there are 17,904 people remaining under supervision," the message informs.
The federal service established medical supervision for all citizens returning from countries with a significant number of documented coronavirus cases. People are told to self-isolate and report any symptoms of an acute viral respiratory disease.
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 130 countries. According to latest reports, over 190,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 8,000 have died. There are 114 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia.


tass--2020-03-18--Russia’s Black Fleet aviation kicks off drills in Crimea

KRASNODAR , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
An active phase of tactical drills of the Black Sea Fleet aviation ( @ @ @ @ @ ) has begun on Wednesday in Crimea .
In the course of the drills , @ @ @ @ @ during a potential attack , conducted a search for submarines , launched unguided missiles and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press service informed .
The drills consist of two stages .
`` During @ @ @ @ @ drills , plane and helicopter crews practised withdrawing forces in case of a hypothetical enemy @ @ @ @ @ backup airfields , '' the message reads .
During the second stage , pilots of @ @ @ @ @ missiles and dropped bombs on land and sea targets .
Crews of anti-submarine aircraft and @ @ @ @ @ a hypothetical enemy submarine .
Pilots of military transport aviation practised transporting and landing cargo @ @ @ @ @ drills include about 20 aviation units of the Black Fleet .

KRASNODAR, March 18. /TASS/. An active phase of tactical drills of the Black Sea Fleet aviation (fighters, bombers and helicopters) has begun on Wednesday in Crimea. In the course of the drills, pilots trained to withdraw forces during a potential attack, conducted a search for submarines, launched unguided missiles and dropped bombs, the fleet’s press service informed.
The drills consist of two stages. "During the first stage of the drills, plane and helicopter crews practised withdrawing forces in case of a hypothetical enemy attack and redeploying aviation to backup airfields," the message reads.
During the second stage, pilots of Su-24M and Su-30SM launched unguided missiles and dropped bombs on land and sea targets. Crews of anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters conducted a search for a hypothetical enemy submarine. Pilots of military transport aviation practised transporting and landing cargo.
In total, the drills include about 20 aviation units of the Black Fleet.


tass--2020-03-18--Russian finance chief says domestic economic situation currently uneasy

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in the Russian economy is currently not developing in the best way , there is a deviation from macro forecasts for 2020 , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a meeting of the board of the Federal Treasury .
`` Unfortunately , the situation ( in the Russian economy - TASS ) is not developing in the best way at the moment , and we deviate from the macroeconomic forecasts that we made for the current year .
Of course , this will affect the budget , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was added - the coronavirus factor .
The problem is not even the virus itself , but the fact is that entire sectors of the economy are shrinking .
We have already talked about sectors such as transportation , including air transportation , tourism , small business , this is followed by a number of other areas .
We see that the volume of purchases of expensive consumer goods , including cars , is declining , '' the minister added .
Siluanov added that Russia ’ s budget in 2020 will be deficit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will transfer to a deficit budget .
We will have to use the resources of our reserve , the National Wealth Fund , this is the reason it was formed , '' he said .
The minister emphasized the impact of lower oil prices on the situation in the economy .
`` Only the oil factor at current prices reduces the volume of oil and gas revenues by almost 3 trillion rubles compared to the planned figures , '' Siluanov said .
According to him , at the moment it is necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not exist without state support .
`` We now need to concentrate resources on targeted , effective support for those sectors of the economy , regions , small businesses , all those areas that simply can not exist without state support , '' the finance minister said .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The situation in the Russian economy is currently not developing in the best way, there is a deviation from macro forecasts for 2020, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a meeting of the board of the Federal Treasury.
"Unfortunately, the situation (in the Russian economy - TASS) is not developing in the best way at the moment, and we deviate from the macroeconomic forecasts that we made for the current year. Of course, this will affect the budget," he said.
"Now a much more serious factor was added - the coronavirus factor. The problem is not even the virus itself, but the fact is that entire sectors of the economy are shrinking. We have already talked about sectors such as transportation, including air transportation, tourism, small business, this is followed by a number of other areas. We see that the volume of purchases of expensive consumer goods, including cars, is declining," the minister added.
Siluanov added that Russia’s budget in 2020 will be deficit. "Of course, this year we will transfer to a deficit budget. We will have to use the resources of our reserve, the National Wealth Fund, this is the reason it was formed," he said.
The minister emphasized the impact of lower oil prices on the situation in the economy. "Only the oil factor at current prices reduces the volume of oil and gas revenues by almost 3 trillion rubles compared to the planned figures," Siluanov said.
According to him, at the moment it is necessary to support sectors of the economy that cannot exist without state support. "We now need to concentrate resources on targeted, effective support for those sectors of the economy, regions, small businesses, all those areas that simply cannot exist without state support," the finance minister said.


tass--2020-03-18--US stoking health crisis in Iran amid coronavirus outbreak — Iranian embassy in Russia

