tass--2020-04-16--Over 76,000 new coronavirus cases confirmed in the world in past day — WHO

GENEVA , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world has increased by more than 76,000 in the past day , and the death toll grew by nearly 8,000 in the past 24 hours , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin released on Thursday .
As of 11am Moscow time on April 16 , a total of 1,991,562 coronavirus cases in the world have been confirmed , and the total number of fatalities reached 130,885 .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 76,647 in the past day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 7,875 .
Most confirmed cases and fatalities are reported in Europe — 1,013,093 and 89,317 respectively .
In the past day , the number of confirmed cases in Europe grew by 35,497 , and the number of fatalities increased by 4,710 .
In North and South America , a total of 707,121 cases and 30,245 fatalities were confirmed .
In this region , the number of cases grew by 33,760 in the past day , while the number of fatalities increased by 2,909 .
A total of 125,571 coronavirus cases and 4,239 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pacific region that includes China , South Korea and Japan , among others .
The countries with the most coronavirus cases are the United States ( 604,070 ) , Spain ( 177,633 ) , Italy ( 165,155 ) , Germany ( 130,450 ) , France ( 105,155 ) , the United Kingdom ( 98,480 ) , China ( 83,797 ) , Iran ( 76,389 ) , Turkey ( 69,392 ) and Belgium ( 33,573 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

GENEVA, April 16. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world has increased by more than 76,000 in the past day, and the death toll grew by nearly 8,000 in the past 24 hours, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin released on Thursday.
As of 11am Moscow time on April 16, a total of 1,991,562 coronavirus cases in the world have been confirmed, and the total number of fatalities reached 130,885. The number of confirmed cases grew by 76,647 in the past day, and the number of fatalities increased by 7,875. Most confirmed cases and fatalities are reported in Europe — 1,013,093 and 89,317 respectively. In the past day, the number of confirmed cases in Europe grew by 35,497, and the number of fatalities increased by 4,710.
In North and South America, a total of 707,121 cases and 30,245 fatalities were confirmed. In this region, the number of cases grew by 33,760 in the past day, while the number of fatalities increased by 2,909.
A total of 125,571 coronavirus cases and 4,239 fatalities have been reported in the Western Pacific region that includes China, South Korea and Japan, among others.
The countries with the most coronavirus cases are the United States (604,070), Spain (177,633), Italy (165,155), Germany (130,450), France (105,155), the United Kingdom (98,480), China (83,797), Iran (76,389), Turkey (69,392) and Belgium (33,573).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Teenager prepping for attack on school in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk suspected of terrorism

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The teenager who was preparing an attack on a school in the Russian @ @ @ @ @ of terrorism and illegal manufacturing of explosive devices , the press service for Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
The service said that it launched criminal proceedings against the fourteen-year-old teenager who is @ @ @ @ @ Krasnoyarsk .
He is suspected of preparations for a terrorist attack , training for terrorist @ @ @ @ @ explosive devices .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The teenager who was preparing an attack on a school in the Russian city of Krasnoyarsk is suspected of terrorism and illegal manufacturing of explosive devices, the press service for Russia’s Investigative Committee told TASS.
The service said that it launched criminal proceedings against the fourteen-year-old teenager who is residing with his parents in Krasnoyarsk. He is suspected of preparations for a terrorist attack, training for terrorist activities and illegal manufacture of explosive devices.


tass--2020-04-16--Aeroflot requests flight from Moscow to New York, says US embassy

MOSCOW , April 16./TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Aeroflot flagship carrier is requesting the US authorities for a flight to New York , says a report uploaded to the website of the US Embassy in Moscow on Thursday .
`` Aeroflot is seeking permission to operate a flight departing Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport ( SVO ) to New York-JFK on Friday , April 17 at 14:15 , '' the embassy said .
`` As with previous recent flights , Aeroflot requires governmental permission to operate these special flights .
This permission typically arrives on short notice , '' it added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase tickets report to the Aeroflot ticketing counter at Terminal F of Sheremetyevo airport on April 17 and wait to see if permission to sell tickets is approved , '' the embassy said .
It also warned that there was no official confirmation that the flight would take place .
The first flight by Aeroflot taking off for New York on April 7 to evacuate Russian nationals from the US also took on board in Moscow a group of passengers from Russia .
A week later , another flight operated by Aeroflot returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and on the flight back it evacuated about 280 Russian nationals , first taking them to St. Petersburg and then to Moscow .
A separate charter flight organized to return US nationals home was organized on April 9 .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected with COVI-19 worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 16./TASS/. Russia’s Aeroflot flagship carrier is requesting the US authorities for a flight to New York, says a report uploaded to the website of the US Embassy in Moscow on Thursday.
"Aeroflot is seeking permission to operate a flight departing Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) to New York-JFK on Friday, April 17 at 14:15," the embassy said.
"As with previous recent flights, Aeroflot requires governmental permission to operate these special flights. This permission typically arrives on short notice," it added.
"Aeroflot recommended that those wishing to purchase tickets report to the Aeroflot ticketing counter at Terminal F of Sheremetyevo airport on April 17 and wait to see if permission to sell tickets is approved," the embassy said.
It also warned that there was no official confirmation that the flight would take place.
The first flight by Aeroflot taking off for New York on April 7 to evacuate Russian nationals from the US also took on board in Moscow a group of passengers from Russia. A week later, another flight operated by Aeroflot returned over 20 US nationals to their homeland, and on the flight back it evacuated about 280 Russian nationals, first taking them to St. Petersburg and then to Moscow. A separate charter flight organized to return US nationals home was organized on April 9.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected with COVI-19 worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Economic Development Minister rules out possibility of new default in Russia

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov ruled out the probability of a default in Russia similar to the one the authorities announced in 1998 .
He made it clear in an interview with the Pozner talk show on Russia ’ s Channel One .
`` No , '' Reshetnikov said , answering the question of the presenter , if there at least a minimal probability of default now as it was as in 1998 .
He stressed that in the current situation , the government should help entrepreneurs , `` so that they still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop their business in Russia . ''
`` It seems to me that in the long run and we will understand what this crisis has shown us : we have built a very developed , very diversified economy .
Indeed , unlike 2008 , when we primarily saved large enterprises , we are now talking about small and medium business , `` the minister said .
Earlier on Thursday , speaking at a cabinet meeting , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that more than 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises employing more than 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the state .
In August 1998 , the Russian authorities had run out of resources to finance public debt and maintain the ruble .
By that time , the national debt totaled almost $ 200 billion ( 44 % of GDP ) On August 17 , right after the publication of the government 's decree , exchange offices stopped selling currency .
The ruble rate depreciated three times on the stock exchange .
On September 8 , the Bank of Russia lowered the rate to 20 rubles to the dollar .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 rubles ( on September 15 , 1998 ) , but then plummeted again to 20 rubles to the dollar in December 1998 and 25 rubles in April 1999 .
The default led to the collapse of large banks that had invested in GKO bonds such as Inkombank , Mosbusinessbank , SBS-Agro , Most-Bank , etc .
According to estimates of the Institute for the Economy in Transition , these banks held from 37 % to 68 % of all deposits of the county 's population .
According to the calculations of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian economy suffered due to the crisis of August 1998 amounted to $ 96 bln .
Despite the devastating consequences of the default , the devaluation of the ruble helped the Russian economy become more competitive .
A sharp decline in imports pushed the development of domestic production expanding opportunities for exports .
The government took measures to improve collection of taxes ; in particular , in 2001 it set a flat schedule of personal income tax for individuals at 13 % .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov ruled out the probability of a default in Russia similar to the one the authorities announced in 1998.
He made it clear in an interview with the Pozner talk show on Russia’s Channel One.
"No," Reshetnikov said, answering the question of the presenter, if there at least a minimal probability of default now as it was as in 1998.
He stressed that in the current situation, the government should help entrepreneurs, "so that they still have a desire to do business and develop their business in Russia."
"It seems to me that in the long run and we will understand what this crisis has shown us: we have built a very developed, very diversified economy. Indeed, unlike 2008, when we primarily saved large enterprises, we are now talking about small and medium business, " the minister said.
Earlier on Thursday, speaking at a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said that more than 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises employing more than 3 million people will receive direct financial support from the state.
Default of 1998
In August 1998, the Russian authorities had run out of resources to finance public debt and maintain the ruble. By that time, the national debt totaled almost $200 billion (44% of GDP)
On August 17, right after the publication of the government's decree, exchange offices stopped selling currency. The ruble rate depreciated three times on the stock exchange. On September 8, the Bank of Russia lowered the rate to 20 rubles to the dollar. After that, the national currency strengthened to 8 rubles (on September 15, 1998), but then plummeted again to 20 rubles to the dollar in December 1998 and 25 rubles in April 1999.
The default led to the collapse of large banks that had invested in GKO bonds such as Inkombank, Mosbusinessbank, SBS-Agro, Most-Bank, etc. According to estimates of the Institute for the Economy in Transition, these banks held from 37% to 68% of all deposits of the county's population.
According to the calculations of the Moscow Banking Union, the losses the Russian economy suffered due to the crisis of August 1998 amounted to $96 bln.
Despite the devastating consequences of the default, the devaluation of the ruble helped the Russian economy become more competitive. A sharp decline in imports pushed the development of domestic production expanding opportunities for exports. The government took measures to improve collection of taxes; in particular, in 2001 it set a flat schedule of personal income tax for individuals at 13%.


