tass--2020-04-23--TrinaPro: Proven reliable smart PV solution evaluated by DNV GL

CHANGZHOU , China , April 23 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co. , Ltd ( `` Trina Solar '' or the `` Company '' ) , the world 's leading PV and smart energy solution provider , announced today that the company has received the Technology Assessment Report for the TrinaPro Smart Solar Solution ( `` the Report '' ) from DNV GL , a quality assurance and risk management company with global reach .
The core components of the TrinaPro solution consist of modules manufactured by Trina Solar , trackers manufactured by NClave , a Trina Solar subsidiary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These core components are integrated with a smart tracking algorithm and cloud-based operations and maintenance platform .
The Report proved that the potential energy gain of the TrinaPro solution and its smart tracking algorithm , based on independent energy simulations and a review of some field testing .
While energy gain varies depending on location and weather conditions , DNV GL estimated the energy gain for the TrinaPro smart tracking algorithm to be 0.6 % -1 % for a test site in Viana , Spain , 0.4-1.9 % energy gain on cloudy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 5 % under specific scenarios .
DNV GL has developed a detailed and efficient process for evaluating technical documentation and provides investors with the information and opinion they need to gain comfort with an unfamiliar product .
The evaluation team has reviewed engineering drawings , structural analyses , test reports , installation procedures , quality plans , operations and maintenance documentation , and performance analyses provided by Trina Solar .
DNV GL has also visited the module and tracker manufacturing facilities in China and Spain to evaluate manufacturing and quality processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DNV GL said : `` TrinaPro is an integrated system of modules , inverters , and trackers tied with a smart tracking algorithm , control network , and a cloud-based O & M platform with mobile app capabilities .
The main advantage of TrinaPro is the system integration for a turn-key solution .
Projects are designed with megawatt blocks and TrinaPro allows for integrated project management , installation , components , and monitoring .
While TrinaPro 's software controls and cloud-based O & M platform are new , Trina uses existing module , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
DNV GL considers that Trina Solar is capable of supplying a product that does not pose atypical risks . ''
Yin Rongfang , Vice General Manager and EVP at Trina Solar , said : `` The comprehensive assessment of DNV GL once again proves that TrinaPro 's leading technology delivers a top bankability performance in the global market .
TrinaPro is the industry 's first smart photovoltaic solution and is currently the only PV solution proven by an international third-party .
With TrinaPro expanding its global footprint , an increasing number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment income as a result . ''
Founded in 1997 , Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider .
The company engages in PV products R & D , manufacture and sales ; PV projects development , EPC , O & M ; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales , as well as energy cloud-platform operation .
In 2018 , Trina Solar launched Energy IoT brand , established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center .
With these actions , Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT , as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy .
For more information , please visit www.trinasolar.com .

CHANGZHOU, China, April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co., Ltd ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), the world's leading PV and smart energy solution provider, announced today that the company has received the Technology Assessment Report for the TrinaPro Smart Solar Solution ("the Report") from DNV GL, a quality assurance and risk management company with global reach.
The core components of the TrinaPro solution consist of modules manufactured by Trina Solar, trackers manufactured by NClave, a Trina Solar subsidiary, and inverters manufactured by qualified suppliers. These core components are integrated with a smart tracking algorithm and cloud-based operations and maintenance platform.
The Report proved that the potential energy gain of the TrinaPro solution and its smart tracking algorithm, based on independent energy simulations and a review of some field testing. While energy gain varies depending on location and weather conditions, DNV GL estimated the energy gain for the TrinaPro smart tracking algorithm to be 0.6%-1% for a test site in Viana, Spain, 0.4-1.9% energy gain on cloudy days, and the gain even attaining up to 5% under specific scenarios.
DNV GL has developed a detailed and efficient process for evaluating technical documentation and provides investors with the information and opinion they need to gain comfort with an unfamiliar product. The evaluation team has reviewed engineering drawings, structural analyses, test reports, installation procedures, quality plans, operations and maintenance documentation, and performance analyses provided by Trina Solar. DNV GL has also visited the module and tracker manufacturing facilities in China and Spain to evaluate manufacturing and quality processes.
MinWah Leung, Project Manager at DNV GL said: "TrinaPro is an integrated system of modules, inverters, and trackers tied with a smart tracking algorithm, control network, and a cloud-based O&M platform with mobile app capabilities. The main advantage of TrinaPro is the system integration for a turn-key solution. Projects are designed with megawatt blocks and TrinaPro allows for integrated project management, installation, components, and monitoring. While TrinaPro's software controls and cloud-based O&M platform are new, Trina uses existing module, inverter, and tracker products in the industry. DNV GL considers that Trina Solar is capable of supplying a product that does not pose atypical risks."
Yin Rongfang, Vice General Manager and EVP at Trina Solar, said: "The comprehensive assessment of DNV GL once again proves that TrinaPro's leading technology delivers a top bankability performance in the global market. TrinaPro is the industry's first smart photovoltaic solution and is currently the only PV solution proven by an international third-party. With TrinaPro expanding its global footprint, an increasing number of customers can expect to derive enhanced investment income as a result."
Photo link: https://www.trinasolar.com/sites/default/files/report.jpg
Caption: Cover of DNV GL's TrinaPro Smart Solution Technology Assessment Report
About Trina Solar
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is the world leading PV and smart energy total solution provider. The company engages in PV products R&D, manufacture and sales; PV projects development, EPC, O&M; smart micro-grid and multi-energy complementary systems development and sales, as well as energy cloud-platform operation. In 2018, Trina Solar launched Energy IoT brand, established the Trina Energy IoT Industrial Development Alliance together with leading enterprises and research institutes in China and around the world, and founded the New Energy IoT Industrial Innovation Center. With these actions, Trina Solar is committed to working with its partners to build the energy IoT ecosystem and develop an innovation platform to explore New Energy IoT, as it strives to be a leader in global intelligent energy. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.
CONTACT: Ching Wang, 86-21-6057-5302, qing.wang04@trinasolar.com