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is deliberately creating the humanitarian crisis situation in Iran by @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s citizens of the necessary medical equipment during the coronavirus epidemic , the @ @ @ @ @ in a statement on Twitter on Wednesday .
`` By imposing its sanctions on Iran @ @ @ @ @ preventing the delivery of the necessary medical equipment to patients infected with the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ The Iranian embassy described the situation as `` a deliberate humanitarian disaster , '' whose @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic Republic .
`` Such actions against Iran , in particular , by the @ @ @ @ @ longer a legal or economic issue .
Any person who prevents another country with a @ @ @ @ @ million people from being able to purchase humanitarian goods , such as medicines and medical @ @ @ @ @ market to combat the coronavirus violates international law , '' the diplomatic mission stressed .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The United States is deliberately creating the humanitarian crisis situation in Iran by imposing sanctions, stripping the country’s citizens of the necessary medical equipment during the coronavirus epidemic, the Iranian embassy in Moscow said in a statement on Twitter on Wednesday.
"By imposing its sanctions on Iran, the United States is preventing the delivery of the necessary medical equipment to patients infected with the coronavirus," the statement reads. The Iranian embassy described the situation as "a deliberate humanitarian disaster," whose scale is not limited to the Islamic Republic.
"Such actions against Iran, in particular, by the US government, are no longer a legal or economic issue. Any person who prevents another country with a population of more than 80 million people from being able to purchase humanitarian goods, such as medicines and medical equipment, in the international market to combat the coronavirus violates international law," the diplomatic mission stressed.


tass--2020-03-18--37 out of 408 patients at Moscow hospital test positive for coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
More than 400 people are now undergoing treatment at Moscow ’ s Kommunarka hospital and 37 of them have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday .
`` Now there are 408 people at the hospital , and 37 of them have been diagnosed with the coronavirus , '' the response center cited chief doctor Denis Protsenko as saying .
On Tuesday , one patient , who had been in intensive care , moved to an isolation ward to continue treatment , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is in stable condition and we continue all the necessary treatment .
All patients are receiving medical assistance in full and are being provided with individual treatment . ''
Since the new medical facility opened , some 106 patients quarantined over the suspected coronavirus have been discharged .
Some 40 people were discharged on Tuesday .
`` Each of them had tested negative for the coronavirus twice , '' it said .
At the moment , none of the patients have had serious symptoms of the disease .
Patients are discharged from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus twice , with no symptoms of the disease and after 14 days since returning from coronavirus-hit countries or contacting with sick persons .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. More than 400 people are now undergoing treatment at Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital and 37 of them have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday.
"Now there are 408 people at the hospital, and 37 of them have been diagnosed with the coronavirus," the response center cited chief doctor Denis Protsenko as saying.
On Tuesday, one patient, who had been in intensive care, moved to an isolation ward to continue treatment, he said. "Now we consider that he is in stable condition and we continue all the necessary treatment. All patients are receiving medical assistance in full and are being provided with individual treatment."
Since the new medical facility opened, some 106 patients quarantined over the suspected coronavirus have been discharged. Some 40 people were discharged on Tuesday. "Each of them had tested negative for the coronavirus twice," it said. At the moment, none of the patients have had serious symptoms of the disease.
Patients are discharged from hospital only after testing negative for the coronavirus twice, with no symptoms of the disease and after 14 days since returning from coronavirus-hit countries or contacting with sick persons.


tass--2020-03-18--Over 122,000 coronavirus tests conducted in Russia

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
More than 122,000 novel coronavirus tests have been conducted in the laboratories of @ @ @ @ @ Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing as of Tuesday , the watchdog ’ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` More than 122,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted in Russia , '' @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. More than 122,000 novel coronavirus tests have been conducted in the laboratories of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing as of Tuesday, the watchdog’s press service reported on Wednesday.
"More than 122,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted in Russia," the press service said.


tass--2020-03-18--Man who intentionally spread coronavirus dies in Japan — media

The man who lived in Gamagori , a city in Aichi Prefecture , was 57 years old .
He died in the hospital where he remained over the past few days .
TOKYO , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
A Japanese man who said he wanted to spread the coronavirus after he had been diagnosed with the disease has died , Kyodo News reported on Wednesday .
The patient was diagnosed with the coronavirus in early March .
He could only be hospitalized to the infectious disease ward the next day , so the doctors asked him to go straight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man reportedly visited at least two bars , informing his relatives who had earlier tested positive for the infection that he was going `` to spread the virus . ''
In one of the bars , the man said that he had been infected with the coronavirus , after which employees got in touch with the police and public health services , which detained him .
To date , at least one of those who had contacts with the infected man has tested positive for the coronavirus .
That was a visitor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition is described as stable .
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Japan , including passengers and the crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship .
Thirty-seven people have died .
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 130 countries .
According to the latest data , over 190,000 people have contracted the virus , about 8,000 of them @ @ @