tass--2020-04-16--Belarus to raise up to $900 mln from IMF in 2020, says ministry

MINSK , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus plans to raise up to $ 900 mln from the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) in 2020 , Finance Minister Maksim Yermolovich said on Thursday , adding that Minsk does not abandon plans to issue Eurobonds and public bonds on the Russian market .
`` The projected amount of funds that we may receive this year is from $ 500 mln to $ 900 mln , '' he was quoted as saying by the BelTA agency .
`` The refinancing program envisions both provision of the whole quota this year and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said , adding that the country is considering its external financing requirement .
`` Amid the challenging situation with external financing , raising funds on the domestic market the Finance Ministry is focused on cooperation with international financial institutions - the World , Bank , International Monetary Fund , European Bank for Reconstruction and Development , and European Investment Bank , '' he said .
Moreover , Belarus does not abandon plans to issue Eurobonds in 2020 and public bonds on the Russian market , Yermolovich said .
`` We will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not closed , '' he said .
`` We do not abandon plans to enter the Eurobond markets , to issue 30 bln Russian rubles ( $ 403.7 mln ) on the financial market of the Russian Federation , '' the minister added , noting that the decision would be taken considering the amount of resources raised `` from international financial organizations for the requirement to refinance the state debt within the budget for 2020 . ''
Belarus has applied to the International Monetary Fund for financial resources within the rapid financing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of April .
The Belarusian Finance Ministry also planned to enter the Russian borrowings market with bonds in Q2 2020 and issue 10 bln Russian rubles ( $ 134.5 mln ) for five years .

MINSK, April 16. /TASS/. Belarus plans to raise up to $900 mln from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2020, Finance Minister Maksim Yermolovich said on Thursday, adding that Minsk does not abandon plans to issue Eurobonds and public bonds on the Russian market.
"The projected amount of funds that we may receive this year is from $500 mln to $900 mln," he was quoted as saying by the BelTA agency.
"The refinancing program envisions both provision of the whole quota this year and within a two-year period," the minister said, adding that the country is considering its external financing requirement. "Amid the challenging situation with external financing, raising funds on the domestic market the Finance Ministry is focused on cooperation with international financial institutions - the World, Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and European Investment Bank," he said.
Borrowings on Russian market
Moreover, Belarus does not abandon plans to issue Eurobonds in 2020 and public bonds on the Russian market, Yermolovich said. "We will see how the situation unfolds, the markets are not closed," he said. "We do not abandon plans to enter the Eurobond markets, to issue 30 bln Russian rubles ($403.7 mln) on the financial market of the Russian Federation," the minister added, noting that the decision would be taken considering the amount of resources raised "from international financial organizations for the requirement to refinance the state debt within the budget for 2020."
Belarus has applied to the International Monetary Fund for financial resources within the rapid financing instrument and expects the decision by the end of April. The Belarusian Finance Ministry also planned to enter the Russian borrowings market with bonds in Q2 2020 and issue 10 bln Russian rubles ($134.5 mln) for five years.


tass--2020-04-16--Kremlin to ask foreign leaders to postpone visits to Moscow on May 9, says spokesman

`` Yes , exactly , '' he said when asked whether the postponement of the celebrations meant that the foreign leaders would be asked to postpone their visits to Moscow .
MOSCOW , April 16./TASS/ .
The foreign leaders who were earlier invited to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations , will be asked to postpone their visits since the events have been rescheduled over coronavirus , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Thursday .
Earlier on Thursday , President Vladimir Putin instructed the defense minister , the heads of law enforcement agencies and the bodies of power at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and postpone the preparations for the military parade on Red Square , the parades in the regions and put off all mass public events that were planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory , '' Putin said .
Earlier , the Kremlin reported that invitations to visit Moscow for celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the USSR ’ s Victory in the Great Patriotic War had been sent to leaders of some Western countries , as well as leaders of the states making part of the Eurasian Economic Union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shanghai Cooperation Organization and some others .

"Yes, exactly," he said when asked whether the postponement of the celebrations meant that the foreign leaders would be asked to postpone their visits to Moscow.
MOSCOW, April 16./TASS/. The foreign leaders who were earlier invited to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations, will be asked to postpone their visits since the events have been rescheduled over coronavirus, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin instructed the defense minister, the heads of law enforcement agencies and the bodies of power at all the levels "to change the schedule and postpone the preparations for the military parade on Red Square, the parades in the regions and put off all mass public events that were planned to mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory," Putin said.
Earlier, the Kremlin reported that invitations to visit Moscow for celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the USSR’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War had been sent to leaders of some Western countries, as well as leaders of the states making part of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and some others.


tass--2020-04-16--MiG-31 fighter of Kazakhstan’s Air Force crashes near Karaganda

NUR-SULTAN , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
A MiG-31 interceptor-fighter of Kazakhstan ’ s Air Force crashed near the Karaganda @ @ @ @ @ ejecting to safety , the republican Defense Ministry reported on Thursday .
The military plane @ @ @ @ @ of performing a planned combat duty training flight , '' the ministry said .
The @ @ @ @ @ Karaganda aerodrome .
`` After the take-off , a fire started in one of the @ @ @ @ @ command to eject , the pilots directed the plane into the field away from a @ @ @ @ @ sure that nothing threatened the civilians , the crew ejected .
The pilots are alive @ @ @ @ @ .
The Kazakhstani defense minister has set up a commission to investigate the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ of the republic ’ s Air Force has arrived at the scene .

NUR-SULTAN, April 16. /TASS/. A MiG-31 interceptor-fighter of Kazakhstan’s Air Force crashed near the Karaganda airport, with the crew ejecting to safety, the republican Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
The military plane crashed "in the course of performing a planned combat duty training flight," the ministry said.
The incident occurred south of the Karaganda aerodrome. "After the take-off, a fire started in one of the engines. After receiving the command to eject, the pilots directed the plane into the field away from a populated area and after making sure that nothing threatened the civilians, the crew ejected. The pilots are alive," the ministry said.
The Kazakhstani defense minister has set up a commission to investigate the incident. A search and rescue team of the republic’s Air Force has arrived at the scene.


tass--2020-04-16--US rejects request to house stranded Russian nationals on seized diplomatic property

WASHINGTON , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian embassy in the US has asked Washington to provide temporary accommodation on seized diplomatic property for Russian nationals waiting for their flight back home , however , the request was rejected , Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said on Thursday .
The diplomat noted , quoted by the Russian embassy on Facebook , that citizens who are unable to pay for a hotel stay could be temporarily housed there .
`` These buildings are empty , they could be used for good humanitarian purposes .
However , even during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people without exception , the US has been unable to have an unbiased view of the situation and to meet us halfway .
I will refrain from further comments , '' Antonov said .
In September 2017 , US officials closed the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco , the Russian trade mission in Washington and its branch in New York .
The consulate and trade mission are Russia ’ s state property and have diplomatic immunity .
Russia blasted the seizure of diplomatic property as a hostile act and urged the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mass cancelation of international flights caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic , thousands of Russians have been stranded abroad .
Special exit flights are organized for their evacuation .
The Russian government has introduced a quota for the return of Russian nationals from abroad : 500 people a day arriving in Moscow and the Moscow Region and 200 people a day arriving in other regions .
Those who remain abroad can apply for material aid .

