tass--2020-04-23--Moscow reports 27 novel coronavirus deaths in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 27 patients , suffering from the novel coronavirus and associated diseases , have died in Moscow in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday .
`` A total of 27 patients , who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the novel coronavirus , have died in Moscow .
The victims are between 38 and 90 years old .
The 38-year-old patient suffered from chronic bronchitis .
The majority of patients had associated diseases , '' the crisis center said .
The overall death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 288 .
`` The crisis center reminds elderly people and people with chronic conditions to strictly observe the self-isolation regime .
Until May 1 , all residents of the Russian capital regardless of their age must not leave their places of residence , '' the center said .
The system of digital passes to travel about Moscow and the Moscow region was imposed on April 15 .
The pass is a special code consisting of letters and digits .
Such passes are issued free of charge .
Applications are received either online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via an SMS .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. A total of 27 patients, suffering from the novel coronavirus and associated diseases, have died in Moscow in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.
"A total of 27 patients, who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the novel coronavirus, have died in Moscow. The victims are between 38 and 90 years old. The 38-year-old patient suffered from chronic bronchitis. The majority of patients had associated diseases," the crisis center said.
The overall death toll in the Russian capital now stands at 288.
"The crisis center reminds elderly people and people with chronic conditions to strictly observe the self-isolation regime. Until May 1, all residents of the Russian capital regardless of their age must not leave their places of residence," the center said.
The system of digital passes to travel about Moscow and the Moscow region was imposed on April 15. The pass is a special code consisting of letters and digits. Such passes are issued free of charge. Applications are received either online, or over the phone, or via an SMS.
To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-22--France’s coronavirus death toll tops 21,300

`` Since the epidemic started , 13,236 people died in hospitals , 80 % of them are people aged over 75 .
The number of death in care homes and other medical-social facilities stands at 8,104 .
Overall , 21,340 people died in France , '' he stressed .
Therefore , 544 fatalities were recorded in France over the past 24 hours .
PARIS , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people who died from coronavirus-related causes in France since the epidemic broke out has reached 21,340 , French health official Jerome Salomon told a briefing on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were hospitalized in a single day , bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 29,741 , with 5,218 of them in ICU .
The official stressed that the country is observing a trend of lowering number of patients in hospitals .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"Since the epidemic started, 13,236 people died in hospitals, 80% of them are people aged over 75. The number of death in care homes and other medical-social facilities stands at 8,104. Overall, 21,340 people died in France," he stressed. Therefore, 544 fatalities were recorded in France over the past 24 hours.
PARIS, April 22. /TASS/. The number of people who died from coronavirus-related causes in France since the epidemic broke out has reached 21,340, French health official Jerome Salomon told a briefing on Wednesday.
Salomon also informed that 1,619 people were hospitalized in a single day, bringing the total number of hospitalizations to 29,741, with 5,218 of them in ICU. The official stressed that the country is observing a trend of lowering number of patients in hospitals.
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.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-22--Russian PM, Turkish Vice President discuss fight against coronavirus, joint projects

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay have had a phone call to discuss measures against coronavirus and work to bring both countries ’ citizens home as well as paid attention to issues of trade and economic cooperation and implementation of joint projects , the Russian cabinet ’ s press service reported Wednesday .
`` Mikhail Mishustin and Fuat Oktay exchanged opinions on measures taken in Russia and Turkey to curb the spread of coronavirus infection and organization of work to return citizens of the two countries .
Special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and economic cooperation and joint efforts to boost bilateral trade .
[ They ] also touched upon the topics of implementing large-scale industrial and energy projects , including the construction of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey as well as operation of the TurkStream gas pipeline , '' the statement says .
Mishustin and Oktay also agrees to ramp up cooperation in transport and agriculture as well as other spheres that interest both parties , the service added .
On Tuesday , Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to counter coronavirus as well as developments in Syria , cooperation in the energy sector and other areas .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay have had a phone call to discuss measures against coronavirus and work to bring both countries’ citizens home as well as paid attention to issues of trade and economic cooperation and implementation of joint projects, the Russian cabinet’s press service reported Wednesday.
"Mikhail Mishustin and Fuat Oktay exchanged opinions on measures taken in Russia and Turkey to curb the spread of coronavirus infection and organization of work to return citizens of the two countries. Special attention was placed on issues of trade and economic cooperation and joint efforts to boost bilateral trade. [They] also touched upon the topics of implementing large-scale industrial and energy projects, including the construction of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey as well as operation of the TurkStream gas pipeline," the statement says.
Mishustin and Oktay also agrees to ramp up cooperation in transport and agriculture as well as other spheres that interest both parties, the service added.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call discussed boosting joint efforts to counter coronavirus as well as developments in Syria, cooperation in the energy sector and other areas.


tass--2020-04-22--Oil demand to rise in eurozone no earlier than 2024, says expert

`` The price collapse was mostly demand-driven rather than supply-driven .
The agreement ( between Russia and Saudi Arabia on crude production cuts - TASS ) foresees a coordinated production cut of 9.7 mln barrels per day , but the announced cut is actually only drop in the ocean , it ’ s not going to be enough to drive up prices significantly even after 1 May !
In the meantime , there will be a lot of stocking and prices will keep on being very low , '' he said .
ROME , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global demand due to the crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic , Head of the Energy , Climate and Resources Program at the International Affairs Institute Luca Franza told TASS on Wednesday when commenting on the recent collapses on the oil market , adding that the oil demand is not expected to return to the pre-crisis level earlier than the end of 2024 .
`` Usually oil demand would respond to low oil prices , by going up again after a while .
But this is not happening this time because the fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event and we expect a very slow recovery .
According to many scenarios , not the orthodox IMF view which is very arguable , the Eurozone will only go back to pre-crisis GDP levels in Q4 2024 , '' the expert added .
He shares the view that the current demand decline is going to be `` one of the largest downturns in history . ''
Franza expects shale companies to go bankrupt in the US as a result of those processes .
`` One scenario is that only small companies go bankrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mergers and acquisitions .
Another scenario , more dramatic , can take place when there are more important bankruptcies : not only of some large or mid-cap oil and gas companies , but also of the financial institutions that backed them , which might trigger a wider economic downturn with domino effects , '' he explained .
Shale production will partly recover when prices rise , the expert said , adding though that the recovery will be slow .
`` Wall Street is not enthusiastic about backing shale producers anymore because it lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that their success depends on OPEC and Russia helping to support the price , '' he noted .
OPEC+ countries finalized the deal on crude output production in May-June at an extraordinary meeting on April 12 .
The final reduction quota for two months will equal 9.7 mln barrels per day instead of 10 mln barrels per day as Mexico assumed a smaller quota than expected .
Russia and Saudi Arabia will reduce production on equal terms by 2.5 mln barrels per day from the basic level of 11 mln barrels per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force for two years , though already 7.7 mln barrels per day will be slashed in the period from July to December 2020 , and 5.8 mln barrels per day from January 2021 to end-April 2022 .
The parameters of the deal may be reconsidered in December 2021 .