tass--2020-04-23--Brent crude oil price up to $23 per barrel on London's ICE

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for June 2020 delivery @ @ @ @ @ 's ICE on Thursday to $ 23 per barrel , according to the trading data @ @ @ @ @ time .
As of 8:30 am , the price of Brent crude oil was trading @ @ @ @ @ , a 13.94 % increase compared with the previous closure .
The price of futures @ @ @ @ @ was up by 14.88 % at $ 15.83 per barrel as of 8:31 am .
@ @ @ @ @ a sharp drop on Wednesday when the price of Brent crude oil for June 2020 @ @ @ @ @ level since June 1999 .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for June 2020 delivery gained 12.91% on London's ICE on Thursday to $23 per barrel, according to the trading data as of 8:19 am Moscow time.
As of 8:30 am, the price of Brent crude oil was trading at $23.22 per barrel, a 13.94% increase compared with the previous closure.
The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil was up by 14.88% at $15.83 per barrel as of 8:31 am.
Oil prices are rising after a sharp drop on Wednesday when the price of Brent crude oil for June 2020 delivery plunged to the lowest level since June 1999.


tass--2020-04-23--Judge rejects motion to arrest owner of Russian hostel where 123 people got COVID-19

ST. PETERSBURG , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Primorsky District Court in Russia ’ s second largest city of St. Petersburg rejected a motion to place under arrest the owner of a hostel , where a total of 123 people had contracted the novel coronavirus .
`` The motion to choose custody as a measure of pretrial restraint has been rejected .
A written plea not to leave has been chosen as a measure of restraint , '' the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee ’ s Leningrad region department said .
An illegal hostel in the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been inspected jointly by the Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor , the Russian Investigative Committee and police .
A total of 472 people were inside the facility , offering accommodation to foreign citizens .
According to latest information , novel coronavirus was confirmed in 123 of them .
Due to the great number of people who came in contact with the infected persons , the authorities decided to set up a mobile hospital on the adjacent territory in a bid to contain the outbreak .
A criminal case was launched on charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals were ordered to stay in self-isolation .
The legal entity , which sub-leased the hostel , was ordered to carry out sanitary and de-contamination measures to prevent the disease from spreading .
However , no measures were taken , and new cases were detected among those staying in the hostel .

ST. PETERSBURG, April 23. /TASS/. The Primorsky District Court in Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg rejected a motion to place under arrest the owner of a hostel, where a total of 123 people had contracted the novel coronavirus.
"The motion to choose custody as a measure of pretrial restraint has been rejected. A written plea not to leave has been chosen as a measure of restraint," the press service of the Russian Investigative Committee’s Leningrad region department said.
An illegal hostel in the village of Novosergiyevka near St. Petersburg has earlier been inspected jointly by the Russia’s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, the Russian Investigative Committee and police. A total of 472 people were inside the facility, offering accommodation to foreign citizens. According to latest information, novel coronavirus was confirmed in 123 of them.
Due to the great number of people who came in contact with the infected persons, the authorities decided to set up a mobile hospital on the adjacent territory in a bid to contain the outbreak. A criminal case was launched on charges of sanitary and epidemiological violations. Some individuals were ordered to stay in self-isolation.
The legal entity, which sub-leased the hostel, was ordered to carry out sanitary and de-contamination measures to prevent the disease from spreading. However, no measures were taken, and new cases were detected among those staying in the hostel.


tass--2020-04-23--Kiev undermines opportunities for improvements in Donbass — Russian negotiator

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
A yet another session of the Contact Group on eastern Ukrainian settlement , held in the video conference format on Wednesday , produced no result , Russia ’ s envoy to the talks , Boris Gryzlov , said after the meeting .
`` Kiev and Donbass held a swap last week , mutually releasing detained persons .
14 people managed to return to Donetsk and Lugansk , 20 - to Kiev-controlled territory , '' he said .
`` The mutual release might have taken place a lot earlier .
If necessary lessons are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbass might be achieved and implemented quicker .
However , this did not happen today due to Kiev ’ s non-constructive attitude . ''
According to the Russian envoy , the situation has been particularly difficult in the Contact Group ’ s political and security subgroups .
`` Even on the day of the swap , on the day of the release of detainees , new shelling by the armed forces of Ukraine has been registered , '' he continued .
`` Earlier , there used to be days of silence along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now ceasefire violations are registered on a daily basis .
In fact , the Kiev side undermines a real opportunity to improve the situation in the region . ''
`` Speaking about the agenda of today ’ s video conference , its level of implementation was extremely low , '' the Russian negotiator added .
`` The Kiev side did not submit draft political documents , which it was supposed to prepare and put forward , to the Contact Group , for mutual approval with Donbass .
Kiev even refuses to submit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political conflict , and its views regarding their approval .
This looks strange against the background of Kiev ’ s constant public statements about its commitment to the peace process . ''
`` Due to the Kiev ’ s delegation stance , there have been no solution to security issues , new areas for disengagement of personnel and equipment remain undetermined .
For same reasons , measures to restore social and economic ties of Kiev and Donbass remain to be agreed upon , '' Gryzlov said .
On Wednesday , Ukrainian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian conflict will be resolved before his presidential term expires .
At the same time , he said he was ready to abandon the format of talks now under way within the framework of the Contact Group on Ukrainian reconciliation of they fail to produce the intended result .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. A yet another session of the Contact Group on eastern Ukrainian settlement, held in the video conference format on Wednesday, produced no result, Russia’s envoy to the talks, Boris Gryzlov, said after the meeting.
"Kiev and Donbass held a swap last week, mutually releasing detained persons. 14 people managed to return to Donetsk and Lugansk, 20 - to Kiev-controlled territory," he said. "The mutual release might have taken place a lot earlier. If necessary lessons are learned, further agreements between Kiev and Donbass might be achieved and implemented quicker. However, this did not happen today due to Kiev’s non-constructive attitude."
According to the Russian envoy, the situation has been particularly difficult in the Contact Group’s political and security subgroups.
"Even on the day of the swap, on the day of the release of detainees, new shelling by the armed forces of Ukraine has been registered," he continued. "Earlier, there used to be days of silence along the contact line separating Kiev- and Donbass-controlled territories, now ceasefire violations are registered on a daily basis. In fact, the Kiev side undermines a real opportunity to improve the situation in the region."
"Speaking about the agenda of today’s video conference, its level of implementation was extremely low," the Russian negotiator added. "The Kiev side did not submit draft political documents, which it was supposed to prepare and put forward, to the Contact Group, for mutual approval with Donbass. Kiev even refuses to submit a list of issues for settling the political conflict, and its views regarding their approval. This looks strange against the background of Kiev’s constant public statements about its commitment to the peace process."
"Due to the Kiev’s delegation stance, there have been no solution to security issues, new areas for disengagement of personnel and equipment remain undetermined. For same reasons, measures to restore social and economic ties of Kiev and Donbass remain to be agreed upon," Gryzlov said.
On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has expressed confidence that the eastern Ukrainian conflict will be resolved before his presidential term expires. At the same time, he said he was ready to abandon the format of talks now under way within the framework of the Contact Group on Ukrainian reconciliation of they fail to produce the intended result.