WASHINGTON, April 16. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in the US has asked Washington to provide temporary accommodation on seized diplomatic property for Russian nationals waiting for their flight back home, however, the request was rejected, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said on Thursday.
The diplomat noted, quoted by the Russian embassy on Facebook, that citizens who are unable to pay for a hotel stay could be temporarily housed there.
"These buildings are empty, they could be used for good humanitarian purposes. However, even during the pandemic that threatens the lives of all people without exception, the US has been unable to have an unbiased view of the situation and to meet us halfway. I will refrain from further comments," Antonov said.
In September 2017, US officials closed the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco, the Russian trade mission in Washington and its branch in New York. The consulate and trade mission are Russia’s state property and have diplomatic immunity. Russia blasted the seizure of diplomatic property as a hostile act and urged the US to return the properties immediately.
Due to mass cancelation of international flights caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, thousands of Russians have been stranded abroad. Special exit flights are organized for their evacuation. The Russian government has introduced a quota for the return of Russian nationals from abroad: 500 people a day arriving in Moscow and the Moscow Region and 200 people a day arriving in other regions. Those who remain abroad can apply for material aid.


tass--2020-04-16--Infrastructure and incentives: how to develop tourism in Russian Arctic

TASS , April 16 .
The Russian Arctic has major nature and cultural potentials to develop tourism .
However , the sector requires significant upgrade of hospitality and transport infrastructures , as well as comfortable terms for doing business - these are the conditions to make the Russian Arctic an affordable and attractive tourist zone , the Arctic regions ’ representatives told TASS .
In late March , the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic announced a list of priority measures to develop tourism in the Arctic , which would be adopted jointly by the federal tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions .
These measures would become a part of the national strategy to develop the Russian Arctic zone to 2035 .
The draft document includes measures to organize transport to the Arctic regions , to develop cruise routes , to stimulate investments , etc .
According to the ministry , in 2019 , 1.17 million tourists visited the regions ( a growth by 5 % year-on-year ) .
The biggest attraction is the Murmansk region ( 40 % tourists ) , which is followed by the Arkhangelsk Region ( 18 % ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % each ) .
Tourists are interested to visit many national parks in Yakutia , on Chukotka , in the Krasnoyarsk Region and on Yamal .
Organizers offer rafting routes , ethnography trips to the Far North ’ s peoples , or trips to Eurasia ’ s easternmost mainland point ( Dezhnev Cape ) .
The Russian Arctic ’ s cultural heritage objects represent various epochs : from Neolithic paintings in Karelia to the well-known Solovki Monastery in the White Sea .
`` [ On Yamal , ] a tourist within a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the low-numbered indigenous peoples live in the North < … > the costs are quite reasonable , '' the Yamalo-Nenets Region ’ s tourism department told TASS .
Some regions plan to develop tourism in clusters .
The Krasnoyarsk Region will open by 2021 an Arctic cluster with a center in Norilsk , which will unite local history museums , folk craft shops and unique nature zones .
Karelia has been working on its cluster , uniting attractions in its Arctic zone ’ s three districts .
However , presently the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian economy , suffers from the coronavirus pandemic and consequent restrictions .
Tourist companies in the Arctic have reported major losses in early 2020 , the sector ’ s representatives told TASS .
Russian and foreign tourists continue to cancel tours , which were due even in the year-end .
The most popular destinations - the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions - have been affected greatly .
`` Financial losses in tourism are 57 % in the first quarter of 2020 , '' the Murmansk regional tourism authority told TASS .
`` Over that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % year-on-year among foreigners and by 36 % among Russian tourists . ''
Experts doubt the quarantine measures and closed borders may bring more Russian tourists to the Arctic .
`` We can not expect more Russian tourists , and we may see past numbers of visitors hopefully by December if the rate of coronavirus infection in the world reduces , '' Director of the SataTour Company in Yakutia Stanislav Grigoryev said .
Moreover , when the quarantine is lifted , the Arctic tourism sector will require special attention at the federal level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are key priorities in development of tourism in the Arctic , experts in the regions told TASS .
The Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s specialists pointed to a lack of quality and safe hotels and motels , specialists in Karelia mentioned roads and transport , and in the Arkhangelsk Region - cruise vessels and local flights .
`` Building of cruise vessels must be subsidized .
The Arkhangelsk Region does not have ice-class passenger vessels for cruises .
The North Dvina ’ s bed must be cleaned between Arkhangelsk and Kotlas , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture , supervising tourism , Svetlana Zenovskaya said .
For many distanced Arctic regions , including in the Far East , local flights and necessary infrastructures are the biggest issue .
According to local experts , upgrade is required for local flights and flights to other regions .
`` Only aviation may ‘ boost ’ Chukotka ’ s tourism , so that people did not have to pay 12,000 rubles ( $ 162 ) to cover 400km by a helicopter , when a ticket to Moscow , which is on the other side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , '' the Chukotka Travel Bureau ’ s representative Eugene Basov told TASS .
The services , which tourism companies offer in the Arctic , are very expensive , experts told TASS .
The reasons are : the sector ’ s imperfect labor legislation , high tariffs on fuel and housing maintenance , as well as monopolies , which hinder development of new players on the market .
`` First of all , the Arctic regions need a better investment climate , '' the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s director of the tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions , support for small and medium businesses , which work or could work in the Arctic tourism . ''
Representatives of the Arctic regions say tourists will go to a far-away place only if the tour cost is comparable with tours to other popular destinations .
Thus , both Russians and foreigners should enjoy economic incentives , they said .
`` Take for example , cruise vessels , which do not call often on the port of Arkhangelsk because of high port duties , '' the Arkhangelsk Region ’ s official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable if the federal government limited the port duties < … > for cruise vessels . ''
As for foreigners , most Arctic territories are either closed for them , or require special entrance permissions .
Besides , in some tourist zones foreign visitors are charged additional fees .

TASS, April 16. The Russian Arctic has major nature and cultural potentials to develop tourism. However, the sector requires significant upgrade of hospitality and transport infrastructures, as well as comfortable terms for doing business - these are the conditions to make the Russian Arctic an affordable and attractive tourist zone, the Arctic regions’ representatives told TASS.
In late March, the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic announced a list of priority measures to develop tourism in the Arctic, which would be adopted jointly by the federal tourism authority, Rostourism, and the northern regions. These measures would become a part of the national strategy to develop the Russian Arctic zone to 2035. The draft document includes measures to organize transport to the Arctic regions, to develop cruise routes, to stimulate investments, etc.
According to the ministry, in 2019, 1.17 million tourists visited the regions (a growth by 5% year-on-year). The biggest attraction is the Murmansk region (40% tourists), which is followed by the Arkhangelsk Region (18%) and Karelia and the Yamalo-Nenets Region (15% each).
Nature potential
Tourists are interested to visit many national parks in Yakutia, on Chukotka, in the Krasnoyarsk Region and on Yamal. Organizers offer rafting routes, ethnography trips to the Far North’s peoples, or trips to Eurasia’s easternmost mainland point (Dezhnev Cape). The Russian Arctic’s cultural heritage objects represent various epochs: from Neolithic paintings in Karelia to the well-known Solovki Monastery in the White Sea.
"[On Yamal,] a tourist within a few days may visit deer herders to see how the low-numbered indigenous peoples live in the North <…> the costs are quite reasonable," the Yamalo-Nenets Region’s tourism department told TASS.
Some regions plan to develop tourism in clusters. The Krasnoyarsk Region will open by 2021 an Arctic cluster with a center in Norilsk, which will unite local history museums, folk craft shops and unique nature zones. Karelia has been working on its cluster, uniting attractions in its Arctic zone’s three districts.
However, presently the Arctic tourism, like many sectors of the Russian economy, suffers from the coronavirus pandemic and consequent restrictions.
The coronavirus factor
Tourist companies in the Arctic have reported major losses in early 2020, the sector’s representatives told TASS. Russian and foreign tourists continue to cancel tours, which were due even in the year-end. The most popular destinations - the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions - have been affected greatly.
"Financial losses in tourism are 57% in the first quarter of 2020," the Murmansk regional tourism authority told TASS. "Over that period, hotel booking dropped by 28% year-on-year among foreigners and by 36% among Russian tourists."
Experts doubt the quarantine measures and closed borders may bring more Russian tourists to the Arctic.
"We cannot expect more Russian tourists, and we may see past numbers of visitors hopefully by December if the rate of coronavirus infection in the world reduces," Director of the SataTour Company in Yakutia Stanislav Grigoryev said.
Moreover, when the quarantine is lifted, the Arctic tourism sector will require special attention at the federal level, experts say.
Upgrading transport and infrastructures
Infrastructures and logistics are key priorities in development of tourism in the Arctic, experts in the regions told TASS. The Krasnoyarsk Region’s specialists pointed to a lack of quality and safe hotels and motels, specialists in Karelia mentioned roads and transport, and in the Arkhangelsk Region - cruise vessels and local flights.
"Building of cruise vessels must be subsidized. The Arkhangelsk Region does not have ice-class passenger vessels for cruises. The North Dvina’s bed must be cleaned between Arkhangelsk and Kotlas," the Arkhangelsk Region’s Deputy Minister of Culture, supervising tourism, Svetlana Zenovskaya said.
For many distanced Arctic regions, including in the Far East, local flights and necessary infrastructures are the biggest issue. According to local experts, upgrade is required for local flights and flights to other regions.
"Only aviation may ‘boost’ Chukotka’s tourism, so that people did not have to pay 12,000 rubles ($162) to cover 400km by a helicopter, when a ticket to Moscow, which is on the other side of the country, costs only twice more," the Chukotka Travel Bureau’s representative Eugene Basov told TASS.
Incentives for tourists and businesses
The services, which tourism companies offer in the Arctic, are very expensive, experts told TASS. The reasons are: the sector’s imperfect labor legislation, high tariffs on fuel and housing maintenance, as well as monopolies, which hinder development of new players on the market.
"First of all, the Arctic regions need a better investment climate," the Krasnoyarsk Region’s director of the tourism agency Yulia Verkhushina said. "Better conditions, support for small and medium businesses, which work or could work in the Arctic tourism."
Representatives of the Arctic regions say tourists will go to a far-away place only if the tour cost is comparable with tours to other popular destinations. Thus, both Russians and foreigners should enjoy economic incentives, they said.
"Take for example, cruise vessels, which do not call often on the port of Arkhangelsk because of high port duties," the Arkhangelsk Region’s official said. "Thus it would be only reasonable if the federal government limited the port duties <…> for cruise vessels."
As for foreigners, most Arctic territories are either closed for them, or require special entrance permissions. Besides, in some tourist zones foreign visitors are charged additional fees.