The man who lived in Gamagori, a city in Aichi Prefecture, was 57 years old. He died in the hospital where he remained over the past few days.
TOKYO, March 18. /TASS/. A Japanese man who said he wanted to spread the coronavirus after he had been diagnosed with the disease has died, Kyodo News reported on Wednesday.
The patient was diagnosed with the coronavirus in early March. He could only be hospitalized to the infectious disease ward the next day, so the doctors asked him to go straight home and self-isolate. Instead, the man reportedly visited at least two bars, informing his relatives who had earlier tested positive for the infection that he was going "to spread the virus."
In one of the bars, the man said that he had been infected with the coronavirus, after which employees got in touch with the police and public health services, which detained him. To date, at least one of those who had contacts with the infected man has tested positive for the coronavirus. That was a visitor of one of the above-mentioned bars. Her condition is described as stable.
More than 1,500 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Japan, including passengers and the crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Thirty-seven people have died.
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 130 countries. According to the latest data, over 190,000 people have contracted the virus, about 8,000 of them have died.


tass--2020-03-18--Public-private partnership projects in Arctic require state incentives — deputy minister

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Public-private partnership ( PPP ) projects in the Arctic require special incentives .
The Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic will include them into the package of bills on preferences for investors in the Arctic or will offer them in the form of a separate system , Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov told reporters on Tuesday .
On March 12 , the ministry ’ s bills on incentives for investors in new projects in the Arctic passed the State Duma .
Earlier , on March 5 , the State Duma adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors in Arctic projects .
`` Public-private partnership projects should have a separate system of incentives , '' the deputy minister said .
`` We have to see whether we can manage it within the current discussion of the bill or whether we should prepare separate legislative initiatives . ''
The deputy minister stressed PPP is an important mechanism for the Arctic , which will attract private capital to organization of infrastructures .
`` Many regions have used this form , including in the Arctic zone , however , those are rather exceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such projects attractive for businesses , we can at least quicker solve the task to raise the living standards , and we shall save the taxpayers ’ money - which , I believe , is very positive , '' he said .
In order to use widely public-private partnership in the Arctic , the country should offer a truly effective system of incentives , the deputy minister added .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the Arctic require special incentives. The Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic will include them into the package of bills on preferences for investors in the Arctic or will offer them in the form of a separate system, Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov told reporters on Tuesday.
On March 12, the ministry’s bills on incentives for investors in new projects in the Arctic passed the State Duma. Earlier, on March 5, the State Duma adopted a bill on mineral tax relief for investors in Arctic projects.
"Public-private partnership projects should have a separate system of incentives," the deputy minister said. "We have to see whether we can manage it within the current discussion of the bill or whether we should prepare separate legislative initiatives."
The deputy minister stressed PPP is an important mechanism for the Arctic, which will attract private capital to organization of infrastructures.
"Many regions have used this form, including in the Arctic zone, however, those are rather exceptions. If we <…> make such projects attractive for businesses, we can at least quicker solve the task to raise the living standards, and we shall save the taxpayers’ money - which, I believe, is very positive," he said.
In order to use widely public-private partnership in the Arctic, the country should offer a truly effective system of incentives, the deputy minister added.


tass--2020-03-18--Nornickel to invest $34.6 million in upgrade of Kola MMC in 2020

MURMANSK , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Norilsk Nickel Company ( Nornickel ) will invest 2.6 billion rubles ( $ 34.6 million ) in upgrade of Kola MMC ( Mining and Metallurgical Company , a part of Nornickel ) in 2020 , Kola MMC ’ s press service said on Tuesday .
`` Kola MMC will receive more than 3,300 pieces of new equipment ; the upgrade will be in the company ’ s all divisions , and Nornickel ’ s investments in the renovation of assets will make 2.6 billion rubles , '' the press service said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bought for the Severny mine in the Murmansk Region ’ s Zapolyarny , the company said .
The nickel electrolysis shop in Monchegorsk ( the Murmansk Region ) will receive anode cells , new polymer-concrete baths and a large number of pumping units ; the sulfuric acid department at the refining shop will use new equipment worth about 48 million rubles ( $ 639,000 ) to improve the ecology situation .
Nornickel will invest about 30 million rubles ( $ 400,000 ) in personal gas-analyzing systems for Kola MMC ’ s staff .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a priority task for Nornickel , '' the press service said .
`` By regular upgrades of equipment , the company assures growing output and safe production . ''
The Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company is a leading production complex in the Murmansk Region - a major producer of non-ferrous metals , including strategic metals .
The company is the world ’ s biggest nickel refining enterprise and Russia ’ s only producer of electrolytic cobalt of highest grades .
The Kola MMC accounts for 39 % of nickel and 42 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The products are supplied to the domestic market and exported to European countries .
Nickel is a basic part of most superalloys - heat-resistant materials used in the aerospace industry for power machines ’ parts .
Russia ’ s one of the biggest deposits of nickel containing ores is in the Murmansk Region .
Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company , the world ’ s largest producer of refined nickel and palladium and a leading producer of platinum , cobalt , copper and rhodium .
The company also produces gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruthenium and tellurium .
The company ’ s units are located at the Norilsk Industrial District , on the Kola Peninsula and Chita region in Russia as well as in Finland and South Africa .