"The price collapse was mostly demand-driven rather than supply-driven. The agreement (between Russia and Saudi Arabia on crude production cuts - TASS) foresees a coordinated production cut of 9.7 mln barrels per day, but the announced cut is actually only drop in the ocean, it’s not going to be enough to drive up prices significantly even after 1 May! In the meantime, there will be a lot of stocking and prices will keep on being very low," he said.
ROME, April 22. /TASS/. Oil prices will continue falling amid the declining global demand due to the crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, Head of the Energy, Climate and Resources Program at the International Affairs Institute Luca Franza told TASS on Wednesday when commenting on the recent collapses on the oil market, adding that the oil demand is not expected to return to the pre-crisis level earlier than the end of 2024.
"Usually oil demand would respond to low oil prices, by going up again after a while. But this is not happening this time because the fall has been triggered by a major exogenous event and we expect a very slow recovery. According to many scenarios, not the orthodox IMF view which is very arguable, the Eurozone will only go back to pre-crisis GDP levels in Q4 2024," the expert added. He shares the view that the current demand decline is going to be "one of the largest downturns in history."
Franza expects shale companies to go bankrupt in the US as a result of those processes. "One scenario is that only small companies go bankrupt in this phase, and there are mergers and acquisitions. Another scenario, more dramatic, can take place when there are more important bankruptcies: not only of some large or mid-cap oil and gas companies, but also of the financial institutions that backed them, which might trigger a wider economic downturn with domino effects," he explained.
Shale production will partly recover when prices rise, the expert said, adding though that the recovery will be slow. "Wall Street is not enthusiastic about backing shale producers anymore because it lost a lot; shale developers now know that their success depends on OPEC and Russia helping to support the price," he noted.
OPEC+ countries finalized the deal on crude output production in May-June at an extraordinary meeting on April 12. The final reduction quota for two months will equal 9.7 mln barrels per day instead of 10 mln barrels per day as Mexico assumed a smaller quota than expected. Russia and Saudi Arabia will reduce production on equal terms by 2.5 mln barrels per day from the basic level of 11 mln barrels per day.
The agreement itself will remain in force for two years, though already 7.7 mln barrels per day will be slashed in the period from July to December 2020, and 5.8 mln barrels per day from January 2021 to end-April 2022. The parameters of the deal may be reconsidered in December 2021.


tass--2020-04-22--Kremlin denies reports about "shouting match" between Putin and Saudi Crown Prince

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied media reports that the telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud , which took place in early March , had grown into `` a shouting match . ''
`` No .
This is not true , '' the Kremlin spokesman told TASS .
Earlier , the Middle East Eye publication reported citing its own sources that Putin and the Saudi Crown Prince had a very personal phone conversation shortly before the OPEC+ meeting in early March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened Putin to unleash a price war on the world oil market if Russia did not cut oil production .
`` They shouted at each other .
Putin refused the ultimatum and the call ended badly , '' Middle East Eye wrote citing a Saudi official , speaking on condition of anonymity .
At the ministerial meeting of the OPEC+ in early March the parties failed to agree on a revision of the current agreement on limiting oil production .
As a result , on April 1 , that OPEC+ deal ceased to @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied media reports that the telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, which took place in early March, had grown into "a shouting match."
"No. This is not true," the Kremlin spokesman told TASS.
Earlier, the Middle East Eye publication reported citing its own sources that Putin and the Saudi Crown Prince had a very personal phone conversation shortly before the OPEC+ meeting in early March. During that talk the Saudi Crown Prince threatened Putin to unleash a price war on the world oil market if Russia did not cut oil production.
"They shouted at each other. Putin refused the ultimatum and the call ended badly," Middle East Eye wrote citing a Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
At the ministerial meeting of the OPEC+ in early March the parties failed to agree on a revision of the current agreement on limiting oil production. As a result, on April 1, that OPEC+ deal ceased to be effective.


tass--2020-04-22--Aeroflot reports over 50,000 repatriated Russian nationals

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Aeroflot repatriated over 50,000 Russian nationals since late February , @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` Over 50,000 Russian citizens returned to home via Aeroflot flights since late @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` Aeroflot continues to organize and perform special repatriation flights in cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ Federal Agency on Air Transport , Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ Federal Agency on Air Transport reported that over 170,000 Russians were repatriated between March 20 @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Aeroflot repatriated over 50,000 Russian nationals since late February, the carrier said in a statement.
"Over 50,000 Russian citizens returned to home via Aeroflot flights since late February," the statement says. "Aeroflot continues to organize and perform special repatriation flights in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Federal Agency on Air Transport, Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
Earlier, the Federal Agency on Air Transport reported that over 170,000 Russians were repatriated between March 20 and April 21.


tass--2020-04-22--Kids with coronavirus are contagious for longer than adults, says Russian research center

MOSCOW , APRIL 22 .
/TASS/ .
Children can remain the source of novel coronavirus spread and infect others for @ @ @ @ @ adults , deputy head of the Russian consumer watchdog ’ s central epidemiology research center @ @ @ @ @ `` There are certain epidemiological particularities showing that children who overcome infection more easily , @ @ @ @ @ longer or , in other words , stay the source of infection longer , '' @ @ @ @ @ in TASS .
Gorelov also noted that children aged between 6 and 7 are most @ @ @ @ @ even though they get through the disease better than adults .
To date , a @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline @ @ @ @ @ on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, APRIL 22. /TASS/. Children can remain the source of novel coronavirus spread and infect others for longer periods of time than adults, deputy head of the Russian consumer watchdog’s central epidemiology research center Alexander Gorelov said Wednesday.
"There are certain epidemiological particularities showing that children who overcome infection more easily, unfortunately, spread virus for longer or, in other words, stay the source of infection longer," he told a press conference in TASS.
Gorelov also noted that children aged between 6 and 7 are most vulnerable to the infection, even though they get through the disease better than adults.
To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-22--Russia expects coronavirus spread to peak in mid-May, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists believe that the coronavirus infection peak in Russia will happen in mid-May , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview for CNBC , published Wednesday .
`` After that , we expect gradual decrease of the number or patients , '' he said .
`` Unfortunately , every day we register significant increase of cases , but the numbers are not high enough to threaten the healthcare system , '' the spokesman said .
According to Peskov , the coronavirus pandemic is a `` major threat to all countries . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Putin and Russia - all countries have faced this challenge .
This is an unprecedented situation , '' the spokesman said , adding that the coronavirus not only `` threatens health and lives of people , '' but can also cause `` a serious economic crisis , which will become an additional challenge '' for nations , Peskov noted .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Specialists believe that the coronavirus infection peak in Russia will happen in mid-May, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview for CNBC, published Wednesday.
"After that, we expect gradual decrease of the number or patients," he said.
"Unfortunately, every day we register significant increase of cases, but the numbers are not high enough to threaten the healthcare system," the spokesman said.
According to Peskov, the coronavirus pandemic is a "major threat to all countries."
"Not only for [President Vladimir] Putin and Russia - all countries have faced this challenge. This is an unprecedented situation," the spokesman said, adding that the coronavirus not only "threatens health and lives of people," but can also cause "a serious economic crisis, which will become an additional challenge" for nations, Peskov noted.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-22--Kim Jong-un sends letter to Syrian President al-Assad, agency reports

TASS , April 22 .
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a letter on Wednesday to Syrian President Bashar @ @ @ @ @ Syrian leader ’ s letter sent on the occasion of the 108th anniversary of Kim @ @ @ @ @ North Korea ’ s Korean Central News Agency reported .
`` Kim Jong-un in the @ @ @ @ @ Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ’ s heartfelt letter [ with words ] of sincere respect @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of North Korean President Kim Il-sung ’ s birthday , '' the agency noted @ @ @ @ @ Kim Jong-un also expressed confidence that the relations between the two countries based on long-standing @ @ @ @ @ previous leaders of North Korea and Syria , will continue developing .