tass--2020-04-16--Moscow knows whereabouts of 17 Russian school students remaining in US

WASHINGTON , April 16./TASS/ .
The Russian embassy in Washington knows the whereabouts of 17 Russian schoolchildren remaining in the @ @ @ @ @ said on Thursday , quoted on the embassy ’ s Facebook page .
`` Schoolchildren @ @ @ @ @ in touch with the embassy .
Individual work with each identified child has been established @ @ @ @ @ legitimate representatives .
We know the whereabouts of 17 children .
With our assistance , @ @ @ @ @ started leaving the US ( four were evacuated on the most recent flight from New @ @ @ @ @ , '' Antonov said .
He reiterated that on April 13 , the embassy got @ @ @ @ @ Department of State to promptly evacuate from the country 74 school students staying in the @ @ @ @ @ .

WASHINGTON, April 16./TASS/. The Russian embassy in Washington knows the whereabouts of 17 Russian schoolchildren remaining in the US, Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said on Thursday, quoted on the embassy’s Facebook page.
"Schoolchildren’s parents continue getting in touch with the embassy. Individual work with each identified child has been established as well as with their legitimate representatives. We know the whereabouts of 17 children. With our assistance, Russian underage nationals have already started leaving the US (four were evacuated on the most recent flight from New York on April 14)," Antonov said.
He reiterated that on April 13, the embassy got a request from the US Department of State to promptly evacuate from the country 74 school students staying in the United States under exchange programs.


tass--2020-04-16--Putin supports idea of launching preferential mortgage program

`` As it has already been said here , I propose launching a special preferential mortgage program , supporting both our citizens and the construction industry , '' Putin said at a meeting on supporting the construction industry .
He stressed that such a program should be launched in the near future .
`` Under that program , it will be possible to take a mortgage at a rate of 6.5 % per annum for the purchase of new comfort class housing at a price of up to 3 mln rubles ( $ 40,407 ) in the regions and up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in Moscow and St. Petersburg , '' the head of state said .
He stressed that `` everything above this level will be subsidized by the state . ''
The president drew attention to the fact that the reduced preferential rate will be valid for the entire loan term .
`` They will be able to apply for such a mortgage by November 1 of this year , '' he said .
The Russian leader instructed the government to ensure the launch of this program as soon as possible .
`` According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( $ 80.8 mln ) will be needed to implement this program in 2020 , '' Putin said .
He added that the exact amount is still being discussed .

"As it has already been said here, I propose launching a special preferential mortgage program, supporting both our citizens and the construction industry," Putin said at a meeting on supporting the construction industry.
He stressed that such a program should be launched in the near future. "Under that program, it will be possible to take a mortgage at a rate of 6.5% per annum for the purchase of new comfort class housing at a price of up to 3 mln rubles ($40,407) in the regions and up to 8 mln rubles ($107,752) in Moscow and St. Petersburg," the head of state said. He stressed that "everything above this level will be subsidized by the state."
The president drew attention to the fact that the reduced preferential rate will be valid for the entire loan term. "They will be able to apply for such a mortgage by November 1 of this year," he said.
The Russian leader instructed the government to ensure the launch of this program as soon as possible. "According to preliminary estimates, about 6 billion rubles ($80.8 mln) will be needed to implement this program in 2020," Putin said. He added that the exact amount is still being discussed.


tass--2020-04-16--Putin postpones preparations for May 9 parade, Immortal Regiment march

`` There is already less than a month left before the Victory Day and now we face an uneasy and , let us say straight , a hard choice : both May 9 is a sacred date for us and the life of every person is priceless , '' the Russian leader said .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
On Thursday , at a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced postponement of the preparations for the Victory Day Parade on May 9 marking the 75th anniversary of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriotic War .
According to the Russian president , `` to be able to hold the May 9 parade , the preparations for it should be started already now , right now . ''
`` But the risks associated with the epidemic whose peak won ’ t be over [ by May 9 ] are extremely high and this does not give me the right to start the preparations for the parade and other mass events , '' Putin stressed .
The Immortal Regiment march is also put on hold , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due later this year , when the threat of the novel coronavirus recedes .
`` We will make the threat that we have faced today recede , and then we will certainly hold all events scheduled for May 9 , doing this emotionally and in a festive manner .
Of course we will do it this year , 2020 , given that the entire year has been declared the Year of Memory and Glory , '' the president said .
The Red Square parade in Moscow and the Immortal Regiment march will certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"There is already less than a month left before the Victory Day and now we face an uneasy and, let us say straight, a hard choice: both May 9 is a sacred date for us and the life of every person is priceless," the Russian leader said.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 16. /TASS/. On Thursday, at a meeting with the permanent members of the Russian Security Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced postponement of the preparations for the Victory Day Parade on May 9 marking the 75th anniversary of the USSR’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
According to the Russian president, "to be able to hold the May 9 parade, the preparations for it should be started already now, right now."
"But the risks associated with the epidemic whose peak won’t be over [by May 9] are extremely high and this does not give me the right to start the preparations for the parade and other mass events," Putin stressed.
The Immortal Regiment march is also put on hold, the president informed, adding that both events are due later this year, when the threat of the novel coronavirus recedes. "We will make the threat that we have faced today recede, and then we will certainly hold all events scheduled for May 9, doing this emotionally and in a festive manner. Of course we will do it this year, 2020, given that the entire year has been declared the Year of Memory and Glory," the president said.
The Red Square parade in Moscow and the Immortal Regiment march will certainly take place, the president pledged.


tass--2020-04-16--Large-scale infrastructural projects will not be halted, says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Large-scale infrastructural projects in Russia will continue , despite the situation with the @ @ @ @ @ Putin said on Thursday .
`` We will continue implementing large-scale infrastructural projects , such @ @ @ @ @ capacity of the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian Railways , construction of motorways in Southern Russia , @ @ @ @ @ Sea Coast approach roads , the upgrade of airfield facilities in Chelyabinsk , Perm , @ @ @ @ @ and construction of modern port facilities in Murmansk , on the Baltic Sea , the @ @ @ @ @ the Far East , '' the head of state said .
`` All of them @ @ @ @ @ the economy , for its future growth , '' Putin added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 16. /TASS/. Large-scale infrastructural projects in Russia will continue, despite the situation with the coronavirus spread, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
"We will continue implementing large-scale infrastructural projects, such as the increase of throughput capacity of the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian Railways, construction of motorways in Southern Russia, including Crimean Bridge and Black Sea Coast approach roads, the upgrade of airfield facilities in Chelyabinsk, Perm, Khabarovs, and Norilsk, and construction of modern port facilities in Murmansk, on the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea, and in the Far East," the head of state said.
"All of them are the sound reserve for the economy, for its future growth," Putin added.


tass--2020-04-16--OPEC expects historical drop in oil demand in 2020

Putin : OPEC+ deal should be complied with by all participants MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The global @ @ @ @ @ plummet by 6.8 mln barrels per day ( mb/d ) in 2020 , the Organization @ @ @ @ @ ( OPEC ) says in its April report .
`` For 2020 , the world @ @ @ @ @ revised lower by 6.9 mb/d , to a historical drop of around 6.8 mb/d .
@ @ @ @ @ of this year is expected to be around 12 mb/d , with April witnessing the @ @ @ @ @ mb/d , '' OPEC says .
`` Considering latest developments , and the large uncertainties @ @ @ @ @ remain significant , suggesting possibility of further adjustments , especially in the 2Q , should @ @ @ @ @ warrant revisions , '' the Organization said .