MURMANSK, March 18. /TASS/. The Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) will invest 2.6 billion rubles ($34.6 million) in upgrade of Kola MMC (Mining and Metallurgical Company, a part of Nornickel) in 2020, Kola MMC’s press service said on Tuesday.
"Kola MMC will receive more than 3,300 pieces of new equipment; the upgrade will be in the company’s all divisions, and Nornickel’s investments in the renovation of assets will make 2.6 billion rubles," the press service said.
Mine trucks and drilling rigs will be bought for the Severny mine in the Murmansk Region’s Zapolyarny, the company said. The nickel electrolysis shop in Monchegorsk (the Murmansk Region) will receive anode cells, new polymer-concrete baths and a large number of pumping units; the sulfuric acid department at the refining shop will use new equipment worth about 48 million rubles ($639,000) to improve the ecology situation.
Nornickel will invest about 30 million rubles ($400,000) in personal gas-analyzing systems for Kola MMC’s staff.
"The company’s upgrade is a priority task for Nornickel," the press service said. "By regular upgrades of equipment, the company assures growing output and safe production."
The Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company is a leading production complex in the Murmansk Region - a major producer of non-ferrous metals, including strategic metals. The company is the world’s biggest nickel refining enterprise and Russia’s only producer of electrolytic cobalt of highest grades. The Kola MMC accounts for 39% of nickel and 42% of cobalt the Norilsk Nickel Company produces. The products are supplied to the domestic market and exported to European countries. Nickel is a basic part of most superalloys - heat-resistant materials used in the aerospace industry for power machines’ parts. Russia’s one of the biggest deposits of nickel containing ores is in the Murmansk Region.
Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company, the world’s largest producer of refined nickel and palladium and a leading producer of platinum, cobalt, copper and rhodium. The company also produces gold, silver, iridium, selenium, ruthenium and tellurium. The company’s units are located at the Norilsk Industrial District, on the Kola Peninsula and Chita region in Russia as well as in Finland and South Africa.


tass--2020-03-18--National Wealth Fund may be used to support some groups of the population — Putin

Interviewed for the TASS project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' the head of state said that the National Wealth Fund had exceeded 7 % of the GDP , which allowed it to be used for investment .
MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not rule out the possibility that the National Wealth Fund might be used to support some groups of the population .
`` The question is what should we spend the money on ?
On investments , on support for certain groups of the population , and so forth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolving around nowadays , '' he said .
The Russian authorities `` need to fulfill a very important task - raising people 's real income , '' he said .
`` We should think about the best use of the available resources which are large enough . ''
According to the Ministry of Finance , the National Wealth Fund ( NWF ) in February 2020 was up by 409 billion rubles ( 5.2 % ) to a total of 8.249 trillion rubles - an equivalent of $ 123.4 billion ( 7.3 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The liquid part of the NWF at the beginning of March stood at 6.568 trillion rubles , an equivalent of $ 98.044 billion , or 5.8 % of the 2020 GDP forecast .
Episode 16 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

Interviewed for the TASS project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin" the head of state said that the National Wealth Fund had exceeded 7% of the GDP, which allowed it to be used for investment.
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not rule out the possibility that the National Wealth Fund might be used to support some groups of the population.
"The question is what should we spend the money on? On investments, on support for certain groups of the population, and so forth. This is what our discussion is revolving around nowadays," he said.
The Russian authorities "need to fulfill a very important task - raising people's real income," he said. "We should think about the best use of the available resources which are large enough."
According to the Ministry of Finance, the National Wealth Fund (NWF) in February 2020 was up by 409 billion rubles (5.2%) to a total of 8.249 trillion rubles - an equivalent of $123.4 billion (7.3% of the GDP) as of March 1. The liquid part of the NWF at the beginning of March stood at 6.568 trillion rubles, an equivalent of $98.044 billion, or 5.8% of the 2020 GDP forecast.
Episode 16 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin emphasizes Russia’s pension reform conserves almost all benefits unlike France