TASS, April 22. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a letter on Wednesday to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad thanking him for the Syrian leader’s letter sent on the occasion of the 108th anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s birthday, North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency reported.
"Kim Jong-un in the letter expressed deep gratitude for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s heartfelt letter [with words] of sincere respect on the occasion the 108th anniversary of North Korean President Kim Il-sung’s birthday," the agency noted.
In the letter, Kim Jong-un also expressed confidence that the relations between the two countries based on long-standing friendly relations, particularly between previous leaders of North Korea and Syria, will continue developing.


tass--2020-04-22--Africa’s coronavirus deaths top 1,100, reports WHO

PRETORIA , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Africa has reached 1,171 , while 24,137 people contracted the virus across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Wednesday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 3,465 ) and 58 deaths .
Algeria , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 392 ) and 2,811 infections .
Egypt reported 250 fatalities and 3,333 cases , while Morocco identified 3,186 and 144 deaths .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Ghana ( 1,042 and 9 ) and Ivory Coast ( 916 and 13 ) .
On Tuesday , South African President Cyril Ramaphosa started preparations to exit the lockdown imposed on March 26 .
He also announced launch a plan of social and economic assistance for population and businesses amounting to 500 billion rand ( $ 26.3 billion ) .
He also added that the government must stabilize the economy , preserve its structure and support social stability of society .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, April 22. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Africa has reached 1,171, while 24,137 people contracted the virus across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Wednesday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (3,465) and 58 deaths. Algeria, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (392) and 2,811 infections. Egypt reported 250 fatalities and 3,333 cases, while Morocco identified 3,186 and 144 deaths.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,163 coronavirus infections and 43 fatalities, followed by Ghana (1,042 and 9) and Ivory Coast (916 and 13).
On Tuesday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa started preparations to exit the lockdown imposed on March 26. He also announced launch a plan of social and economic assistance for population and businesses amounting to 500 billion rand ($26.3 billion). He also added that the government must stabilize the economy, preserve its structure and support social stability of society.
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.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-22--Russia to boost production of respiratory devices 8 times in April to 800 units

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will increase the production of respiratory medical devices 8 times up to 800 units in April , Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Coordination Council under the Russian government to combat the spread of coronavirus .
`` Thanks to these emergency decisions , the production of respiratory medical devices will increase eight times - from 100 in March to 800 units in April , '' he said .
He added that Russia will release 2,500 units in May and 3,500 units in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which are still in great demand today , we are solving two key tasks now : firstly , we are building up the production by purchasing components abroad , and secondly , we are hiring skilled workers to produce them , '' Manturov said .
According to him , the devices are shipped via two channels : under the state contract with the Industry and Trade Ministry for the supply of 6,700 units worth 7.5 bln rubles ( $ 98 mln ) and under regional contracts concluded directly with manufacturers .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract , the main part of the devices will be delivered to the regions in May-June , the minister said .
Earlier an official with Rostec state corporation told TASS said that they were ready to start exporting respiratory medical devices in June-July , after the fulfillment of the government order .
The state corporation said that it has already received applications for more than 20,000 devices from 45 countries .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russia will increase the production of respiratory medical devices 8 times up to 800 units in April, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Coordination Council under the Russian government to combat the spread of coronavirus.
"Thanks to these emergency decisions, the production of respiratory medical devices will increase eight times - from 100 in March to 800 units in April," he said. He added that Russia will release 2,500 units in May and 3,500 units in June.
"As for respiratory medical devices, which are still in great demand today, we are solving two key tasks now: firstly, we are building up the production by purchasing components abroad, and secondly, we are hiring skilled workers to produce them," Manturov said.
According to him, the devices are shipped via two channels: under the state contract with the Industry and Trade Ministry for the supply of 6,700 units worth 7.5 bln rubles ($98 mln) and under regional contracts concluded directly with manufacturers.
At the same time, under the state contract, the main part of the devices will be delivered to the regions in May-June, the minister said.
Earlier an official with Rostec state corporation told TASS said that they were ready to start exporting respiratory medical devices in June-July, after the fulfillment of the government order. The state corporation said that it has already received applications for more than 20,000 devices from 45 countries.


tass--2020-04-22--Upgraded S-300 air defense systems shield key facilities in southwestern Russia drills

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The teams of upgraded S-300PM2 ‘ Favorit ’ surface-to-air missile systems shielded key infrastructural facilities of the Voronezh Region in southwestern Russia against a notional enemy ’ s air attack , the press office of Russia ’ s Western Military District reported on Wednesday .
`` During the drills for repelling a massive air attack , specialists of the alert team of the air defense troops searched for , tracked and intercepted a ballistic target at a distance of over 300 km , '' the press office said in a statement .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repelled an attack by simulated saboteurs and repeatedly struck the enemy high-speed targets , shielding the region ’ s facilities — aerodromes , petroleum depots , airports and an aircraft factory , the statement says .
The drills involved over 10 launching and loader-launcher vehicles of the upgraded S-300PM2 anti-aircraft missile system that had recently gone on combat duty in the region , the press office specified .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The teams of upgraded S-300PM2 ‘Favorit’ surface-to-air missile systems shielded key infrastructural facilities of the Voronezh Region in southwestern Russia against a notional enemy’s air attack, the press office of Russia’s Western Military District reported on Wednesday.
"During the drills for repelling a massive air attack, specialists of the alert team of the air defense troops searched for, tracked and intercepted a ballistic target at a distance of over 300 km," the press office said in a statement.
The anti-aircraft gunners also practiced electronic countermeasures, repelled an attack by simulated saboteurs and repeatedly struck the enemy high-speed targets, shielding the region’s facilities — aerodromes, petroleum depots, airports and an aircraft factory, the statement says.
The drills involved over 10 launching and loader-launcher vehicles of the upgraded S-300PM2 anti-aircraft missile system that had recently gone on combat duty in the region, the press office specified.
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--2020-04-22--BRICS countries in contact on fight against coronavirus, says Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
BRICS counties ( Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa ) keep discussing ways to combat the coronavirus pandemic , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said during an online launch of the Moscow-based Higher School of Economics ’ report on Russia ’ s foreign policy , hosted by TASS .
`` Our organization keeps an eye on the fight against COVID-19 .
Russia considers various aspects of the issue during its chairmanship .
Health experts maintain contacts and will continue to do that .
We also consider various political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he pointed out .
The senior Russian diplomat added that BRICS was an appropriate platform for such cooperation , `` given the scientific capabilities of its members , particularly in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceutical industry . ''
`` Each of the countries is making its own contribution to these efforts .
We will bring it all together during our chairmanship so that at the end of the year we can say that BRICS has made another step forward , '' Ryabkov emphasized .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) 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 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. BRICS counties (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) keep discussing ways to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said during an online launch of the Moscow-based Higher School of Economics’ report on Russia’s foreign policy, hosted by TASS.
"Our organization keeps an eye on the fight against COVID-19. Russia considers various aspects of the issue during its chairmanship. Health experts maintain contacts and will continue to do that. We also consider various political aspects of the situation within BRICS," he pointed out.
The senior Russian diplomat added that BRICS was an appropriate platform for such cooperation, "given the scientific capabilities of its members, particularly in the fields of healthcare and pharmaceutical industry." "Each of the countries is making its own contribution to these efforts. We will bring it all together during our chairmanship so that at the end of the year we can say that BRICS has made another step forward," Ryabkov emphasized.
Coronavirus pandemic
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 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-22--Two thirds of Moscow coronavirus victims didn't seek medical attention, authorities say

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Two thirds of all deceased coronavirus patients in Moscow did not seek medical attention during early stages of the disease .
The city authorities call on the citizens to never attempt self-treatment and instead contact medics immediately , the coronavirus prevention operational headquarters said Wednesday .
In the past 24 hours , 2,548 new coronavirus cases were registered in Moscow , bringing the total case count to 31,981 .
A total of 261 patients have succumbed to the disease , while 2,267 people have recovered .
`` The coronavirus infection is easy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even symptoms that may initially appear insignificant ( cough , running nose , heightened temperature and others ) might indicate the first stage of the [ coronavirus ] infection , '' the HQ said .
`` Two thirds of all deceased patients did not seek medical attention during the early stages of the infection and did not summon a doctor from a local clinic . ''
The headquarters note that , in most cases , deterioration of health happens abruptly ( usually between 5th and 8th day after infection ) and requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any respiratory symptoms , stay home and do no attempt self-treatment .
Do not risk your health and life , and health and life of people around you - summon a doctor to your home , '' the HQ urges .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Two thirds of all deceased coronavirus patients in Moscow did not seek medical attention during early stages of the disease. The city authorities call on the citizens to never attempt self-treatment and instead contact medics immediately, the coronavirus prevention operational headquarters said Wednesday.
In the past 24 hours, 2,548 new coronavirus cases were registered in Moscow, bringing the total case count to 31,981. A total of 261 patients have succumbed to the disease, while 2,267 people have recovered.
"The coronavirus infection is easy to mistake for common flu or seasonal allergy. Even symptoms that may initially appear insignificant (cough, running nose, heightened temperature and others) might indicate the first stage of the [coronavirus] infection," the HQ said. "Two thirds of all deceased patients did not seek medical attention during the early stages of the infection and did not summon a doctor from a local clinic."
The headquarters note that, in most cases, deterioration of health happens abruptly (usually between 5th and 8th day after infection) and requires immediate hospitalization.
"If you experience any respiratory symptoms, stay home and do no attempt self-treatment. Do not risk your health and life, and health and life of people around you - summon a doctor to your home," the HQ urges.