Putin: OPEC+ deal should be complied with by all participants
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The global oil demand is expected to plummet by 6.8 mln barrels per day (mb/d) in 2020, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says in its April report.
"For 2020, the world oil demand growth forecast is revised lower by 6.9 mb/d, to a historical drop of around 6.8 mb/d. The contraction in the 2Q of this year is expected to be around 12 mb/d, with April witnessing the worst contraction at about 20 mb/d," OPEC says.
"Considering latest developments, and the large uncertainties going forward, downward risks remain significant, suggesting possibility of further adjustments, especially in the 2Q, should new data and further developments warrant revisions," the Organization said.


tass--2020-04-16--Coronavirus cases documented in all Russian regions

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Altai Republic , which was the last region of Russia with no reported cases of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , has documented its first case of the virus on Thursday , the region ’ s government informed TASS .
`` We have detected the first case of the novel coronavirus in the region .
A female resident of the region has been confirmed to have contracted it , '' the source said .
The officials are currently working on establishing a list of people who may have come in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic is a region in southern Siberia with a total population of 218,000 people .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The Altai Republic, which was the last region of Russia with no reported cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), has documented its first case of the virus on Thursday, the region’s government informed TASS.
"We have detected the first case of the novel coronavirus in the region. A female resident of the region has been confirmed to have contracted it," the source said.
The officials are currently working on establishing a list of people who may have come in contact with the infected woman.
The Altai Republic is a region in southern Siberia with a total population of 218,000 people.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-16--Hainan launches consulting service for investors in six languages

HAIKOU , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
China 's Hainan has launched a six-language consulting hotline for potential foreign and Chinese investors , reported www.hinews.cn .
Since April 13 , the hotline , launched on March 9 in Chinese and English , has also become available in Russian , Japanese , German and French .
This project is implemented by the Hainan International Business Council in order to draw investors to the province and provide them with consulting service .
The local authorities hope that the hotline will help potential investors get more information about investment opportunities in the province @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free trade zone and a free port for the last two years .
Both Chinese and foreign companies will be presented with the most attractive options for investment and will get to choose the most suitable project for themselves on the Island of Hainan .
According to statistics , foreign investments in the island 's economy in January increased by 366.4 % year-on-year , reaching $ 115.5 million .
Foreign capital inflows in 2019 exceeded $ 1.5 billion - which is by 107.8 % more than during the previous year .
Hainan intends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the production and rental of eco-friendly vehicles , the production of drogs and medical equipment .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant @ @ @ @ @

HAIKOU, April 16. /TASS/. China's Hainan has launched a six-language consulting hotline for potential foreign and Chinese investors, reported www.hinews.cn.
Since April 13, the hotline, launched on March 9 in Chinese and English, has also become available in Russian, Japanese, German and French. This project is implemented by the Hainan International Business Council in order to draw investors to the province and provide them with consulting service. The local authorities hope that the hotline will help potential investors get more information about investment opportunities in the province, which has been developing the pilot free trade zone and a free port for the last two years.
Both Chinese and foreign companies will be presented with the most attractive options for investment and will get to choose the most suitable project for themselves on the Island of Hainan.
According to statistics, foreign investments in the island's economy in January increased by 366.4% year-on-year, reaching $ 115.5 million. Foreign capital inflows in 2019 exceeded $ 1.5 billion - which is by 107.8% more than during the previous year. Hainan intends to actively draw investment in financial services, the production and rental of eco-friendly vehicles, the production of drogs and medical equipment.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-04-16--St. Petersburg not past coronavirus peak yet, expert says

ST. PETERSBURG , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
St. Petersburg that is ranked in the top three Russian regions most affected by coronavirus has not passed the peak of the pandemic yet and thus can expect a significant increase in confirmed cases , head of the taskforce to prevent coronavirus spread in St. Petersburg Yevgeny Shlyakhto said Thursday .
`` Our daily [ coronavirus ] cases are increasing erratically .
It is important that we don ’ t have a huge rise in fatalities and , most importantly , we have significantly fewer pneumonia cases who are taken to hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethality from pneumonia outside of hospitals .
There is still growth , we have not reached the peak yet .
We are in the growth phase , '' the expert told an online press conference organized by TASS .
In the past 24 hours , the city recorded 154 new infections to bring the total to 1,083 , while 170 of these patients recovered .
Seven patients who tested positive for coronavirus died .
`` There are many reasons , we are improving testing , '' Shlyakhto commented .
`` Look at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : do we comply with it ?
It [ the index ] is lower than 3 , I drove around the city today and there are traffic jams .
People walk outside not wearing masks . ''
According to him , even in the most negative scenario in St. Petersburg there won ’ t be hundreds of thousands of infections , while the majority of people who contract it will treat themselves at home .
The number of gravely ill can get as high as 6,000 , but the St. Petersburg healthcare system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will be fully braced for it , I am talking about the forecast , and the hospital capabilities will be in full gear by that time , '' he said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, April 16. /TASS/. St. Petersburg that is ranked in the top three Russian regions most affected by coronavirus has not passed the peak of the pandemic yet and thus can expect a significant increase in confirmed cases, head of the taskforce to prevent coronavirus spread in St. Petersburg Yevgeny Shlyakhto said Thursday.
"Our daily [coronavirus] cases are increasing erratically. It is important that we don’t have a huge rise in fatalities and, most importantly, we have significantly fewer pneumonia cases who are taken to hospitals than before. Also there is lower lethality from pneumonia outside of hospitals. There is still growth, we have not reached the peak yet. We are in the growth phase," the expert told an online press conference organized by TASS.
In the past 24 hours, the city recorded 154 new infections to bring the total to 1,083, while 170 of these patients recovered. Seven patients who tested positive for coronavirus died.
"There are many reasons, we are improving testing," Shlyakhto commented. "Look at the self-isolation index and answer the following question: do we comply with it? It [the index] is lower than 3, I drove around the city today and there are traffic jams. People walk outside not wearing masks."
According to him, even in the most negative scenario in St. Petersburg there won’t be hundreds of thousands of infections, while the majority of people who contract it will treat themselves at home. The number of gravely ill can get as high as 6,000, but the St. Petersburg healthcare system can handle this, the expert believes. "We will be fully braced for it, I am talking about the forecast, and the hospital capabilities will be in full gear by that time," he said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-16--Spanish health authorities admit real death toll from pandemic may be higher

`` It is difficult to find out the true figure [ of the fatalities ] , '' said Fernando Simon , director of the Spanish Health Ministry ’ s Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies .
`` We are taking into account all the deceased who were tested and about those the autonomous communities notified , '' he noted .
Simon ’ s statement came after Catalonian authorities changed the method for calculating the number of pandemic victims , and began to factor in information provided by funeral services .
As a result , the fatality figures grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain ’ s Ministry of Health has acknowledged that it is difficult to calculate the real number of fatalities from the coronavirus pandemic .
Spanish Minister of Health Salvador Illa , for his part , specified that almost one million people had been tested for COVID-19 .
To date , the country has reported almost 183,000 infections and 19,130 fatalities .
The first coronavirus case in Spain was recorded on January 31 , 2020 .
The number of infected people began growing at a swift pace after a local outbreak had been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Spanish government imposed a lockdown due to the spread of the novel coronavirus .
This includes restrictions on citizens ’ travel across the country with the exception of urgent necessity cases .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"It is difficult to find out the true figure [of the fatalities]," said Fernando Simon, director of the Spanish Health Ministry’s Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies. "We are taking into account all the deceased who were tested and about those the autonomous communities notified," he noted. Simon’s statement came after Catalonian authorities changed the method for calculating the number of pandemic victims, and began to factor in information provided by funeral services. As a result, the fatality figures grew sizably.
MADRID, April 16./TASS/. Spain’s Ministry of Health has acknowledged that it is difficult to calculate the real number of fatalities from the coronavirus pandemic.
Spanish Minister of Health Salvador Illa, for his part, specified that almost one million people had been tested for COVID-19. To date, the country has reported almost 183,000 infections and 19,130 fatalities.
The first coronavirus case in Spain was recorded on January 31, 2020. The number of infected people began growing at a swift pace after a local outbreak had been reported in Italy. On March 14, the Spanish government imposed a lockdown due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. This includes restrictions on citizens’ travel across the country with the exception of urgent necessity cases.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Area F2 Public Beta Releases April 16th