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
In contrast to the French government , the Russian authorities have managed to virtually keep all benefits and entitlements intact while reforming the pension system , Russian President Vladimir Putin recalled as he debated the distinctions between the reforms being carried out in Russia and those under discussion in France .
Speaking in an interview for the TASS project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' the Russian head of state recalled that the draft being considered in France had sparked trade union demonstrations .
The new rules are planned to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born after 1975 .
The architects of the reform recommend abolishing 42 special retirement plans envisaging benefits for a number of trades and professions , and opt for a universal system .
Pensions will be calculated on the basis of pension points that employees earn throughout the span of their career , while the `` cash value '' of such points will be established annually by an administrative board of the national pension fund .
The Russian leader noted the most critical issue of France ’ s pension reform `` was the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment for all . ''
`` From an economic standpoint , this is actually reasonable .
Pragmatically speaking , President Macron is doing the right thing overall , '' Putin said .
He pointed out that Russia opted for a different solution leaving practically all privileges intact .
`` We still have early retirement , while in France its [ dissolution ] is precisely the reason for the discontent , '' Putin explained .
He stressed that privileged retirement conditions were enjoyed by the military , law enforcement personnel , coal miners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other social groups .
Episode 16 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. In contrast to the French government, the Russian authorities have managed to virtually keep all benefits and entitlements intact while reforming the pension system, Russian President Vladimir Putin recalled as he debated the distinctions between the reforms being carried out in Russia and those under discussion in France.
Speaking in an interview for the TASS project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin" the Russian head of state recalled that the draft being considered in France had sparked trade union demonstrations. The new rules are planned to be introduced starting from 2025 for all employees born after 1975. The architects of the reform recommend abolishing 42 special retirement plans envisaging benefits for a number of trades and professions, and opt for a universal system. Pensions will be calculated on the basis of pension points that employees earn throughout the span of their career, while the "cash value" of such points will be established annually by an administrative board of the national pension fund.
The Russian leader noted the most critical issue of France’s pension reform "was the one related to early retirement and basically equal treatment for all."
"From an economic standpoint, this is actually reasonable. Pragmatically speaking, President Macron is doing the right thing overall," Putin said.
He pointed out that Russia opted for a different solution leaving practically all privileges intact.
"We still have early retirement, while in France its [dissolution] is precisely the reason for the discontent," Putin explained. He stressed that privileged retirement conditions were enjoyed by the military, law enforcement personnel, coal miners, teachers, mothers of 3+ children and some other social groups.
Episode 16 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin highlights Russia’s middle class as comprising more than 70% of population

MOSCOW , March 17 .
/TASS/ .
More than 70 % of Russia ’ s citizens , according to the World Bank ’ s system of estimation , belong to the middle class , and the task of the government is to strengthen their status and raise incomes , Russian President Vladimir Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
He stressed that `` each country has its own middle class '' and it would be wrong to associate the middle-class lifestyle with the way they live in France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlighted the World Bank ’ s method of estimating the middle class , which sets the benchmark at household incomes of at least 150 % of the minimum wage .
`` There are a lot of such people .
Well above 70 % , '' he said , adding because the average wage in Russia was way above the minimum wage , which in 2019 stood at 11,280 rubles .
`` We have our own middle class and our task is just to make this middle class stronger .
To boost incomes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded .
Episode 16 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, March 17. /TASS/. More than 70% of Russia’s citizens, according to the World Bank’s system of estimation, belong to the middle class, and the task of the government is to strengthen their status and raise incomes, Russian President Vladimir Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin".
He stressed that "each country has its own middle class" and it would be wrong to associate the middle-class lifestyle with the way they live in France, Germany, or the US.
Putin spotlighted the World Bank’s method of estimating the middle class, which sets the benchmark at household incomes of at least 150% of the minimum wage. "There are a lot of such people. Well above 70%," he said, adding because the average wage in Russia was way above the minimum wage, which in 2019 stood at 11,280 rubles.
"We have our own middle class and our task is just to make this middle class stronger. To boost incomes and strengthen the middle class," Putin concluded.
Episode 16 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-03-18--Trade turnover between North Korea, Russia up 40.6% in 2019

SEOUL , March 18 .
Trade turnover between North Korea and Russia totaled $ 47.9 mln in 2019 , an @ @ @ @ @ with the previous year , according to the data released by the International Trade Center @ @ @ @ @ Korea ’ s Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday .
Pyongyang imported goods worth $ @ @ @ @ @ year , while North Korean exports to Russia exceeded $ 3 mln .

SEOUL, March 18. Trade turnover between North Korea and Russia totaled $47.9 mln in 2019, an increase of 40.6% compared with the previous year, according to the data released by the International Trade Center (ITC), South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.
Pyongyang imported goods worth $44.86 mln from Russia last year, while North Korean exports to Russia exceeded $3 mln.