tass--2020-04-22--Belgium’s coronavirus death toll tops 6,000

In the past 24 hours , 933 new coronavirus infections were identified , bringing the total to 41,889 .
Today ’ s figures are almost identical to the ones reported yesterday .
However , the health ministry warned that the real infection number is likely to be higher since Belgium is only testing people with clear and serious COVID-19 symptoms due to lack of tests .
This number is almost 100 death more than in two previous days when the agency was expressing hope that the death peak had been passed in the country .
BRUSSELS , April 22 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Belgium increased by 266 in the past 24 hours to reach 6,262 , the national health ministry said Wednesday .
Belgium has been placed under a strict nationwide lockdown since March 14 .
It was initially planned to be in effect only until April 5 , but on March 27 the authorities decided to extend it until April 19 and later until May 3 .
All educational , cultural and social facilities are shut down , students and schoolkids are practicing distance learning , all mass events are banned irrespective of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are recommended to tell their employees to work from home , working hours of government agencies are cut down , while only emergency services operate without any changes .
Belgium also shut down its borders and banned any trips around the country , residents are only allowed to travel within their district of residence .
Citizens are obliged to practice social distancing in transport and shops .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

In the past 24 hours, 933 new coronavirus infections were identified, bringing the total to 41,889. Today’s figures are almost identical to the ones reported yesterday. However, the health ministry warned that the real infection number is likely to be higher since Belgium is only testing people with clear and serious COVID-19 symptoms due to lack of tests.
This number is almost 100 death more than in two previous days when the agency was expressing hope that the death peak had been passed in the country.
BRUSSELS, April 22. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Belgium increased by 266 in the past 24 hours to reach 6,262, the national health ministry said Wednesday.
Belgium has been placed under a strict nationwide lockdown since March 14. It was initially planned to be in effect only until April 5, but on March 27 the authorities decided to extend it until April 19 and later until May 3. All educational, cultural and social facilities are shut down, students and schoolkids are practicing distance learning, all mass events are banned irrespective of the number of participants. All private companies are recommended to tell their employees to work from home, working hours of government agencies are cut down, while only emergency services operate without any changes.
Belgium also shut down its borders and banned any trips around the country, residents are only allowed to travel within their district of residence. Citizens are obliged to practice social distancing in transport and shops.
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.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-22--Brent futures adding 11.9% on London’s ICE

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures with delivery in June 2020 had surged by 16.1 % @ @ @ @ @ on the London-based ICE on Wednesday and were traded later at the level of $ @ @ @ @ @ 11.9 % ) .
WTI futures prices soared 28.4 % to $ 14.85 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ by 39.8 % to $ 16.18 per barrel .
The dollar dropped by 1.4 % @ @ @ @ @ rubles on the Moscow Exchange .
The euro declined by 1.5 % to 82.5 rubles @

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Brent oil futures with delivery in June 2020 had surged by 16.1% to $22.45 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Wednesday and were traded later at the level of $21.61 per barrel (up 11.9%).
WTI futures prices soared 28.4% to $14.85 per barrel, with earlier registered increase by 39.8% to $16.18 per barrel.
The dollar dropped by 1.4% against the ruble to 76 rubles on the Moscow Exchange. The euro declined by 1.5% to 82.5 rubles.


tass--2020-04-22--US envoy hopes arms control contacts with Russia will resume soon

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Contacts between Russia and the United States on issues of arms control will resume soon , US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said in a joint interview for TASS a certain other Russian media outlets and agencies .
`` My expectation is in light of [ US ] Secretary [ of State Mike ] Pompeo and [ Russian ] Foreign Minister [ Sergey ] Lavrov ’ s conversations on this topic and Marshall Billingslea ’ s appointment [ as US special presidential envoy for arms control ] that there will be movement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question about potential prospects to achieve a prolongation of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty .
`` We also acknowledge Russia ’ s statement that there is no preconditions to the extension , '' he stressed .
`` We have no meetings to announce at this time in part due to the COVID-19 situation but the secretary and the foreign minister are discussing these issues and we will continue to engage Russia in the New Start treaty ’ s bilateral consultative commission and other diplomatic channels to work cooperatively to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing implementation of New START . ''
Moscow and Washington signed the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in 2010 .
Under its terms , either country must reduce its strategic offensive arms in such a way that at the end of the seventh year following its entry into force and later on their overall amounts should not exceed 700 units of deployed inter-continental ballistic missiles ( ICBMs ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBMs ) and heavy bombers , 1,550 warheads and 800 operational and non-operational missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was concluded for a period of ten years ( until February 5 , 2021 ) .
It can be replaced by a follow-up agreement before the deadline expires , or prolonged for no more than five years ( until 2026 ) by mutual consent .
Moscow urges Washington to refrain from procrastinating on the treaty ’ s extension , because in its opinion it is the `` gold standard '' in the field of disarmament .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Contacts between Russia and the United States on issues of arms control will resume soon, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said in a joint interview for TASS a certain other Russian media outlets and agencies.
"My expectation is in light of [US] Secretary [of State Mike] Pompeo and [Russian] Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov’s conversations on this topic and Marshall Billingslea’s appointment [as US special presidential envoy for arms control] that there will be movement and discussions soon," he said answering the question about potential prospects to achieve a prolongation of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty.
"We also acknowledge Russia’s statement that there is no preconditions to the extension," he stressed. "We have no meetings to announce at this time in part due to the COVID-19 situation but the secretary and the foreign minister are discussing these issues and we will continue to engage Russia in the New Start treaty’s bilateral consultative commission and other diplomatic channels to work cooperatively to address technical questions and issues related to the ongoing implementation of New START."
New START
Moscow and Washington signed the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in 2010. Under its terms, either country must reduce its strategic offensive arms in such a way that at the end of the seventh year following its entry into force and later on their overall amounts should not exceed 700 units of deployed inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and heavy bombers, 1,550 warheads and 800 operational and non-operational missile launchers and strategic bombers.
The treaty was concluded for a period of ten years (until February 5, 2021). It can be replaced by a follow-up agreement before the deadline expires, or prolonged for no more than five years (until 2026) by mutual consent.
Moscow urges Washington to refrain from procrastinating on the treaty’s extension, because in its opinion it is the "gold standard" in the field of disarmament.


tass--2020-04-22--Putin concerned about fight against coronavirus not approval rating — Kremlin