tass--2020-04-23--Over 80% of Russians worried by economic crisis — survey

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The vast majority of Russians - 84 % - are worried by the economic crisis , according to a survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center ( VCIOM ) .
Andrei Kinyakin , who heads the VCIOM Education and Science Department , revealed the results of the survey during a joint TASS and VCIOM roundtable , headlined `` Problems and perspectives of development of Russian small- and medium-sized businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic . ''
The survey was conducted in four stages among 1,600 respondents .
The first stage was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 24-25 , the third - on April 1 and the fourth - on April 12 .
Each of those stages revealed that anxiety has been growing in the Russian society .
The respondents were asked the following question : `` There are different points of view regarding the economic crisis in our country .
How do you think , we are currently going through the most difficult times , are they behind or ahead ? ''
A total of 70 % of respondents replied that the most difficult period is yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we are experiencing it now .
Only 4 % think that the hardest times are already in the past , while 3 % are convinced that the country is not experiencing the crisis now , and see no possibility for it to happen in the foreseeable future .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The vast majority of Russians - 84% - are worried by the economic crisis, according to a survey conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM).
Andrei Kinyakin, who heads the VCIOM Education and Science Department, revealed the results of the survey during a joint TASS and VCIOM roundtable, headlined "Problems and perspectives of development of Russian small- and medium-sized businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic."
The survey was conducted in four stages among 1,600 respondents. The first stage was held on March 16, the second - on March 24-25, the third - on April 1 and the fourth - on April 12. Each of those stages revealed that anxiety has been growing in the Russian society.
The respondents were asked the following question: "There are different points of view regarding the economic crisis in our country. How do you think, we are currently going through the most difficult times, are they behind or ahead?"
A total of 70% of respondents replied that the most difficult period is yet to come, while 14% believe that we are experiencing it now. Only 4% think that the hardest times are already in the past, while 3% are convinced that the country is not experiencing the crisis now, and see no possibility for it to happen in the foreseeable future.


tass--2020-04-24--EU leaders approve €540 bln emergency assistance program

BRUSSELS , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The leaders of 27 EU member states approved an emergency program to help the European economy in the amount of €540 bln , President of the European Council Charles Michel announced at a press conference following the results of the online summit .
According to him , the countries approved a program for €540 bln , which will be launched on June 1 .
This program includes three main packages .
First , the European Commission has already created a €100 bln SURE program to pay targeted compensation to employers so that at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire their employees .
Second , the European Investment Bank , for its part , announced a soft loan program of €200 bln to support small and medium enterprises .
Third , another €240 bln should be raised in the form of borrowed funds by the eurozone countries through the European stabilization mechanism : this money can be used as structural assistance to the most severely affected states ( Italy and Spain ) to keep them from default .
This program is a short-term assistance mechanism designed to provide an initial impetus for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full recovery , the EU summit said it needs to create an additional long-term tool to support the economy .
According to sources , its volume will be from €1.6 trillion to €2 trillion , valid for at least 7 years , the money in this fund will be partially attracted and redistributed through the EU budget , for which states will have to increase their contributions to the general community budget .
President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde stated at the summit , that the pessimistic scenario estimates the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 , which is an unprecedented annual figure for the entire history of the community .

BRUSSELS, April 24. /TASS/. The leaders of 27 EU member states approved an emergency program to help the European economy in the amount of €540 bln, President of the European Council Charles Michel announced at a press conference following the results of the online summit.
According to him, the countries approved a program for €540 bln, which will be launched on June 1.
This program includes three main packages. First, the European Commission has already created a €100 bln SURE program to pay targeted compensation to employers so that at least some of them don’t fire their employees. Second, the European Investment Bank, for its part, announced a soft loan program of €200 bln to support small and medium enterprises. Third, another €240 bln should be raised in the form of borrowed funds by the eurozone countries through the European stabilization mechanism: this money can be used as structural assistance to the most severely affected states (Italy and Spain) to keep them from default.
This program is a short-term assistance mechanism designed to provide an initial impetus for restarting the EU economy. For a full recovery, the EU summit said it needs to create an additional long-term tool to support the economy. According to sources, its volume will be from €1.6 trillion to €2 trillion, valid for at least 7 years, the money in this fund will be partially attracted and redistributed through the EU budget, for which states will have to increase their contributions to the general community budget.
President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde stated at the summit, that the pessimistic scenario estimates the economic downturn in the EU at 15% in 2020, which is an unprecedented annual figure for the entire history of the community.