tass--2020-03-18--ZTE to launch new smartphone Axon 11 5G on March 23

SHENZHEN , China , March 18 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation ( 0763.HK/000063.SZ ) , a major international provider of telecommunications , enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet , today announced that it will launch its new 5G smartphone ZTE Axon 11 on March 23 in China .
Featuring video shooting functions and creation , ZTE Axon 11 will be compatible with both SA and NSA modes , aiming to bring exceptional 5G experiences to consumers with its competitive advantages in the 5G area .
In 2019 , ZTE launched its first 5G flagship smartphone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been available in more than 10 countries on a global scale .
ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G is also recognized as the first 5G smartphone available in Northern Europe , the Middle East and China .
With the commitment to deploying a series of diversified 5G terminal devices portfolio to meet the diverse requirements of operators , enterprise users and consumers in multiple service scenarios , ZTE has been in cooperation with more than 30 global carriers in the 5G terminal field .
In cooperation with Japan 's top operator SoftBank , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G market by introducing its first 5G flagship smartphone , ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G , to Japan .
As the first operator in Japan to announce the 5G deployment and provide local consumers with 5G services , SoftBank 's 5G services will be operated in a few areas first and then gradually expand to major cities , such as Tokyo , Osaka and Nagoya .
By virtue of ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G , consumers will be able to enjoy unprecedented 5G services , such as AR , VR , Free View @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever gaming experience .
To date , ZTE has secured 46 5G commercial contracts around the world , covering China , Europe , Asia-Pacific , the Middle East and other major 5G markets and carried out in-depth 5G cooperation with more than 70 carriers globally .
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems , mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers , operators , companies and public sector customers .
As a part of ZTE 's strategy , the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information technology sectors converge .
Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen ( H share stock code : 0763.HK / A share stock code : 000063.SZ ) , ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries .
To date , ZTE has obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in major markets , such as Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) .
ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations .

SHENZHEN, China, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK/000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today announced that it will launch its new 5G smartphone ZTE Axon 11 on March 23 in China. Featuring video shooting functions and creation, ZTE Axon 11 will be compatible with both SA and NSA modes, aiming to bring exceptional 5G experiences to consumers with its competitive advantages in the 5G area.
In 2019, ZTE launched its first 5G flagship smartphone, ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G, which has been available in more than 10 countries on a global scale. ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G is also recognized as the first 5G smartphone available in Northern Europe, the Middle East and China.
With the commitment to deploying a series of diversified 5G terminal devices portfolio to meet the diverse requirements of operators, enterprise users and consumers in multiple service scenarios, ZTE has been in cooperation with more than 30 global carriers in the 5G terminal field.
In cooperation with Japan's top operator SoftBank, ZTE has successfully entered into another high-end 5G market by introducing its first 5G flagship smartphone, ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G, to Japan. As the first operator in Japan to announce the 5G deployment and provide local consumers with 5G services, SoftBank's 5G services will be operated in a few areas first and then gradually expand to major cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. By virtue of ZTE Axon 10 Pro 5G, consumers will be able to enjoy unprecedented 5G services, such as AR, VR, Free View point Reality (FR) and fastest ever gaming experience.
To date, ZTE has secured 46 5G commercial contracts around the world, covering China, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and other major 5G markets and carried out in-depth 5G cooperation with more than 70 carriers globally.
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. As a part of ZTE's strategy, the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.
To date, ZTE has obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in major markets, such as Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA). ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations.
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tass--2020-03-18--South Korea reports a total of 8,413 COVID-19 cases and 84 deaths

SEOUL , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea has risen by 93 , @ @ @ @ @ have died in the past 24 hours , with the death toll reaching 84 , @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention informed on Tuesday .
The majority of new cases have @ @ @ @ @ 46 new cases ) and the neighboring province of Gyeongsangbuk-do ( nine new cases ) @ @ @ @ @ infection have been documented in Seoul , Incheon and the Gyeonggi province .
For four @ @ @ @ @ the number of daily new cases in the country does not surpass 100 .

SEOUL, March 18. /TASS/. The number of COVID-19 cases in South Korea has risen by 93, reaching 8,413. Three people have died in the past 24 hours, with the death toll reaching 84, South Korea’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention informed on Tuesday.
The majority of new cases have been documented in Daegu (46 new cases) and the neighboring province of Gyeongsangbuk-do (nine new cases). 21 new cases of infection have been documented in Seoul, Incheon and the Gyeonggi province. For four days in a row, the number of daily new cases in the country does not surpass 100.


tass--2020-03-18--Kyrgyzstan’s Health Ministry registeres three novel coronavirus cases

BISHKEK , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Three cases of the novel coronavirus have been registered on the territory of @ @ @ @ @ the Kyrgyz Health Minister , said on Wednesday .
`` We have registered three cases @ @ @ @ @ in the country and they are the first ones to be reported , '' Cholponbayev @ @ @ @ @ `` All three patients , diagnosed with the virus , went earlier on pilgrimage to @ @ @ @ @ December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial megalopolis with a @ @ @ @ @

BISHKEK, March 18. /TASS/. Three cases of the novel coronavirus have been registered on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, Kosmosbek Cholponbayev, the Kyrgyz Health Minister, said on Wednesday.
"We have registered three cases of the novel coronavirus disease in the country and they are the first ones to be reported," Cholponbayev told a news conference. "All three patients, diagnosed with the virus, went earlier on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia."
COVID-19 Global Spread
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million.


tass--2020-03-18--Saudi Arabia proposes to hold next week ‘virtual summit’ of G20 leaders on COVID-19

TASS , March 18 .
Saudi Arabia is set to convene next week a summit of the Group of Twenty @ @ @ @ @ discuss ways for countering the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic , the Saudi Press Agency reported @ @ @ @ @ Saudi G20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 Leaders @ @ @ @ @ advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications , @ @ @ @ @ Arabian news agency .
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ’ s press service announced on @ @ @ @ @ with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman , that Saudi Arabia would gather an emergency @ @ @ @ @ personal attendance '' to discuss the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus .

TASS, March 18. Saudi Arabia is set to convene next week a summit of the Group of Twenty (G20) leaders to discuss ways for countering the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
"The Saudi G20 Presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications," according to the Saudi Arabian news agency.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s press service announced on Monday after his telephone talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, that Saudi Arabia would gather an emergency G20 meeting "without a personal attendance" to discuss the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus.


tass--2020-03-18--President of Colombia orders state of emergency amid novel coronavirus spread

BOGOTA , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Colombia has announced a state of emergency as a preventive measure to combat @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus , Colombian President Ivan Duque announced on Wednesday .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ of emergency in line with Provision 215 [ of the Constitution ] , '' Duque @ @ @ @ @ added that elderly people were the most vulnerable group to be infected with the novel @ @ @ @ @ decreed to impose an obligatory quarantine for all people of age over 70 starting on @ @ @ @ @ 31 , '' the Colombian president said .
Colombia reported its first registered novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ since then the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 soared to 75 .

BOGOTA, March 18. /TASS/. Colombia has announced a state of emergency as a preventive measure to combat the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus, Colombian President Ivan Duque announced on Wednesday.
"We have decided to announce the state of emergency in line with Provision 215 [of the Constitution]," Duque stated.
The Colombian president added that elderly people were the most vulnerable group to be infected with the novel coronavirus.
"We have decreed to impose an obligatory quarantine for all people of age over 70 starting on March 20 and until May 31," the Colombian president said.
Colombia reported its first registered novel coronavirus case on March 6 and since then the number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 soared to 75.


tass--2020-03-18--Turkey reports first death from novel coronavirus in the country

ANKARA , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey has reported the first lethal case in the country caused by novel @ @ @ @ @ Fahrettin Koca told a news conference in Ankara .
`` Seven days ago I have @ @ @ @ @ case in the country , '' Koca said .
`` Today I have to report @ @ @ @ @ the infected patients died .
He was 89 years old . ''
`` The number @ @ @ @ @ ] cases have increased by 51 and currently totals 98 , '' the Turkish health @ @ @ @ @ that the man , who died from the virus , was infected by his `` @ @ @ @

ANKARA, March 18. /TASS/. Turkey has reported the first lethal case in the country caused by novel coronavirus, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca told a news conference in Ankara.
"Seven days ago I have reported the first novel coronavirus case in the country," Koca said. "Today I have to report sad news because one of the infected patients died. He was 89 years old."
"The number of registered [novel coronavirus] cases have increased by 51 and currently totals 98," the Turkish health minister continued.
Koca stated that the man, who died from the virus, was infected by his "Chinese colleague."


tass--2020-03-18--Cyprus announces 2-week ban for passenger flights from 28 countries

NICOSIA , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The authorities of Cyprus are introducing a two-week ban on receiving international passenger @ @ @ @ @ this Saturday over the novel coronavirus pandemic , Health Minister of Cyprus Constantinos Ioannou said @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Cyprus time [ 4:00 a.m. Moscow time ] on March 21 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ cargo flights , the airports of Larnaca and Paphos will not be receiving for the @ @ @ @ @ flights from : Bahrain , Belarus , Belgium , Bulgaria , Egypt , Estonia , @ @ @ @ @ , Israel , Jordan , Latvia , Lebanon , Lithuania , Malta , the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ Qatar , Romania , Russia , Serbia , Slovakia , Sweden , Switzerland , Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Press and Information Office of Cyprus quoted Ioannou as saying .

NICOSIA, March 18. /TASS/. The authorities of Cyprus are introducing a two-week ban on receiving international passenger flights from 28 countries starting this Saturday over the novel coronavirus pandemic, Health Minister of Cyprus Constantinos Ioannou said.
"Starting from 3:00 a.m. Cyprus time [4:00 a.m. Moscow time] on March 21, 2020, and with the exception of cargo flights, the airports of Larnaca and Paphos will not be receiving for the period of two weeks passenger flights from: Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Great Britain and Greece," the Press and Information Office of Cyprus quoted Ioannou as saying.


tass--2020-03-17--Hainan hospital donates batch of protective medical equipment to Iran

HAIKOU , March 17 .
/TASS/ .
One of the hospitals in the southern Chinese province of Hainan donated a batch of protective medical suits and special protective equipment to Iran to support the country 's efforts in fighting the spread of novel coronavirus , according to www.hinews.cn .
In the difficult situation with coronavirus in Iran , the second Hospital at the Hainan Medical University collected and provided Iran with a total of 500 protective suits and 1,500 protective medical face masks .
A batch for medical workers was delivered to the Consulate General of Iran in the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 14 .
The director of the hospital , Wang Yi , who was quoted by the news outlet , said he hoped that the transferred protective equipment would help the Iranians in the fight against 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 130 countries .
According to the latest data , over 180,000 people have contracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died .
In the Hainan Province , 168 cases of infection were officially confirmed during the novel coronavirus outbreak , six of which were fatal .
Currently , there is only one patient left on the island who is undergoing treatment in one of Hainan 's medical institutions .