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with CNBC rejected the allegation that Moscow ’ s move to provide medical aid to the US had been aimed at easing sanctions MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not concerned about whether measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus will affect his approval rating because the fight against the disease is currently his top priority , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with CNBC .
`` During his political career , Putin has never showed fear about losing his popularity ...
He still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population , but this is the last thing he thinks about , '' he said .
`` The first thing for him now is to fight the coronavirus and to save lives , to cure those who need treatment and then to revive the economy , '' Peskov emphasized .
Dmitry Peskov in an interview with CNBC rejected the allegation that Moscow ’ s move to provide medical aid to the US had been aimed at easing sanctions .
According to Peskov , Putin `` never raised the issue of sanctions '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It ’ s not a proper time to think of advantages or expectations after you organize this kind of help .
He ’ s against politicizing the aid , '' the Kremlin spokesman pointed out .
`` In fact , when Putin heard that some states in the US faced a very , very tough situation with ventilators and other materials , his first decision was to send some help , '' Peskov said .
US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement earlier that `` as a follow-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump and President Putin , the United States has agreed to purchase needed medical supplies , including ventilators and personal protection equipment , from Russia , which were handed over to FEMA [ the Federal Emergency Management Agency ] on April 1 in New York City . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with CNBC rejected the allegation that Moscow’s move to provide medical aid to the US had been aimed at easing sanctions
Read also US committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Russia, ambassador says
MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not concerned about whether measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus will affect his approval rating because the fight against the disease is currently his top priority, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with CNBC. "During his political career, Putin has never showed fear about losing his popularity... He still enjoys an overwhelming majority of support among the population, but this is the last thing he thinks about," he said.
"The first thing for him now is to fight the coronavirus and to save lives, to cure those who need treatment and then to revive the economy," Peskov emphasized. Disproving politicization of medical aid Dmitry Peskov in an interview with CNBC rejected the allegation that Moscow’s move to provide medical aid to the US had been aimed at easing sanctions. According to Peskov, Putin "never raised the issue of sanctions" while talking to the US president.
Read also Russian plane with medical aid for US lands in New York
"It’s not a proper time to think of advantages or expectations after you organize this kind of help. He’s against politicizing the aid," the Kremlin spokesman pointed out.
"In fact, when Putin heard that some states in the US faced a very, very tough situation with ventilators and other materials, his first decision was to send some help," Peskov said. US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement earlier that "as a follow-up to the March 30 phone call between President Trump and President Putin, the United States has agreed to purchase needed medical supplies, including ventilators and personal protection equipment, from Russia, which were handed over to FEMA [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] on April 1 in New York City." Coronavirus pandemic
Read also Animals freely roam empty streets amid global coronavirus lockdown


tass--2020-04-22--Animals freely roam empty streets amid global coronavirus lockdown

Press review : US wants China to pay for COVID-19 and top banker sees ‘ rebound ’ after virus Top @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , April 20

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-04-22--Russian Baltic Fleet ships eliminate enemy submarine during drills

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The small anti-submarine warfare ships Kabardino-Balkaria and Aleksin practiced measures to eliminate a notional enemy ’ s submarine during drills , the Baltic Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` The naval strike force comprising the small anti-submarine warfare ships Kabardino-Balkaria and Aleksin successfully practiced measures at the Baltic Fleet ’ s naval ranges to search for , detect and eliminate a notional enemy ’ s submarine , '' the press office said in a statement .
The Fleet ’ s warships searched for the simulated enemy ’ s submarine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other special equipment .
The crews successfully identified the target and eliminated it with the help of anti-submarine warfare armament , the statement says .
`` During the drills , the crews of the anti-submarine warfare ships accomplished a set of firings from RBU-6000 rocket launchers , and also practiced notionally employing torpedo armament against a simulated target , '' the Fleet ’ s press office said .
The combat teams of the warships ’ air defense units also repelled an air attack from various altitudes and directions during the drills , the @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The small anti-submarine warfare ships Kabardino-Balkaria and Aleksin practiced measures to eliminate a notional enemy’s submarine during drills, the Baltic Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"The naval strike force comprising the small anti-submarine warfare ships Kabardino-Balkaria and Aleksin successfully practiced measures at the Baltic Fleet’s naval ranges to search for, detect and eliminate a notional enemy’s submarine," the press office said in a statement.
The Fleet’s warships searched for the simulated enemy’s submarine with the help of sonar stations and other special equipment. The crews successfully identified the target and eliminated it with the help of anti-submarine warfare armament, the statement says.
"During the drills, the crews of the anti-submarine warfare ships accomplished a set of firings from RBU-6000 rocket launchers, and also practiced notionally employing torpedo armament against a simulated target," the Fleet’s press office said.
The combat teams of the warships’ air defense units also repelled an air attack from various altitudes and directions during the drills, the statement says.


tass--2020-04-22--Putin, Merkel talk situation on oil market, measures to fight COVID-19

Kremlin says situation with oil prices not easy , but too early to make assessments The leaders `` focused on the issues related to the situation unfolding in Syria and Libya , as well as the current state of affairs on the global oil market '' during the conversation , the Kremlin ’ s press service reported on Wednesday .
MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation on the global oil market in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel .
They also hashed over measures to counter coronavirus spread , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention was placed on issues of fighting the coronavirus pandemic , '' the press service noted .
The sides underscored the importance of close coordination of international effort in this regard with the active participation of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
The phone call was held at the German side ’ s initiative .
The leaders praised the latest prisoner swap between Kiev and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people ’ s republics , according to the Kremlin .
`` The sides welcomed the prisoner swap recently carried out between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the press service said in a statement after the phone conversation .
Putin and Merkel discussed the Ukrainian conflict settlement in detail .
They emphasized the need to fully implement the Minsk 2 peace deal and the solutions reached at the Normandy Four ( Russia , Germany , France and Ukraine ) summits .
`` The sides noted in particular that the Ukrainian authorities should meet their commitments on political aspects of the settlement , including by passing laws on confirming a special status of Donbass . ''
The phone call was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiative .

Kremlin says situation with oil prices not easy, but too early to make assessments
The leaders "focused on the issues related to the situation unfolding in Syria and Libya, as well as the current state of affairs on the global oil market" during the conversation, the Kremlin’s press service reported on Wednesday.
MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation on the global oil market in a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
They also hashed over measures to counter coronavirus spread, the Kremlin press service informed. "Particular attention was placed on issues of fighting the coronavirus pandemic," the press service noted.
The sides underscored the importance of close coordination of international effort in this regard with the active participation of the World Health Organization (WHO). The phone call was held at the German side’s initiative.
The leaders praised the latest prisoner swap between Kiev and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, according to the Kremlin. "The sides welcomed the prisoner swap recently carried out between Kiev, the DPR and LPR," the press service said in a statement after the phone conversation.
Putin and Merkel discussed the Ukrainian conflict settlement in detail. They emphasized the need to fully implement the Minsk 2 peace deal and the solutions reached at the Normandy Four (Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine) summits. "The sides noted in particular that the Ukrainian authorities should meet their commitments on political aspects of the settlement, including by passing laws on confirming a special status of Donbass."
The phone call was held at the German side’s initiative.


tass--2020-04-22--"Say Hello to Life" celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with new mini-series

BEIJING , April 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day , the hit variety show produced by China Central Television , `` Say Hello to Life '' , introduces a series of episodes that explore humanity and nature in Chinese thought .
In the latest series , bamboo takes center stage .
Throughout the centuries , humans have developed an affinity for this evergreen plant that has given inspiration to many artists , songwriters and poets .
Lightweight yet durable , bamboo appears as an essential component of life for people throughout history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Say Hello to Life '' takes the audience on a journey of discovery , retracing the footprints of bamboo across China to discover the hidden philosophy the Bamboo forests yearn to tell .
The speed of maturity of bamboo is extremely slow , but the buds that develop into shoots play a dramatic role in the growth of a new culm .
Once they take root , bamboo shoots can grow at staggering rates of up to 30 centimeters every day , making them one of the fastest-growing plants in the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnessing the magic of nature , and a symbol of humankind .
Like bamboo through hardship , we throw away arrogant minds .
With endurance , we hone our strength over time , '' said Negmat , the host of the show .
`` This is the essence of the journey we are taking with the audience .
When we approach nature with reverence , we realize all things bright and beautiful , all creatures great and small , all things wise and wonderful , comprehending the depth of our existence , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and embrace nature and experience a new world when we step 'out of the woods ' once more , '' he added .
`` Say Hello to Life '' airs on CCTV 3 and CCTV.com at 9 : 30 pm GMT+8 every Wednesday .
For more information , please visit : https : //www.facebook.com/cctvcom/ .
To watch the show , please visit playlist on YouTube .