tass--2020-04-24--US Congress approves new $484 bln coronavirus relief package

WASHINGTON , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The US House of Representatives approved on Thursday another package of measures in @ @ @ @ @ bln aimed at overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .
388 legislators supported the @ @ @ @ @ , one abstained .
The Senate supported the bill earlier this week .
In the @ @ @ @ @ will be signed by US President Donald Trump .
The bill allocates over $ 300 @ @ @ @ @ program to small businesses ( Paycheck Protection Program ) .
Earlier , Congress had already @ @ @ @ @ this program , but by mid-April the funds had been exhausted .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ 60 bln for another program to help small businesses .
It was also proposed to @ @ @ @ @ hospitals and $ 25 bln to coronavirus testing program .
The previous package of measures @ @ @ @ @ was adopted at the end of March .
Prior to this , lawmakers allocated $ @ @ @ @ @ administration to contain the pandemic .

WASHINGTON, April 24. /TASS/. The US House of Representatives approved on Thursday another package of measures in the amount of $484 bln aimed at overcoming the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. 388 legislators supported the initiative, five voted against, one abstained.
The Senate supported the bill earlier this week. In the near future, the document will be signed by US President Donald Trump.
The bill allocates over $300 bln for a soft loans program to small businesses (Paycheck Protection Program). Earlier, Congress had already allocated $350 bln for this program, but by mid-April the funds had been exhausted.
In addition, the bill provides another $60 bln for another program to help small businesses. It was also proposed to use $75 bln to hospitals and $25 bln to coronavirus testing program.
The previous package of measures of over $2 trillion was adopted at the end of March. Prior to this, lawmakers allocated $8.3 bln to the US administration to contain the pandemic.


tass--2020-04-24--Number of coronavirus victims in France reaches 21,856

PARIS , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number coronavirus victims in France increased over the past day by 516 @ @ @ @ @ of deaths recorded in the country reached 21,856 , according to the country 's health @ @ @ @ @ report , about 13,500 people died in hospitals , the rest - in nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently there are over 5,000 people in intensive care units .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ department , continues to decline .
According to the latest data , there are 29,219 @ @ @ @ @ French hospitals .
The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in France has increased @ @ @ @ @ by 1,653 and reached 120,804 people .
Since March 17 , a self-isolation regime has @ @ @ @ @ to limit movement of citizens as much as possible , stores that do not sell @ @ @ @ @ President Emmanuel Macron said on April 13 that restrictive measures will last in France until @ @ @

PARIS, April 23. /TASS/. The number coronavirus victims in France increased over the past day by 516 people, the total number of deaths recorded in the country reached 21,856, according to the country's health department.
According to the report, about 13,500 people died in hospitals, the rest - in nursing homes and medical and social institutions. Currently there are over 5,000 people in intensive care units. The number of hospitalized, according to the department, continues to decline. According to the latest data, there are 29,219 patients diagnosed with coronavirus in French hospitals.
The total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in France has increased over the past 24 hours by 1,653 and reached 120,804 people.
Since March 17, a self-isolation regime has been operating in the country to limit movement of citizens as much as possible, stores that do not sell essential goods are closed. President Emmanuel Macron said on April 13 that restrictive measures will last in France until May 11.


tass--2020-04-24--EU countries and institutions allocate €3.3 trillion to support economy

BRUSSELS , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
All 27 EU states and EU institutions ( the European Commission , the @ @ @ @ @ European Investment Bank ) have allocated a total of €3.3 trillion to support the community @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said at a @ @ @ @ @ of EU leaders .
According to her , all measures taken by EU countries and @ @ @ @ @ to support the economy .
A source in the European Commission told TASS , this @ @ @ @ @ of emergency program for restarting the European economy , €70 bln of assistance from the @ @ @ @ @ to European companies , about €2.45 trillion for soft loans and subsidies by member states @ @ @ @ @ €330 bln of tax incentives provided by countries to their companies .

BRUSSELS, April 23. /TASS/. All 27 EU states and EU institutions (the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank) have allocated a total of €3.3 trillion to support the community’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said at a briefing following a video conference of EU leaders.
According to her, all measures taken by EU countries and EU institutions reach €3.3 trillion to support the economy.
A source in the European Commission told TASS, this sum consists of €540 bln of emergency program for restarting the European economy, €70 bln of assistance from the budget of the European Union to European companies, about €2.45 trillion for soft loans and subsidies by member states to their businesses, and €330 bln of tax incentives provided by countries to their companies.


tass--2020-04-23--Relaxing lockdowns necessitates cautious approach, warns WHO official

MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
Self-isolation measures must be relaxed or lifted with much caution , Melita Vujnovic , World Health Organization Representative to Russia , told Rossiya-24 television on Thursday .
`` There are several criteria making it possible to lift self-isolation and ease the measures , and these are first of all the recommended measures which Russia has been abiding by strictly from the very start , '' she said , listing among them measures to identify the people the infected had been in contact with , a 14-day quarantine for them and engagement of all people among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that on Thursday , WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge cautioned against easing off .
He noted that several countries in Europe had relaxed coronavirus restrictions .
`` Yes , this is possible , but it is necessary to watch out for possible cases that may once again trigger an outbreak , '' Vujnovic stressed .
She said that a second and a third wave of the spread of coronavirus is not ruled out since the immunity of the population is not that strong yet to fully rule out the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries is working on a strategy for getting back to a normal situation .
Even if there will be a third and a second wave , the most important thing is to learn how and what to do with it promptly and with caution , she said .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. Self-isolation measures must be relaxed or lifted with much caution, Melita Vujnovic, World Health Organization Representative to Russia, told Rossiya-24 television on Thursday.
"There are several criteria making it possible to lift self-isolation and ease the measures, and these are first of all the recommended measures which Russia has been abiding by strictly from the very start," she said, listing among them measures to identify the people the infected had been in contact with, a 14-day quarantine for them and engagement of all people among the other measures.
She also emphasized that on Thursday, WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge cautioned against easing off. He noted that several countries in Europe had relaxed coronavirus restrictions. "Yes, this is possible, but it is necessary to watch out for possible cases that may once again trigger an outbreak," Vujnovic stressed.
She said that a second and a third wave of the spread of coronavirus is not ruled out since the immunity of the population is not that strong yet to fully rule out the virus. However, the WHO together with other countries is working on a strategy for getting back to a normal situation. Even if there will be a third and a second wave, the most important thing is to learn how and what to do with it promptly and with caution, she said.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-23--Thirty-seven coronavirus patients die in Moscow

MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
Thirty-seven coronavirus patients with coexisting diseases have died in Moscow , they were aged between @ @ @ @ @ crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported on Thursday .
`` Thirty-seven @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for coronavirus have died in Moscow , '' the crisis center said in @ @ @ @ @ patient was diagnosed with ‘ double multisegmental pneumonia ’ and he also had hypertension .
@ @ @ @ @ , most of them had coexisting diseases .
One of the patient had Down syndrome @ @ @ @ @ fatalities in Moscow has reached 325 .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 @ @ @ @ @ and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , @ @ @ @ @ from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. Thirty-seven coronavirus patients with coexisting diseases have died in Moscow, they were aged between 37 and 86, the crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported on Thursday.
"Thirty-seven patients with confirmed pneumonia who tested positive for coronavirus have died in Moscow," the crisis center said in a report.
The 37-year-old patient was diagnosed with ‘double multisegmental pneumonia’ and he also had hypertension. According to the crisis center, most of them had coexisting diseases. One of the patient had Down syndrome.
The overall number of fatalities in Moscow has reached 325.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian UN envoy cautions Israel against unilateral ‘Deal of the Century’ implementation

UNITED NATIONS , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is concerned about reports on plans to unilaterally implement the so-called `` Deal of the Century '' in the part regarding annexation of Palestinian territories , Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said during the online meeting of the UN Security Council on Middle Eastern settlement .
`` Unfortunately , the reports we receive indicate continued settlement activity , demolishing of Palestinian real estate .
Clashes that lead to casualties continue , '' the envoy said .
`` We noted the understanding reached by the Israeli political leaders on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he noted .
`` However , we also express our concerns over reports of plans to unilaterally implement part the so-called ‘ Deal of the Century ’ regarding annexation of Palestinian territories . ''
`` In this regard , we consider critically important that , in a bid to preserve the peace process , the sides take no provocative actions and unilateral steps , '' the senior diplomat underscored .
He also added that the goal of reaching the intra-Palestinian unity remains pressing .
`` Russia takes efforts to unify the Palestinian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egyptian friends on this direction in high regard , '' Nebenzya said .
In late January , during his joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , US President Donald Trump announced key clauses of the so-called `` Deal of the Century '' - a plan of a peaceful Israeli-Palestinian settlement , based on mutual recognition of both states .
The US proposed to bind the Palestinian territories - the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - with a highway , and to recognize a part of Eastern Jerusalem - or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suburb village of Abu Adis - as the Palestinian capital .
In the meantime , Trump called the entire city of Jerusalem an `` undivided '' capital of Israel .
Netanyahu endorsed the initiative and expressed his readiness to immediately begin peace talks .
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and representatives of the Hamas movement have vehemently rejected the US President ’ s proposals A number of Arab States have also condemned the Deal of the Century .
Moscow says the initiative does not comply with the UN Security Council resolutions on the Middle @ @ @ @

UNITED NATIONS, April 23. /TASS/. Russia is concerned about reports on plans to unilaterally implement the so-called "Deal of the Century" in the part regarding annexation of Palestinian territories, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said during the online meeting of the UN Security Council on Middle Eastern settlement.
"Unfortunately, the reports we receive indicate continued settlement activity, demolishing of Palestinian real estate. Clashes that lead to casualties continue," the envoy said.
"We noted the understanding reached by the Israeli political leaders on overcoming of the internal political crisis," he noted. "However, we also express our concerns over reports of plans to unilaterally implement part the so-called ‘Deal of the Century’ regarding annexation of Palestinian territories."
"In this regard, we consider critically important that, in a bid to preserve the peace process, the sides take no provocative actions and unilateral steps," the senior diplomat underscored.
He also added that the goal of reaching the intra-Palestinian unity remains pressing.
"Russia takes efforts to unify the Palestinian ranks. We hold assistance of our Egyptian friends on this direction in high regard," Nebenzya said.
In late January, during his joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump announced key clauses of the so-called "Deal of the Century" - a plan of a peaceful Israeli-Palestinian settlement, based on mutual recognition of both states.
The US proposed to bind the Palestinian territories - the West Bank and the Gaza Strip - with a highway, and to recognize a part of Eastern Jerusalem - or, according to Netanyahu, a Jerusalem suburb village of Abu Adis - as the Palestinian capital. In the meantime, Trump called the entire city of Jerusalem an "undivided" capital of Israel. Netanyahu endorsed the initiative and expressed his readiness to immediately begin peace talks. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and representatives of the Hamas movement have vehemently rejected the US President’s proposals
A number of Arab States have also condemned the Deal of the Century. Moscow says the initiative does not comply with the UN Security Council resolutions on the Middle Eastern peace settlement.


tass--2020-04-23--WHO official cautiously optimistic about coronavirus situation in Moscow

MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
The daily rate of growth of coronavirus cases in Moscow over the past three days gives grounds for cautious optimism , Melita Vujnovic , World Health Organization Representative to Russia , told Rossiya-24d television on Thursday .
`` We see a cautiously optimistic situation in Moscow in the past three days .
The situation seems to be stabilizing somewhat , but we must wait , '' she said .
According to Melita Vujnovic , transition to a new phase in the battle against coronavirus must proceed gradually and cautiously .
She said that WHO representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Ministry of Health and the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. The daily rate of growth of coronavirus cases in Moscow over the past three days gives grounds for cautious optimism, Melita Vujnovic, World Health Organization Representative to Russia, told Rossiya-24d television on Thursday.
"We see a cautiously optimistic situation in Moscow in the past three days. The situation seems to be stabilizing somewhat, but we must wait," she said.
According to Melita Vujnovic, transition to a new phase in the battle against coronavirus must proceed gradually and cautiously. She said that WHO representatives would be cooperating on that issue with the Russian Ministry of Health and the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-23--Global coronavirus case tally grows by over 73,000 cases in past 24 hours - WHO

GENEVA , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The global coronavirus case count increased by over 73,000 in the past 24 hours , which is somewhat less than one day ago .
The number of fatalities grew by over 6,000 , which is more than one day ago , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) reported Thursday .
By 11:00 Moscow Time ( GMT +3 ) April 23 , there were 2,544,792 cases and 175,694 fatalities .
The case count grew by 73,657 in the past 24 hours , while the fatality count grew by 6,689 .
Most cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 113,336 , correspondingly , an increase of 31,972 cases and 3,384 fatalities .
A total of 957,402 people contracted the disease in the Western Hemisphere , while 47,812 people died .
North and South America run ahead of Europe by daily case increase ( 32,111 ) , but lag behind it by daily fatality increase ( 3,038 ) The third place is taken by the Eastern Mediterranean region .
By April 23 , 144,450 cases and 6,469 fatalities were registered there .
According to the WHO statistics , most cases were registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Spain ( 208,389 ) , Italy ( 187,327 ) , Germany ( 148,046 ) , the UK ( 133,499 ) , France ( 117,961 ) , Turkey ( 98,674 ) , Iran ( 85,996 ) , China ( 84,301 ) and Russia ( 62,773 ) .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

GENEVA, April 23. /TASS/. The global coronavirus case count increased by over 73,000 in the past 24 hours, which is somewhat less than one day ago. The number of fatalities grew by over 6,000, which is more than one day ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported Thursday.
By 11:00 Moscow Time (GMT +3) April 23, there were 2,544,792 cases and 175,694 fatalities. The case count grew by 73,657 in the past 24 hours, while the fatality count grew by 6,689.
Most cases and fatalities were registered in Europe: 1,251,458 and 113,336, correspondingly, an increase of 31,972 cases and 3,384 fatalities.
A total of 957,402 people contracted the disease in the Western Hemisphere, while 47,812 people died. North and South America run ahead of Europe by daily case increase (32,111), but lag behind it by daily fatality increase (3,038)
The third place is taken by the Eastern Mediterranean region. By April 23, 144,450 cases and 6,469 fatalities were registered there.
According to the WHO statistics, most cases were registered in the US - 800,926, followed by Spain (208,389), Italy (187,327), Germany (148,046), the UK (133,499), France (117,961), Turkey (98,674), Iran (85,996), China (84,301) and Russia (62,773).
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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Repatriation flight from Thailand lands in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk

KRASNOYARSK , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
S7 Flight 5702 that repatriated Russian tourists from Thailand has landed in Krasnoyarsk , the local airport reported Thursday .
The plane had initially landed in Novosibirsk , dropping a part of its passengers there , before departing to Krasnoyarsk , where it landed at 22:27 local time .
The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ( Rospotrebnadzor ) Representative in the Krasnoyarsk Region Natalia Krasnopeyeva told TASS that 64 people were supposed to return by this plane .
Those passengers , who have no place for self-isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observation facility .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , Russia completely shut down its foreign air service on March 27 , allowing only individual repatriation flights .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .

KRASNOYARSK, April 23. /TASS/. S7 Flight 5702 that repatriated Russian tourists from Thailand has landed in Krasnoyarsk, the local airport reported Thursday.
The plane had initially landed in Novosibirsk, dropping a part of its passengers there, before departing to Krasnoyarsk, where it landed at 22:27 local time.
The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) Representative in the Krasnoyarsk Region Natalia Krasnopeyeva told TASS that 64 people were supposed to return by this plane. Those passengers, who have no place for self-isolation, will be sent to a medical observation facility.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Russia completely shut down its foreign air service on March 27, allowing only individual repatriation flights.
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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian, Indian foreign ministers discuss fight against coronavirus pandemic

MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
The foreign ministers of Russia and India , Sergey Lavrov and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar , discussed @ @ @ @ @ in a phone call on Thursday , the Foreign Ministry reports .
The diplomats `` @ @ @ @ @ bilateral and international agenda , including cooperation in fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the @ @ @ @ @ of the UN General Assembly , prospects for the Afghan settlement , the activity of @ @ @ @ @ , as well cooperation in the Russia-India-China format , '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. The foreign ministers of Russia and India, Sergey Lavrov and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, discussed fight against the coronavirus pandemic in a phone call on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry reports.
The diplomats "discussed key issues on the bilateral and international agenda, including cooperation in fight against the coronavirus pandemic in the light of the recent decisions of the UN General Assembly, prospects for the Afghan settlement, the activity of BRICS during the Russian presidency, as well cooperation in the Russia-India-China format," the ministry said.