Area F2 Public Beta Releases April 16th

HONG KONG , April 16 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Area F2 , the first Close-Quarters Battle ( CQB ) shooting game for mobile devices , is releasing Public Beta today .
Available in regions including Thailand , Indonesia , Russia , and Brazil , among others , the program allows players to try the game before its global launch later in the year .
The CQB game design enables players to adopt innovative approaches to attack , as roofs and walls can be reinforced or destroyed .
Area F2 has received a rating of 4.8/5 on Facebook in pre-release trials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brings a new style to shooting games on mobile devices .
In a narrow but multi-dimensional scene , players can use Special Forces fighting with their squad .
There is no need to loot or buy weapons , the agents have exclusive abilities just like the Heroes in the MOBA game .
However , the key to victory is more than gunplay ; tactics are the best weapon in Area F2 .
Players should use UAVs to gather enemies ' information and make flexible tactics and breach the scenes to open new lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game is set to revolutionize the `` many enter , only one survives '' shooter gameplay mode best represented by Battle Royal Game .
`` A smaller area means more fighting , sooner , and shorter , more intense matches , '' said Hayashii , a highly acclaimed gaming influencer on YouTube .
`` There 's absolutely something to be said for collecting information with the dashing gears in the game and attacking the enemies out of blue . ''
In Area F2 , players can choose from 20+ elite agents based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , players are allowed to lay down suppressing fire with a machine gun , destroy walls with explosive crossbow bolts , or even set trip mines at potential entry points .
Leveraging spy gear like drones and monitors , players can also find targets and jam the enemy signal to prevent detection .
`` You will feel as if you are on the front lines , '' said Andy Wong , the Publishing Producer of Area F2 for Area F2 Dev .
`` That is our intent with this revolutionary mobile game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar to the real world , the game provides players with a visceral experience that rivals real footage of actual combat .
The game brings the ancient fighting arts of close quarters combat to life .
In the military and law enforcement , CQB refers to tactics that span a variety of different techniques and in the game it connotes the use of weapons , ammunition and armor in close fighting situations .
In practical terms , CQB takes place between a ranges of 30 meters to hand-to-hand combat .
The game 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players alternatives to standard entrances such as doors and windows , which are the norm in traditional shooting games .
Some roofs and walls can be reinforced or destroyed .
This challenges players ' skills and tactics , as every wall may become a potential entry point .
By breaking the floor or wall with battering rams , grenades , explosive , and bullets , the players can launch a raid towards combatants who are in another closed area .
They can also climb walls with the assistance of anchor Hook guns , @ @ @ @ @ @

HONG KONG, April 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Area F2, the first Close-Quarters Battle (CQB) shooting game for mobile devices, is releasing Public Beta today. Available in regions including Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, and Brazil, among others, the program allows players to try the game before its global launch later in the year. The CQB game design enables players to adopt innovative approaches to attack, as roofs and walls can be reinforced or destroyed.
Area F2 has received a rating of 4.8/5 on Facebook in pre-release trials available through Google Play. Area F2 brings a new style to shooting games on mobile devices. In a narrow but multi-dimensional scene, players can use Special Forces fighting with their squad. There is no need to loot or buy weapons, the agents have exclusive abilities just like the Heroes in the MOBA game. However, the key to victory is more than gunplay; tactics are the best weapon in Area F2. Players should use UAVs to gather enemies' information and make flexible tactics and breach the scenes to open new lines of the bullets. The battle shooting game is set to revolutionize the "many enter, only one survives" shooter gameplay mode best represented by Battle Royal Game.
"A smaller area means more fighting, sooner, and shorter, more intense matches," said Hayashii, a highly acclaimed gaming influencer on YouTube. "There's absolutely something to be said for collecting information with the dashing gears in the game and attacking the enemies out of blue."
In Area F2, players can choose from 20+ elite agents based on real-life special forces. Using unique gadgets, players are allowed to lay down suppressing fire with a machine gun, destroy walls with explosive crossbow bolts, or even set trip mines at potential entry points. Leveraging spy gear like drones and monitors, players can also find targets and jam the enemy signal to prevent detection.
"You will feel as if you are on the front lines," said Andy Wong, the Publishing Producer of Area F2 for Area F2 Dev. "That is our intent with this revolutionary mobile game." Featuring real-time visual effects that are similar to the real world, the game provides players with a visceral experience that rivals real footage of actual combat.
The game brings the ancient fighting arts of close quarters combat to life. In the military and law enforcement, CQB refers to tactics that span a variety of different techniques and in the game it connotes the use of weapons, ammunition and armor in close fighting situations. In practical terms, CQB takes place between a ranges of 30 meters to hand-to-hand combat.
The game's multi-dimensional attacking paths are designed to give players alternatives to standard entrances such as doors and windows, which are the norm in traditional shooting games. Some roofs and walls can be reinforced or destroyed. This challenges players' skills and tactics, as every wall may become a potential entry point. By breaking the floor or wall with battering rams, grenades, explosive, and bullets, the players can launch a raid towards combatants who are in another closed area. They can also climb walls with the assistance of anchor Hook guns, implementing strategies with creative freedom.
For more information:
Download: https://go.onelink.me/app/areaf2public
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AreaF2
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AreaF2
Discord: https://discord.gg/areaf2
CONTACT: Area F2 Dev Team; +86 18589292516


tass--2020-04-16--Donetsk People's Republic to search for some 100 persons held in Ukraine

GORLOVKA , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
After Thursday ’ s exchange of persons taken prisoner during the conflict in @ @ @ @ @ Donetsk People ’ s Republic will continue to search for some 100 detainees remaining in @ @ @ @ @ 's Republic 's ombudswoman , Darya Morozova , has told the media .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ 's Republic is looking for some 100 persons in Ukraine .
This is a competence @ @ @ @ @ At the next meeting we will be able to present accurate lists , '' she @ @ @ @ @ , there was this year ’ s first exchange of held persons between Donetsk and @ @ @ @ @ at the Gorlovka-Mayorskoye checkpoint .
The self-proclaimed republic released nine persons and received ten .
@ @ @ @ @ place between Lugansk and Kiev near the village of Shchastye .

GORLOVKA, April 16. /TASS/. After Thursday’s exchange of persons taken prisoner during the conflict in the east of Ukraine the Donetsk People’s Republic will continue to search for some 100 detainees remaining in Ukraine, the Donetsk People's Republic's ombudswoman, Darya Morozova, has told the media.
"At the moment the Donetsk People's Republic is looking for some 100 persons in Ukraine. This is a competence of the humanitarian subgroup. At the next meeting we will be able to present accurate lists," she said.
Earlier on Thursday, there was this year’s first exchange of held persons between Donetsk and Kiev. It took place at the Gorlovka-Mayorskoye checkpoint. The self-proclaimed republic released nine persons and received ten. A similar exchange may take place between Lugansk and Kiev near the village of Shchastye.


tass--2020-04-16--All acute respiratory viral infections in Moscow to be treated as suspected coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 16./TASS/ .
Moscow medics will be diagnosing all patients with acute respiratory viral infection as `` suspected @ @ @ @ @ Moscow Mayor Anastasiya Rakova told journalists on Thursday .
`` The virus is now actively @ @ @ @ @ In these conditions , it is rather difficult to tell the difference between an early @ @ @ @ @ ordinary ARVI .
That is why , at the suggestion of the clinical committee , @ @ @ @ @ will be considering all ARVI cases as suspected coronavirus , '' Rakova said .

MOSCOW, April 16./TASS/. Moscow medics will be diagnosing all patients with acute respiratory viral infection as "suspected coronavirus" cases, Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasiya Rakova told journalists on Thursday.
"The virus is now actively spreading within the city. In these conditions, it is rather difficult to tell the difference between an early stage of coronavirus and an ordinary ARVI. That is why, at the suggestion of the clinical committee, we have decided that we will be considering all ARVI cases as suspected coronavirus," Rakova said.


tass--2020-04-16--About 1,500 Russian nationals in US waiting to return home, embassy says

WASHINGTON , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
About 1,500 Russian nationals are waiting to return home from the USA , @ @ @ @ @ Antonov said on Thursday , quoted on the embassy ’ s Facebook .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ waiting list , they can not wait to return home , '' Antonov said .
@ @ @ @ @ we will do everything in our power to support our compatriots stranded here in the @ @ @ @ @ to combat the spread of the coronavirus infection , '' the ambassador said .

WASHINGTON, April 16. /TASS/. About 1,500 Russian nationals are waiting to return home from the USA, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said on Thursday, quoted on the embassy’s Facebook.
"There are 1,500 Russians on our waiting list, they cannot wait to return home," Antonov said.
"I assure you that we will do everything in our power to support our compatriots stranded here in the conditions of tough restrictions introduced to combat the spread of the coronavirus infection," the ambassador said.


tass--2020-04-16--Putin pledges to support construction sector

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to support the country ’ s construction @ @ @ @ @ to drive growth at the stage of economic recovery .
`` We will definitely support @ @ @ @ @ , it is construction that is to become one of growth drivers at the stage @ @ @ @ @ will be followed by other sectors as well , '' he said at a meeting @ @ @ @ @ sector development on Thursday .
`` The situation on the housing market and delivery of @ @ @ @ @ and upgrade of roads , seaports , transport hubs , other key infrastructure of the @ @ @ @ @ efficient work of the construction sector , Putin noted .
`` Construction is generally a @ @ @ @ @ number of enterprises , large , medium and small companies from adjacent sectors , such @ @ @ @ @ and equipment , metallurgy , wood processing and chemicals , '' he said , adding @ @ @ @ @ be taken into account when taking decisions related to the construction sector .