BEIJING, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the hit variety show produced by China Central Television, "Say Hello to Life", introduces a series of episodes that explore humanity and nature in Chinese thought.
In the latest series, bamboo takes center stage. Throughout the centuries, humans have developed an affinity for this evergreen plant that has given inspiration to many artists, songwriters and poets. Lightweight yet durable, bamboo appears as an essential component of life for people throughout history, from furniture to ancient weapons. "Say Hello to Life" takes the audience on a journey of discovery, retracing the footprints of bamboo across China to discover the hidden philosophy the Bamboo forests yearn to tell.
The speed of maturity of bamboo is extremely slow, but the buds that develop into shoots play a dramatic role in the growth of a new culm. Once they take root, bamboo shoots can grow at staggering rates of up to 30 centimeters every day, making them one of the fastest-growing plants in the world.
"Witnessing the traits of bamboo is witnessing the magic of nature, and a symbol of humankind. Like bamboo through hardship, we throw away arrogant minds. With endurance, we hone our strength over time," said Negmat, the host of the show.
"This is the essence of the journey we are taking with the audience. When we approach nature with reverence, we realize all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, comprehending the depth of our existence," he said.
"Come join us and embrace nature and experience a new world when we step 'out of the woods' once more," he added.
"Say Hello to Life" airs on CCTV 3 and CCTV.com at 9: 30 pm GMT+8 every Wednesday.
For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/cctvcom/.
To watch the show, please visit playlist on YouTube.
CONTACT: Shush Xin, +86-18911801139, 289761158@qq.com


tass--2020-04-22--NDB Board of Governors Holds Fifth Annual Meeting in Virtual Format

SHANGHAI , April 22 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Governors ( BoG ) of the New Development Bank ( NDB ) held its Fifth Annual Meeting virtually on April 20 , 2020 .
Governors exchanged views on the next five-year General Strategy of the New Development Bank , highlighting that the NDB supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects tailored to the needs of individual countries , respecting their development priorities and strategies .
`` Our approach has been one of being extremely receptive to client needs , offering local and hard currency products , managing risks prudently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on contributing to our members ' sustainable development goals , '' said the NDB President Mr. K.V .
Kamath in his statement at the Meeting .
The Board of Governors approved Audited Financial Accounts of the Ordinary Operations for the period from January 1 , 2019 to December 31 , 2019 .
The BoG also approved Audited Financial Accounts for the Project Preparation Fund for the period January 1 , 2019 to December 31 , 2019 .
The Board elected Mr. Anton Siluanov , the Governor for Russia , Minister of Finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governors , and Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman , the Governor for India , Minister of Finance as the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Governors .
It was announced that they shall serve in the respective positions until the end of the next Annual Meeting of the Board .
The Board of Governors decided that its Sixth Annual Meeting will be held in Russia in 2021 .
It was also decided that the Board will hold a special meeting in May 2020 to elect the next President of the Bank .
During the Meeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus outbreak and approved '' On behalf of the Bank , I would like to convey that we deeply regret the loss of life and economic and social distress being caused by COVID-19 .
The Bank stands in solidarity with you and the global community in the fight against this pandemic and is devoting a significant portion of its human and financial resources to assist its members , '' said Mr. K.V .
Kamath .
The NDB was established by Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa to mobilize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries , complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development .
To fulfill its purpose , the NDB will support public or private projects through loans , guarantees , equity participation and other financial instruments .
According to the NDB 's General Strategy , sustainable infrastructure development is at the core of the Bank 's operational strategy for 2017-2021 .
In August 2018 , the Bank received AA+ long-term issuer credit ratings from S & P and Fitch @

SHANGHAI, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Governors (BoG) of the New Development Bank (NDB) held its Fifth Annual Meeting virtually on April 20, 2020.
Governors exchanged views on the next five-year General Strategy of the New Development Bank, highlighting that the NDB supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects tailored to the needs of individual countries, respecting their development priorities and strategies.
"Our approach has been one of being extremely receptive to client needs, offering local and hard currency products, managing risks prudently, avoiding the traditional donor-donee mindset, and focusing on contributing to our members' sustainable development goals," said the NDB President Mr. K.V. Kamath in his statement at the Meeting .
The Board of Governors approved Audited Financial Accounts of the Ordinary Operations for the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The BoG also approved Audited Financial Accounts for the Project Preparation Fund for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019.
The Board elected Mr. Anton Siluanov, the Governor for Russia, Minister of Finance as the Chairperson of the Board of Governors, and Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Governor for India, Minister of Finance as the Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Governors. It was announced that they shall serve in the respective positions until the end of the next Annual Meeting of the Board.
The Board of Governors decided that its Sixth Annual Meeting will be held in Russia in 2021. It was also decided that the Board will hold a special meeting in May 2020 to elect the next President of the Bank.
During the Meeting, Governors exchanged views on responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak and approved Statement on Response to COVID-19 Outbreak.
"On behalf of the Bank, I would like to convey that we deeply regret the loss of life and economic and social distress being caused by COVID-19. The Bank stands in solidarity with you and the global community in the fight against this pandemic and is devoting a significant portion of its human and financial resources to assist its members," said Mr. K.V. Kamath.
Background information
The NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. To fulfill its purpose, the NDB will support public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments. According to the NDB's General Strategy, sustainable infrastructure development is at the core of the Bank's operational strategy for 2017-2021. In August 2018, the Bank received AA+ long-term issuer credit ratings from S&P and Fitch.
CONTACT: Anusuya Mitra, 1862-1691-562, anusuya.mitra@ketchum.com


tass--2020-04-22--Russian General Staff, NATO Command discuss ‘issues of mutual interest’

No full-fledged border between Russia and Belarus will be created after pandemic — Lavrov The top diplomat expressed hope that @ @ @ @ @ sign an agreement on a single visa policy , which was initialed in December 2018

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
Read more


tass--2020-04-22--Coronavirus patients in Russia treated by 360,000 medical staff

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has revealed that 360,000 medical professionals are providing @ @ @ @ @ the country .
`` Direct care today is provided by 360,000 workers , '' he @ @ @ @ @ coordination council to prevent coronavirus spread in Russia .
Murashko underlined that medical workers are @ @ @ @ @ workload .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko has revealed that 360,000 medical professionals are providing care for coronavirus patients in the country.
"Direct care today is provided by 360,000 workers," he told a meeting of the coordination council to prevent coronavirus spread in Russia.
Murashko underlined that medical workers are receiving bonuses for the additional workload.


tass--2020-04-22--Tehran, Moscow, Ankara confirm plans to hold Syria summit in Iran