tass--2020-04-23--Most Russians feel happy, opinion poll indicates

`` As many as 81 % are happy to this or that extent , while 33 % believe that there are more happy people around them .
The happiness index stood at 67 points [ +3 as compared with the November survey , and eight percentage points less than a year ago ] .
Ten years ago this index stood at 48 percentage points , while 30 years ago - a meager 17 percentage points , '' the report said .
MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
Most of the Russian nationals ( 81 % ) polled on April 15 feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a survey carried out by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center and uploaded to its website on Thursday .
The happiness index stood at 67 points , which is eight percentage points less than a year before .
The happiness index is calculated as the difference between the sum of positive and negative replies to the question `` Everything happens in life , good and bad things .
But speaking in general , are you happy or not ? ''
One third of the surveyed Russian nationals , 33 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around them , almost half of them believe their share of happy and unhappy people is equal ( 46 % ) , while 14 % say that there are more unhappy than happy people around them .
The social index of happiness remains at the level of half-a-year ago - 54 points .
Among the reasons for their being happy , the surveyed Russians mention their family ( 29 % ) , children ( 14 % ) , their own good health and the health of their loved ones ( 25 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and good financial situation ( 9 % ) .
As for the reasons making them unhappy , they listed financial difficulties ( 11 % ) , a bad situation in the country ( 8 % ) , the lack of stability ( 7 % ) .
The absence of job and poor health make another four percent of Russians unhappy , the poll indicates .
The head of the comparative study lab at the Higher School of Economic , Eduard Ponarin , believes that during a major crisis caused by the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will depend on their families and children , while foreign policy will take the back seat .
Their happiness `` will most likely depend on very simple things - the possibility to support the family , raise the children , meet with friends .
Foreign policy is likely to become secondary [ it will have its role only if things in Russia will be better than in most of the countries ] , '' Ponarin was quoted by the website as saying .
The VTsIOM-Sputnik opinion poll was carried out on April 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 years of age .
The margin of error does not exceed 2.5 %

"As many as 81% are happy to this or that extent, while 33% believe that there are more happy people around them. The happiness index stood at 67 points [+3 as compared with the November survey, and eight percentage points less than a year ago]. Ten years ago this index stood at 48 percentage points, while 30 years ago - a meager 17 percentage points," the report said.
MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. Most of the Russian nationals (81%) polled on April 15 feel happy to one degree or another, according to a survey carried out by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center and uploaded to its website on Thursday. The happiness index stood at 67 points, which is eight percentage points less than a year before.
The happiness index is calculated as the difference between the sum of positive and negative replies to the question "Everything happens in life, good and bad things. But speaking in general, are you happy or not?"
One third of the surveyed Russian nationals, 33%, believe that there are more happy people around them, almost half of them believe their share of happy and unhappy people is equal (46%), while 14% say that there are more unhappy than happy people around them. The social index of happiness remains at the level of half-a-year ago - 54 points.
Among the reasons for their being happy, the surveyed Russians mention their family (29%), children (14%), their own good health and the health of their loved ones (25%), decent job (11%), and good financial situation (9%). As for the reasons making them unhappy, they listed financial difficulties (11%), a bad situation in the country (8%), the lack of stability (7%). The absence of job and poor health make another four percent of Russians unhappy, the poll indicates.
The head of the comparative study lab at the Higher School of Economic, Eduard Ponarin, believes that during a major crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, happiness of the Russian people will depend on their families and children, while foreign policy will take the back seat. Their happiness "will most likely depend on very simple things - the possibility to support the family, raise the children, meet with friends. Foreign policy is likely to become secondary [it will have its role only if things in Russia will be better than in most of the countries]," Ponarin was quoted by the website as saying.
The VTsIOM-Sputnik opinion poll was carried out on April 15, 2020 and involved Russian nationals over 18 years of age. The margin of error does not exceed 2.5%


tass--2020-04-23--Moscow "not halfway past" the coronavirus epidemic, mayor says

`` Different medics , scientists , specialists have their own opinions .
I will tell you my own opinion , based on the situation in the city .
Unfortunately , I can ’ t say we have any positive dynamics .
Even more , we are not even halfway past the coronavirus , '' Sobyanin said .
MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow authorities believe that Moscow is `` not even halfway '' past the coronavirus infection , Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in an interview Thursday .
Earlier , Sobyanin said that Moscow might need up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He added that measures taken in Moscow to fight the coronavirus infection will allow to further cushion its spread .
`` I hope that measures we ’ ve introduced on the self-isolation , the quarantine , the risk groups that are either infection carriers or are potential infection carriers , would allow us to further cushion this situation , '' Sobyanin said .
According to the latest data , 33,940 coronavirus cases were registered in Moscow ; 2,448 patients have recovered while 288 people died .
On March 11 , 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .

"Different medics, scientists, specialists have their own opinions. I will tell you my own opinion, based on the situation in the city. Unfortunately, I can’t say we have any positive dynamics. Even more, we are not even halfway past the coronavirus," Sobyanin said.
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Moscow authorities believe that Moscow is "not even halfway" past the coronavirus infection, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said in an interview Thursday.
Earlier, Sobyanin said that Moscow might need up to 30,000 hospital beds for coronavirus patients.
He added that measures taken in Moscow to fight the coronavirus infection will allow to further cushion its spread.
"I hope that measures we’ve introduced on the self-isolation, the quarantine, the risk groups that are either infection carriers or are potential infection carriers, would allow us to further cushion this situation," Sobyanin said.
According to the latest data, 33,940 coronavirus cases were registered in Moscow; 2,448 patients have recovered while 288 people died.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia calls US Senate report on alleged 2016 elections meddling ‘paranoid insinuations’