HAIKOU, March 17. /TASS/. One of the hospitals in the southern Chinese province of Hainan donated a batch of protective medical suits and special protective equipment to Iran to support the country's efforts in fighting the spread of novel coronavirus, according to www.hinews.cn.
In the difficult situation with coronavirus in Iran, the second Hospital at the Hainan Medical University collected and provided Iran with a total of 500 protective suits and 1,500 protective medical
face masks. A batch for medical workers was delivered to the Consulate General of Iran in the Chinese city of Guangzhou (southern Guangdong) on March 14.
The director of the hospital, Wang Yi, who was quoted by the news outlet, said he hoped that the transferred protective equipment would help the Iranians in the fight against 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 130 countries. According to the latest data, over 180,000 people have contracted the virus, about 7,000 of them have died.
In the Hainan Province, 168 cases of infection were officially confirmed during the novel coronavirus outbreak, six of which were fatal. Currently, there is only one patient left on the island who is undergoing treatment in one of Hainan's medical institutions.


tass--2020-03-19--Russian Defense Ministry dismisses fake decree on Moscow curfew

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
An alleged Russian Defense Ministry decree imposing a curfew in Moscow , which @ @ @ @ @ networks , is a bogus document created in one of the neighboring states , a @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` The image of an alleged Defense Ministry decree imposing a ‘ curfew @ @ @ @ @ Moscow is a primitive forgery , disseminated by a neighboring country , '' the ministry @ @ @ @ @ that the Russian Defense Ministry had no documents with such contents and format .
`` @ @ @ @ @ service in normal regime , '' the ministry said .
Earlier on Wednesday , Russian @ @ @ @ @ document , allegedly signed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu , which imposes a curfew @ @ @ @ @ 30 .
Among other things , the document prohibits all traffic between 20:00 and 05:00 @ @ @ @ @ persons with special permission .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. An alleged Russian Defense Ministry decree imposing a curfew in Moscow, which was earlier posted on social networks, is a bogus document created in one of the neighboring states, a ministry source told journalists on Wednesday.
"The image of an alleged Defense Ministry decree imposing a ‘curfew’ in the city of Moscow is a primitive forgery, disseminated by a neighboring country," the ministry said.
The source said that the Russian Defense Ministry had no documents with such contents and format.
"Russian armed forces continue their service in normal regime," the ministry said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian social networks started circulating a document, allegedly signed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, which imposes a curfew in Moscow starting from March 30. Among other things, the document prohibits all traffic between 20:00 and 05:00 Moscow time, except by persons with special permission.


tass--2020-03-19--No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled groups reported from Syria’s Idlib

MOSCOW , March 16 .
/TASS/ .
No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled armed groups were reported in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone during the past day whereas militants staged four shelling attacks , said Oleg Zhuravlev , chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria .
`` No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported throughout the past 24 hours , '' he said , adding that four shelling attacks , carried out by militants of Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic Party of Turkestan ( both outlawed in Russia ) , took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo and Latakia governorates .
Moreover , Russian military police carried out five patrolling missions in the governorates of Aleppo , Raqqa and Al Hasakah .
Army aviation planes took off from the Qamishli airfield in northeastern Syria for an aerial patrolling mission .
According to the Russian reconciliation center ’ s chief , four humanitarian missions took place in the governorates of Idlib , Aleppo , Raqqa and Al Hasakah , during which Syrian residents received over 4.6 tonnes of food .
Russian military doctors provided medical assistance to 348 Syrian residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Al Hasakah ) and Tal Saman ( Raqqa ) .

MOSCOW, March 16. /TASS/. No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled armed groups were reported in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone during the past day whereas militants staged four shelling attacks, said Oleg Zhuravlev, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria.
"No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported throughout the past 24 hours," he said, adding that four shelling attacks, carried out by militants of Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic Party of Turkestan (both outlawed in Russia), took place in the Hama, Idlib, Aleppo and Latakia governorates.
Moreover, Russian military police carried out five patrolling missions in the governorates of Aleppo, Raqqa and Al Hasakah. Army aviation planes took off from the Qamishli airfield in northeastern Syria for an aerial patrolling mission.
According to the Russian reconciliation center’s chief, four humanitarian missions took place in the governorates of Idlib, Aleppo, Raqqa and Al Hasakah, during which Syrian residents received over 4.6 tonnes of food. Russian military doctors provided medical assistance to 348 Syrian residents in Kobane (Aleppo), Qamishli (Al Hasakah) and Tal Saman (Raqqa).