The sides emphasized the need to boost control of the government in Damascus over the entire Syrian territory and continue the war on terror '' The ministers highlighted the need to continue consultations and coordination at the highest level between three countries , stressing that the Astana process is the most important and effective way of ironing out the Syrian crisis , '' the statement reads .
The statement says that `` the sides have confirmed plans to hold the sixth round of talks between the leaders of the Astana process guarantor states in Iran as soon as the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians also discussed `` the latest events in Syria and in the region < ... > , the situation in Idlib , the Constitutional Committee and the need to cancel unilateral sanctions . ''
`` The sides emphasized the need to boost control of the government [ in Damascus ] over the entire Syrian territory and continue the war on terror , '' the press service said .
They confirmed unconditional respect for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity during the teleconference Wednesday , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adherence of Russia , Iran and Turkey to unconditional respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic , in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2254 , '' the ministry said .
Separation of terrorists from moderate opposition in Idlib Russia , Turkey , and Iran agreed to continue attempts to separate terrorists from moderate opposition in Syria ’ s Idlib province , the Russian Foreign Ministry informed .
`` During the discussion of the situation in Idlib , the sides noted that implementation of the March 5 Russian-Turkish protocol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite attempts of illegal armed groups of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham [ former Nusra Front ] to prevent this , '' the ministry commented .
`` The sides noted importance of further efforts on separation of moderate opposition from terrorists in the Idlib area . ''
They underscored the leading role of the Astana format in promotion of all components of the Syrian settlement , including stabilization of the situation on the ground and facilitation to the settlement of humanitarian problems of the civilian population and to the intra-Syrian dialogue within the Constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday teleconference , the ministers called on international organizations to ramp up humanitarian assistance to Syrian civilian population amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The ministers agreed with the necessity to ramp up the international organizations ’ activity on provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian civilian population amid the coronavirus infection spread .
In this regard , the statement of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres , who called for softening and suspension of sanctions that undermine Syria ’ s ability to fight the epidemic , is highly important , '' according to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement between the Syrian government and the opposition on the agenda of the upcoming meeting of the Constitutional Committee 's Editorial Commission .
As the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on this score , the Astana Three hopes that the meeting will take place `` in cooperation with the UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen in accordance with his mandate . ''
The three-way ministerial meeting was held in the format of a teleconference .
The latest round of negotiations between Russia , Turkey and Iran in the Astana format took place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kazakhstan ’ s capital of Nur-Sultan .
The next meeting was scheduled for March 2020 .
In early April , Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousawi said that before the coronavirus pandemic the consultations had been expected to be held in Iran .

The sides emphasized the need to boost control of the government in Damascus over the entire Syrian territory and continue the war on terror
TEHRAN, April 22. /TASS/. The Iranian, Russian and Turkish foreign ministers, Javad Zarif, Sergey Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu, have confirmed plans to hold the next round of talks on the Syrian settlement in the Astana format on Iran’s soil, the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s press service said.
"The ministers highlighted the need to continue consultations and coordination at the highest level between three countries, stressing that the Astana process is the most important and effective way of ironing out the Syrian crisis," the statement reads. The statement says that "the sides have confirmed plans to hold the sixth round of talks between the leaders of the Astana process guarantor states in Iran as soon as the situation with the coronavirus normalizes."
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The politicians also discussed "the latest events in Syria and in the region <...>, the situation in Idlib, the Constitutional Committee and the need to cancel unilateral sanctions." "The sides emphasized the need to boost control of the government [in Damascus] over the entire Syrian territory and continue the war on terror," the press service said. Respect for Syrian sovereignty, territorial integrity They confirmed unconditional respect for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity during the teleconference Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the trilateral teleconference.
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"The ministers confirmed adherence of Russia, Iran and Turkey to unconditional respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 2254," the ministry said. Separation of terrorists from moderate opposition in Idlib Russia, Turkey, and Iran agreed to continue attempts to separate terrorists from moderate opposition in Syria’s Idlib province, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed. "During the discussion of the situation in Idlib, the sides noted that implementation of the March 5 Russian-Turkish protocol allowed achieving important results on de-escalation, despite attempts of illegal armed groups of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham [former Nusra Front] to prevent this," the ministry commented. "The sides noted importance of further efforts on separation of moderate opposition from terrorists in the Idlib area." They underscored the leading role of the Astana format in promotion of all components of the Syrian settlement, including stabilization of the situation on the ground and facilitation to the settlement of humanitarian problems of the civilian population and to the intra-Syrian dialogue within the Constitutional Commitee in Geneva. Also during their Wednesday teleconference, the ministers called on international organizations to ramp up humanitarian assistance to Syrian civilian population amid the coronavirus pandemic. "The ministers agreed with the necessity to ramp up the international organizations’ activity on provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian civilian population amid the coronavirus infection spread. In this regard, the statement of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for softening and suspension of sanctions that undermine Syria’s ability to fight the epidemic, is highly important," according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Meeting of Constitutional Committee's Editorial Commission
Read also Syria’s opposition insists Constitutional Committee be moved to Damascus


tass--2020-04-22--Russian Baltic Fleet ships eliminate enemy air targets in drills

KALININGRAD , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of the Baltic Fleet ’ s six missile corvettes and boats thwarted a notional enemy ’ s air attack during drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` During their deployment to the sea , the crews of the small missile ships Mytishchi , Sovetsk , Liven and Passat and the missile boats Morshansk and R-257 performed artillery firings against the targets that simulated a hypothetical enemy ’ s air attack weapons , '' the press office said in a statement .
Illuminating artillery shells fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cape Taran in the Kaliningrad Region served as air targets during the drills , the statement says .
`` The combat exercises were performed by three groups of ships alternately .
The firings were conducted at various altitudes and distances , employing the shipborne AK-630 artillery guns .
The ships activated electronic warfare capabilities and generated active and passive jamming , '' the press office said .
The teams of the ships ’ missile and artillery units will soon practice delivering strikes by cruise missiles against sea and coastal targets with electronic missile @ @ @ @ @ @

KALININGRAD, April 22. /TASS/. The crews of the Baltic Fleet’s six missile corvettes and boats thwarted a notional enemy’s air attack during drills, the Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"During their deployment to the sea, the crews of the small missile ships Mytishchi, Sovetsk, Liven and Passat and the missile boats Morshansk and R-257 performed artillery firings against the targets that simulated a hypothetical enemy’s air attack weapons," the press office said in a statement.
Illuminating artillery shells fired from 152mm Akatsiya battalion-assigned self-propelled howitzers from Cape Taran in the Kaliningrad Region served as air targets during the drills, the statement says.
"The combat exercises were performed by three groups of ships alternately. The firings were conducted at various altitudes and distances, employing the shipborne AK-630 artillery guns. The ships activated electronic warfare capabilities and generated active and passive jamming," the press office said.
The teams of the ships’ missile and artillery units will soon practice delivering strikes by cruise missiles against sea and coastal targets with electronic missile launches, the statement says.


tass--2020-04-22--US committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Russia, ambassador says

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Washington appreciates Moscow ’ s help in the fight against the coronavirus and is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Russia in the future , US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said in an interview with TASS and other Russian media outlets .
When commenting on a shipment of medical supplies that Russia had send to the US to help fight the coronavirus in New York , he noted that it `` was the result of a conversation between our two presidents , President Trump and President Putin . ''
`` President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States is committed to the global fight against COVID-19 .
We are a generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action across the world but we can ’ t do it alone , '' Sullivan said .
`` President Trump appreciated very much the offer from President Putin to provide the much needed supplies that were sent to New York , '' the US ambassador pointed out .
`` Both countries have provided humanitarian assistance to each other in times of crisis in the past and have committed to do so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this COVID-19 situation , this pandemic , '' Sullivan added .
US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement earlier that `` as a follow-up to the March 30 phone call between President Trump and President Putin , the United States has agreed to purchase needed medical supplies , including ventilators and personal protection equipment , from Russia , which were handed over to FEMA [ the Federal Emergency Management Agency ] on April 1 in New York City . ''
On Monday , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ventilator parts .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Washington appreciates Moscow’s help in the fight against the coronavirus and is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Russia in the future, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said in an interview with TASS and other Russian media outlets.
When commenting on a shipment of medical supplies that Russia had send to the US to help fight the coronavirus in New York, he noted that it "was the result of a conversation between our two presidents, President Trump and President Putin."
"President Trump has made it clear that the United States is committed to the global fight against COVID-19. We are a generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action across the world but we can’t do it alone," Sullivan said. "President Trump appreciated very much the offer from President Putin to provide the much needed supplies that were sent to New York," the US ambassador pointed out.
"Both countries have provided humanitarian assistance to each other in times of crisis in the past and have committed to do so again in the future in response to this COVID-19 situation, this pandemic," Sullivan added.
US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement earlier that "as a follow-up to the March 30 phone call between President Trump and President Putin, the United States has agreed to purchase needed medical supplies, including ventilators and personal protection equipment, from Russia, which were handed over to FEMA [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] on April 1 in New York City."
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a contract with the US for the supply of ventilator parts.


tass--2020-04-22--Russian energy minister expects volatility on oil market to persist until OPEC+ deal start

`` We currently see a lot of speculative moments , particularly on futures contracts .
As of today , the @ @ @ @ @ which is mainly connected with the fact that crude storage spaces around the globe are @ @ @ @ @ '' he said during a video conference with the State Duma ’ s deputies on @ @ @ @ @ the situation on the market to improve thanks to the start of the agreement between @ @ @ @ @ total crude output reduction may stand at around 15-20 barrels per day in May .
@ @ @ @ @ for some time until the OPEC+ deal comes into force on May 1 , and @ @ @ @ @ are introduced , '' he explained .