"We will definitely support the construction sector. Moreover, it is construction that is to become one of growth drivers at the stage of economic recovery, that will be followed by other sectors as well," he said at a meeting on Russia’s construction sector development on Thursday.
"The situation on the housing market and delivery of ambitious plans for the construction and upgrade of roads, seaports, transport hubs, other key infrastructure of the country depend" on the efficient work of the construction sector, Putin noted. "Construction is generally a sector that includes a large number of enterprises, large, medium and small companies from adjacent sectors, such as production of building materials and equipment, metallurgy, wood processing and chemicals," he said, adding that all those factors should be taken into account when taking decisions related to the construction sector.


tass--2020-04-16--Russian health ministry seeks to offer its coronavirus experience to entire globe

The Russian health minister thanked the World Health Organization for informational support that enabled Russia to promptly mobilize the efforts of the Russian healthcare system to provide aid to coronavirus patients MOSCOW , April 16./TASS/ .
Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko said on Thursday that the ministry was ready to share its practices in battling the novel coronavirus with other nations .
`` The Ministry of Health is ready to provide video courses for medics from Eastern European and Central Asian countries , '' he told a session organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for preventing , diagnosing and treating COVID-19 , which are very convenient for practical use , '' said the top health official quoted by the press service of the Ministry of Health .
Murashko also thanked the World Health Organization ( WHO ) for informational support that enabled Russia to promptly mobilize the efforts of the Russian healthcare system to provide aid to coronavirus patients .
`` More than ten test systems have been registered in Russia as of now that help confirm the virus .
All of them are Russian-made .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control .
Also , we have the registered test systems to determine the level of immunoglobulin , and several companies and establishments are working to develop these test systems , '' Murashko said , adding that Russia was also developing coronavirus vaccines .
Late in March , the WHO announced the launch of a global research program dubbed Solidarity and designed to obtain reliable and thorough practical data on the novel coronavirus .
`` We express our readiness to participate in the internationally randomized multi-center clinical research by the WHO [ dubbed ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

The Russian health minister thanked the World Health Organization for informational support that enabled Russia to promptly mobilize the efforts of the Russian healthcare system to provide aid to coronavirus patients
MOSCOW, April 16./TASS/. Russian Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko said on Thursday that the ministry was ready to share its practices in battling the novel coronavirus with other nations. "The Ministry of Health is ready to provide video courses for medics from Eastern European and Central Asian countries," he told a session organized by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
"We have also prepared presentations on recommended practices for preventing, diagnosing and treating COVID-19, which are very convenient for practical use," said the top health official quoted by the press service of the Ministry of Health. Murashko also thanked the World Health Organization (WHO) for informational support that enabled Russia to promptly mobilize the efforts of the Russian healthcare system to provide aid to coronavirus patients. "More than ten test systems have been registered in Russia as of now that help confirm the virus. All of them are Russian-made. They are all sensitive and have passed quality control. Also, we have the registered test systems to determine the level of immunoglobulin, and several companies and establishments are working to develop these test systems," Murashko said, adding that Russia was also developing coronavirus vaccines.


tass--2020-04-16--Combat teams of S-300 missile systems strike enemy air targets in southern Russia drills

MURMANSK , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The teams of the Northern Fleet ’ s S-300 anti-aircraft missile regiment held @ @ @ @ @ Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region , the Fleet ’ s press office reported @ @ @ @ @ the tactical drills at the Ashuluk training range in the Astrakhan Region , the anti-aircraft @ @ @ @ @ of measures , from detecting air targets to employing weapons against them , '' the @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` The target missiles that were fired operated in a broad range of @ @ @ @ @ , simulating the notional enemy ’ s air attack weapons , from various types of @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement says .
All the air targets were successfully destroyed , the press @ @ @ @ @ is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designated to defend vital civilian and military installations against @ @ @ @ @ ballistic and cruise missiles , aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles .

MURMANSK, April 16. /TASS/. The teams of the Northern Fleet’s S-300 anti-aircraft missile regiment held a live-fire exercise at the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"During the tactical drills at the Ashuluk training range in the Astrakhan Region, the anti-aircraft gunners practiced a whole set of measures, from detecting air targets to employing weapons against them," the press office said in a statement.
"The target missiles that were fired operated in a broad range of altitudes, speeds and directions, simulating the notional enemy’s air attack weapons, from various types of aircraft to cruise missiles," the statement says.
All the air targets were successfully destroyed, the press office said.
The S-300 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system designated to defend vital civilian and military installations against any air attack weapons: ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.


tass--2020-04-16--Russia’s customs official detained in Moscow on suspicion of taking a bribe

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow police have detained Yuri Knyazev , an operations officer with the @ @ @ @ @ department of the Russian Federal Customs Service , on suspicion of taking a major bribe @ @ @ @ @ Moscow ’ s Meshchansky district court informed TASS on Thursday .
The investigation plans to @ @ @ @ @ `` Moscow ’ s Meshchansky district court has received an appeal of the investigation on @ @ @ @ @ custody , '' the court ’ s spokesperson Yulia Kotomina informed .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ of committing a crime under Article 290 Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code ( @ @ @ @ @ , and Article 291 Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code ( facilitating a major @ @ @ @ @ from 8 to 15 and from 7 to 12 years behind bars respectively and a @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( about $ 40,500 ) .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The Moscow police have detained Yuri Knyazev, an operations officer with the Moscow Region’s investigative department of the Russian Federal Customs Service, on suspicion of taking a major bribe, the press service of Moscow’s Meshchansky district court informed TASS on Thursday. The investigation plans to put him in custody.
"Moscow’s Meshchansky district court has received an appeal of the investigation on placing Knyazev Yuri Nikolaevich in custody," the court’s spokesperson Yulia Kotomina informed.
According to the spokesperson, Knyazev is suspected of committing a crime under Article 290 Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code (receiving a major bribe), and Article 291 Part 1 of the Russian Criminal Code (facilitating a major bribe). He faces from 8 to 15 and from 7 to 12 years behind bars respectively and a fine up to 3 mln rubles (about $40,500).


tass--2020-04-16--Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin held telephone conversation

During the phone talks , Xi Jinping pledged to continue to provide firm support and aid to Russia in its @ @ @ @ @ .
`` China has already provided a shipment of [ humanitarian ] aid to Russia @ @ @ @ @ in procurement of medical goods from People ’ s Republic .
China will continue to @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said , according to the Chinese TV .
China and Russia must @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic and `` labelling , '' Xi Jinping stated .
`` Politicization of @ @ @ @ @ not benefit the international cooperation ; China and Russia must closely cooperate and protect the @ @ @ @ @ '' Xi said , according to the Chinese TV .

BEIJING, April 16. /TASS/. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation on Thursday evening, China Central Television reported.
During the phone talks, Xi Jinping pledged to continue to provide firm support and aid to Russia in its fight against the coronavirus spread. "China has already provided a shipment of [humanitarian] aid to Russia, it actively assists Russia in procurement of medical goods from People’s Republic. China will continue to provide firm support to Russia," he said, according to the Chinese TV.
China and Russia must jointly oppose the politicization of the coronavirus pandemic and "labelling," Xi Jinping stated. "Politicization of the pandemic and labelling will not benefit the international cooperation; China and Russia must closely cooperate and protect the global healthcare system together," Xi said, according to the Chinese TV.


tass--2020-04-16--Muscovites continue breaking self-isolation rules, says authority