"We currently see a lot of speculative moments, particularly on futures contracts. As of today, the market exists in uncertainty, which is mainly connected with the fact that crude storage spaces around the globe are projected to be filled," he said during a video conference with the State Duma’s deputies on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Novak expects the situation on the market to improve thanks to the start of the agreement between global oil producers. The total crude output reduction may stand at around 15-20 barrels per day in May. "Such volatility will persist for some time until the OPEC+ deal comes into force on May 1, and measures on easing of restrictions are introduced," he explained.


tass--2020-04-22--Trump orders Navy to sink Iranian gunboats that ‘harass’ US ships

WASHINGTON , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump announced that he instructed the US Navy to sink @ @ @ @ @ `` harass '' the US ships at sea .
`` I have instructed the United @ @ @ @ @ and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea , @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, April 22. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump announced that he instructed the US Navy to sink all Iranian gunboats, which "harass" the US ships at sea.
"I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea," Trump tweeted Wednesday.


tass--2020-04-22--Russia doesn’t have explosive growth in coronavirus cases, says expert

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus spread is under control in Russia , no explosion of new infections is registered , chief consultant epidemiologist of the Russian health ministry Nikolai Briko told a press conference on Wednesday .
`` The daily increase in cases in Russia is around 9-10 % if recounted [ into percentage points ] .
Of course , no explosivity is registered , the situation is under control and successfully controlled , '' he said .
Briko underlined that Moscow accounts for the biggest share in the increase with around 56 % of the cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started .
Russia ’ s lethality stands at around 0.8 % , while Moscow ’ s figures are lower than the nationwide ones .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Coronavirus spread is under control in Russia, no explosion of new infections is registered, chief consultant epidemiologist of the Russian health ministry Nikolai Briko told a press conference on Wednesday.
"The daily increase in cases in Russia is around 9-10% if recounted [into percentage points]. Of course, no explosivity is registered, the situation is under control and successfully controlled," he said.
Briko underlined that Moscow accounts for the biggest share in the increase with around 56% of the cases registered in the capital since the outbreak started. Russia’s lethality stands at around 0.8%, while Moscow’s figures are lower than the nationwide ones.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe. To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-22--Pandemic sharpens global tensions, fraught with major conflicts — senior diplomat

According to the deputy foreign minister , competition for future leadership between global centers of influence escalates as the new world order is being hammered out .
MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic did not mitigate , but instead only exacerbated the competition between major powers , which is fraught with global conflicts , Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday .
`` Unfortunately , the coronavirus [ pandemic ] not only failed to cushion this process , but instead ramped it up and accelerated it , '' the diplomat said .
`` Divisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — potentially global — conflicts , of clashes between major powers .
The possibility of a nuclear war is still there . ''
Russia does not seek to win over the US in an ideological competition on the former USSR territory , because it has much deeper ties with the neighboring nations , Sergei Ryabkov stated .
`` I believe , we do not aim to win an ideological competition against the US on the post-Soviet territory , '' he said .
`` We view the issue in a different light .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian , economic and other ties between Russia and its neighbors , which used to form a single country , are much deeper and richer than anything that the US can offer as a so-called alternative . ''
According to the senior diplomat , the US often seeks to force Russia ’ s neighbors to choose between Moscow and Washington .
`` Not just we , but also many of our Collective Security Treaty Organization allies and Eurasian Economic Union partners have long been witnessing continuous efforts of the US to create controlled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world to cow certain sovereign countries and whole regions into submission , '' the senior diplomat commented .

According to the deputy foreign minister, competition for future leadership between global centers of influence escalates as the new world order is being hammered out.
MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic did not mitigate, but instead only exacerbated the competition between major powers, which is fraught with global conflicts, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov said Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, the coronavirus [pandemic] not only failed to cushion this process, but instead ramped it up and accelerated it," the diplomat said. "Divisions deepen that pose danger of major international — potentially global — conflicts, of clashes between major powers. The possibility of a nuclear war is still there."
Ideological competition with US
Russia does not seek to win over the US in an ideological competition on the former USSR territory, because it has much deeper ties with the neighboring nations, Sergei Ryabkov stated.
"I believe, we do not aim to win an ideological competition against the US on the post-Soviet territory," he said. "We view the issue in a different light. We believe that the historical, cultural, humanitarian, economic and other ties between Russia and its neighbors, which used to form a single country, are much deeper and richer than anything that the US can offer as a so-called alternative."
According to the senior diplomat, the US often seeks to force Russia’s neighbors to choose between Moscow and Washington.
"Not just we, but also many of our Collective Security Treaty Organization allies and Eurasian Economic Union partners have long been witnessing continuous efforts of the US to create controlled chaos situations in a number of regions around the world to cow certain sovereign countries and whole regions into submission," the senior diplomat commented.
Russia's, US international obligations


tass--2020-04-22--New variety of rice cultivated on Hainan

HAIKOU , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Researchers at the Nanfan base in Hainan 's Sanya have bred a new variety of hybrid rice with a maximum yield of 313 kg/ha .
According to media reports , its cultivation can significantly increase the productivity of the province 's arable crop areas .
It is indicated that the new variety has `` record yields for China . ''
The plant is characterized by a large spike , a large number of grains , as well as high resistance to external environment , according to media reports .
“ The Island of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warm climate and plenty of sunshine , ” said Liu Zhibin , a breeder of the new variety and an expert in rice cultivation .
`` Initial assessment showed that the new rice variety demonstrates not only high yields , but also resistance to lodging , '' he said .
At present , 113 varieties of rice are cultivated on the Island of Hainan with the use of dry land method , and irrigation systems for torrential production are also under development .
In particular , in the urban district of Wenchang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultivation with the use of torrential method .
Hainan intends to increase the acreage for rice cultivation by 2.02 % – up to 132 , 200 hectares in 2020 , the Hainan Daily reported earlier .

HAIKOU, April 22. /TASS/. Researchers at the Nanfan base in Hainan's Sanya have bred a new variety of hybrid rice with a maximum yield of 313 kg/ha. According to media reports, its cultivation can significantly increase the productivity of the province's arable crop areas.
It is indicated that the new variety has "record yields for China." The plant is characterized by a large spike, a large number of grains, as well as high resistance to external environment, according to media reports.
“The Island of Hainan is a unique natural greenhouse with a warm climate and plenty of sunshine,” said Liu Zhibin, a breeder of the new variety and an expert in rice cultivation. "Initial assessment showed that the new rice variety demonstrates not only high yields, but also resistance to lodging," he said.
At present, 113 varieties of rice are cultivated on the Island of Hainan with the use of dry land method, and irrigation systems for torrential production are also under development. In particular, in the urban district of Wenchang there are two experimental farms practicing rice cultivation with the use of torrential method.
Hainan intends to increase the acreage for rice cultivation by 2.02% – up to 132, 200 hectares in 2020, the Hainan Daily reported earlier.