MOSCOW , April 16./TASS/ .
Residents of Moscow are repeatedly being caught breaking self-isolation rules , the head of the city ’ s chief control directorate , Yevgeny Danchikov , told Rossiya-24 television on Thursday .
`` Regretfully , the situation is not improving so far .
Our citizens continue leaving their homes , going to playgrounds , walking in the parks and having barbecues in the open , '' he said .
`` I hope that yesterday ’ s and today ’ s weather is discouraging for walks , and this will help the citizens stay at home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 12,000 protocols over the violation of self-isolation rules worth overall about 50 million rubles ( $ 674,500 ) have been drawn up in Moscow since the weekend , with about 2,000 drawn up alone on Thursday .
`` If we take the period from this past weekend , when police officers began to not only actively patrol the streets , but also take administrative action against those who violate the self-isolation rules , we have for now about 12,000 protocols drawn up by police officers , to the tune of 50 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 1,370 new coronavirus cases in Moscow in the past 24 hours .
Overall , more than 16,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the capital city .
On March 29 , Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin and Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyev issued decrees extending the high coronavirus alert regime .
Thus , self-isolation requirements were extended to all people regardless of their age .
People are required to stay at home and can go outside only for emergency medical assistance , to work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dispose of garbage and to walk a dog within 100 meters from the house .
All stores , except groceries , pharmacies , essentials stores and animal feed ones , are closed , as well theaters , restaurants , cafes and other public places , including parks .
All mass events are banned .
Breach of the self-isolation regime is penalized with a fine up to 5,000 rubles .
To date , a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 232 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 16./TASS/. Residents of Moscow are repeatedly being caught breaking self-isolation rules, the head of the city’s chief control directorate, Yevgeny Danchikov, told Rossiya-24 television on Thursday.
"Regretfully, the situation is not improving so far. Our citizens continue leaving their homes, going to playgrounds, walking in the parks and having barbecues in the open," he said. "I hope that yesterday’s and today’s weather is discouraging for walks, and this will help the citizens stay at home," Danchikov said.
He said that about 12,000 protocols over the violation of self-isolation rules worth overall about 50 million rubles ($674,500) have been drawn up in Moscow since the weekend, with about 2,000 drawn up alone on Thursday.
"If we take the period from this past weekend, when police officers began to not only actively patrol the streets, but also take administrative action against those who violate the self-isolation rules, we have for now about 12,000 protocols drawn up by police officers, to the tune of 50 million rubles," he said.
On Thursday, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 1,370 new coronavirus cases in Moscow in the past 24 hours. Overall, more than 16,000 people have been infected with COVID-19 in the capital city.
On March 29, Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin and Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyev issued decrees extending the high coronavirus alert regime. Thus, self-isolation requirements were extended to all people regardless of their age. People are required to stay at home and can go outside only for emergency medical assistance, to work, to visit a nearest food store, to dispose of garbage and to walk a dog within 100 meters from the house. All stores, except groceries, pharmacies, essentials stores and animal feed ones, are closed, as well theaters, restaurants, cafes and other public places, including parks. All mass events are banned.
Breach of the self-isolation regime is penalized with a fine up to 5,000 rubles.
To date, a total of 27,938 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,304 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 232 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-16--Dutch coronavirus cases nearing 30,000

Dutch coronavirus cases nearing 30,000

THE HAGUE , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 29,214 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ Institute for Public Health and the Environment said on Thursday .
According to the institute @ @ @ @ @ identified in the past 24 hours and 181 patients died , bringing the death toll @ @ @ @ @ added that the number of new cases and death figures have stabilized over the past @ @ @

THE HAGUE, April 15. /TASS/. A total of 29,214 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the Netherlands so far, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment said on Thursday.
According to the institute, 1,061 new cases were identified in the past 24 hours and 181 patients died, bringing the death toll to 3,315. The institute added that the number of new cases and death figures have stabilized over the past three weeks.


tass--2020-04-16--COVID-19 pandemic may raise tensions between Israel, Palestine, expert says

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic creates the risk that tensions between Israel and Palestine could escalate further , President for the US/Middle East Project and a Valdai Discussion Club expert Daniel Levy told TASS .
`` This moment of crisis demonstrates that , despite the efforts of the PA [ Palestinian Authority ] , there is one political ruling entity , and that is Israel .
The absolute dependence of the Palestinians , whether in Gaza or the West Bank , on Israel , is being reinforced , '' he pointed out .
`` Might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other words , a separation paradigm versus a one-space reality ; going forward is there a greater clarity on the need to either create a Palestinian entity which does actually have authority ( in other words , de-occupation , sovereign statehood etc . )
or to translate the existing one-space reality into a paradigm for political planning , '' the expert specified .
`` There may also be countervailing trends in this respect - Palestinians being more in need of cooperation with Israel but less able to achieve the necessary Israeli response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , `` there are reports of Covid-19 cases in Gaza and there are also reports of quiet contacts between the governing Hamas authority in Gaza and Israel in responding to this situation . ''
`` A Covid-19 outbreak would place Gaza even more at the mercy of Israel and Egypt - who are not predisposed to respond favorably to the needs of the Gazan population , who are focused on their own crisis management but who also have exposures to any severe Gaza crisis , '' the political analyst noted .
Levy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinians incarcerated by Israel and the central political salience of that population for the broader Palestinian public , attention should be paid to a possible outbreak amongst Palestinian prisoners . ''
`` There have been reports of small numbers of cases and quarantines going into effect in the Megiddo prison .
A severe outbreak could lead to a public backlash amongst Palestinians and become a major source of friction , '' he added .
`` Such scenarios could either be premised on Covid-19 related concerns ( for instance , an Israeli lockdown on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ village , especially in Area C as a Covid-19 hotspot ) or as a result of ongoing Israeli military actions such as a night raid leading to arrests , '' the expert said .
`` In a period of heightened anxiety and frustrations , such flashpoint moments have a greater potential to spiral out of control , '' Levy emphasized .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic creates the risk that tensions between Israel and Palestine could escalate further, President for the US/Middle East Project and a Valdai Discussion Club expert Daniel Levy told TASS.
"This moment of crisis demonstrates that, despite the efforts of the PA [Palestinian Authority], there is one political ruling entity, and that is Israel. The absolute dependence of the Palestinians, whether in Gaza or the West Bank, on Israel, is being reinforced," he pointed out. "Might this encourage a sharpening of choices - in other words, a separation paradigm versus a one-space reality; going forward is there a greater clarity on the need to either create a Palestinian entity which does actually have authority (in other words, de-occupation, sovereign statehood etc.) or to translate the existing one-space reality into a paradigm for political planning," the expert specified.
"There may also be countervailing trends in this respect - Palestinians being more in need of cooperation with Israel but less able to achieve the necessary Israeli response," Levy added.
According to him, "there are reports of Covid-19 cases in Gaza and there are also reports of quiet contacts between the governing Hamas authority in Gaza and Israel in responding to this situation." "A Covid-19 outbreak would place Gaza even more at the mercy of Israel and Egypt - who are not predisposed to respond favorably to the needs of the Gazan population, who are focused on their own crisis management but who also have exposures to any severe Gaza crisis," the political analyst noted.
Levy said that "given the extent of Palestinians incarcerated by Israel and the central political salience of that population for the broader Palestinian public, attention should be paid to a possible outbreak amongst Palestinian prisoners." "There have been reports of small numbers of cases and quarantines going into effect in the Megiddo prison. A severe outbreak could lead to a public backlash amongst Palestinians and become a major source of friction," he added.
"Such scenarios could either be premised on Covid-19 related concerns (for instance, an Israeli lockdown on a particular Palestinian area, town or village, especially in Area C as a Covid-19 hotspot) or as a result of ongoing Israeli military actions such as a night raid leading to arrests," the expert said. "In a period of heightened anxiety and frustrations, such flashpoint moments have a greater potential to spiral out of control," Levy emphasized.


tass--2020-04-16--Kremlin expects Moscow officials to draw conclusions from Wednesday’s pass system issues

`` Certain failures do happen , [ but ] we are certain that the Moscow government will learn some lessons from yesterday ’ s issues and will make sure that they never recur again , '' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday , adding that `` in this regard , the situation has normalized . ''
MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin believes that the issues that had emerged due to the introduction of the pass system in Moscow , will not repeat themselves and that Moscow officials will learn essential lessons .
`` Overall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interest of the people , to protect the people from the epidemic , '' Peskov assured .
When focusing on the actions of the police and the Mayor ’ s Office regarding the pass check , the spokesman noted that `` they will draw conclusions together . ''
`` In any case , everybody is working and pursuing a unified goal , so we are dealing with coordinated actions here , '' Peskov said , adding that the Kremlin pointed to a normalization of the situation with the pass checks on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pass system to travel across the city .
That morning , the police began a blanket check of the imposed passes , which led to huge lines at some subway stations , sometimes leaving no space for social distancing .
A large number of cars also amassed at entrances to the Russian capital .
On Wednesday , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that an automated pass control system must be introduced in the Moscow subway .
According to Thursday reports , the capital ’ s subway stations are functioning without any difficulties @

"Certain failures do happen, [but] we are certain that the Moscow government will learn some lessons from yesterday’s issues and will make sure that they never recur again," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Thursday, adding that "in this regard, the situation has normalized."
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that the issues that had emerged due to the introduction of the pass system in Moscow, will not repeat themselves and that Moscow officials will learn essential lessons.
"Overall, all steps have only been taken in the interest of the people, to protect the people from the epidemic," Peskov assured.
When focusing on the actions of the police and the Mayor’s Office regarding the pass check, the spokesman noted that "they will draw conclusions together."
"In any case, everybody is working and pursuing a unified goal, so we are dealing with coordinated actions here," Peskov said, adding that the Kremlin pointed to a normalization of the situation with the pass checks on Thursday.
On April 15, Moscow introduced a pass system to travel across the city. That morning, the police began a blanket check of the imposed passes, which led to huge lines at some subway stations, sometimes leaving no space for social distancing. A large number of cars also amassed at entrances to the Russian capital. On Wednesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that an automated pass control system must be introduced in the Moscow subway. According to Thursday reports, the capital’s subway stations are functioning without any difficulties.