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova celled allegations of `` Russian meddling '' coming from the US Senate `` paranoid insinuations '' Thursday .
On April 21 , US Senate Intelligence Committee presented the fourth part of the report on the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential Elections .
The document claims that the US lawmakers have analyzed and have mostly approved the US intelligence services ’ methodology on revealing the Moscow ’ s alleged destructive activity .
`` It is impossible to understand what methodology they used , because 90 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proof is provided , of course .
As always , everything is merely tied into nice-sounding clichйs , already stamped into minds of the US voters , '' Zakharova said .
`` It is both sad and funny to read this for the fourth year in a row .
It is obvious that these paranoid insinuations , not supported by a single fact , are a product of the internal political struggle between various US forces , '' the diplomat said .
`` With tenacity beyond comprehension , they accuse Russia of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the new electoral campaign - as usual using this anti-Russian campaign .
According to the spokeswoman , it gradually becomes more difficult for Moscow to conduct a constructive dialogue with Washington , including on solving real global issues .
`` We will continue to hope that the US senators realize the futility and harm of this kind of activity , '' Zakharova said .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova celled allegations of "Russian meddling" coming from the US Senate "paranoid insinuations" Thursday.
On April 21, US Senate Intelligence Committee presented the fourth part of the report on the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 Presidential Elections. The document claims that the US lawmakers have analyzed and have mostly approved the US intelligence services’ methodology on revealing the Moscow’s alleged destructive activity.
"It is impossible to understand what methodology they used, because 90% of the report was classified. No proof is provided, of course. As always, everything is merely tied into nice-sounding clichйs, already stamped into minds of the US voters," Zakharova said.
"It is both sad and funny to read this for the fourth year in a row. It is obvious that these paranoid insinuations, not supported by a single fact, are a product of the internal political struggle between various US forces," the diplomat said. "With tenacity beyond comprehension, they accuse Russia of their own failures and seek to promote themselves in the new electoral campaign - as usual using this anti-Russian campaign.
According to the spokeswoman, it gradually becomes more difficult for Moscow to conduct a constructive dialogue with Washington, including on solving real global issues.
"We will continue to hope that the US senators realize the futility and harm of this kind of activity," Zakharova said.


tass--2020-04-23--Portugal documents over 22,000 COVID-19 cases and 820 deaths

The number of deaths from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , in the country has risen from 785 to 820 in the past 24 hours .
Since the start of the epidemic , over 1,200 people have recovered .
The highest number of infections ( 13,382 ) has been documented in the north of the country .
MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Portugal has risen by 371 in the past 24 hours , reaching 22,353 , the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health informed on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will be active until at least May 2 .
Earlier , Portuguese Minister of Internal Administration Eduardo Cabrita announced that the Portuguese-Spanish border would remain closed until May 15 .
The government has also prolonged the suspension of flights with Italy until May 6 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

The number of deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in the country has risen from 785 to 820 in the past 24 hours. Since the start of the epidemic, over 1,200 people have recovered. The highest number of infections (13,382) has been documented in the north of the country.
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Portugal has risen by 371 in the past 24 hours, reaching 22,353, the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health informed on Thursday.
Portugal has introduced a state of emergency, which will be active until at least May 2. Earlier, Portuguese Minister of Internal Administration Eduardo Cabrita announced that the Portuguese-Spanish border would remain closed until May 15. The government has also prolonged the suspension of flights with Italy until May 6.
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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia takes 6th place in billionaire growth in 10 years — Forbes

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ranks 6th in the list of countries in which grew most billionaires in the past decade , according to the information published by the Forbes magazine on Thursday .
China placed first , with 325 new billionaires , in 2010 there were 64 .
At the same time , Forbes separately examined Hong Kong - the special administrative region of China - and placed it in fifth place ( over 10 years the number of people with a fortune of at least $ 1 bln increased by 41 : from 25 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of billionaires increased by 210 and amounted to 614 .
Germany took the third place - there were 55 more in a decade , the total number was 107 .
India is in 4th place , where the number of billionaires grew from 49 to 102 .
Russia has 38 more people whose fortune is estimated at $ 1 billion or more : in 2010 there were 61 , now , according to the magazine there are 99 .
The Forbes magazine included Tatyana Bakalchuk , founder and CEO of online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of the business association `` Business Russia '' Alexei Repik .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russia ranks 6th in the list of countries in which grew most billionaires in the past decade, according to the information published by the Forbes magazine on Thursday.
China placed first, with 325 new billionaires, in 2010 there were 64. At the same time, Forbes separately examined Hong Kong - the special administrative region of China - and placed it in fifth place (over 10 years the number of people with a fortune of at least $1 bln increased by 41: from 25 to 66).
In the USA, the number of billionaires increased by 210 and amounted to 614. Germany took the third place - there were 55 more in a decade, the total number was 107. India is in 4th place, where the number of billionaires grew from 49 to 102.
Russia has 38 more people whose fortune is estimated at $ 1 billion or more: in 2010 there were 61, now, according to the magazine there are 99. The Forbes magazine included Tatyana Bakalchuk, founder and CEO of online retail venue Wildberries, as well as the head of the business association "Business Russia" Alexei Repik.


tass--2020-04-23--Coronavirus epidemic in Moscow building up, says mayor

`` Numerous factors suggest that this problem is not going away .
It is building up , '' he said .
MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus in Moscow is not improving , the epidemic is building up , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday on the Rossiya-24 channel .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 555 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Numerous factors suggest that this problem is not going away. It is building up," he said.
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus in Moscow is not improving, the epidemic is building up, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday on the Rossiya-24 channel.
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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian Foreign Ministry calls on the US to tackle its freedom of press issues

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Commenting on the US allegations on freedom of press in Russia , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on Washington to take concrete steps to fix such issues in its own country .
`` We noted increasingly frequent attempts of our American partners to present the situation with the freedom of press in Russia amid the complicated pandemic conditions in a negative light , '' the diplomat said .
`` We believe that such assessments have highly politicized nature , because they are based not on facts , but on [ Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , comments and interviews .
We call on our US partners to refrain from actions that could be easily qualified as meddling in Russia ’ s internal affairs . ''
Zakharova called on Washington to focus on its own issues in this field , which , according to the diplomat , there is still quite a few of .
`` These issues are not limited by negative rhetoric of US officials towards the media alone , '' she noted .
`` According to numerous reports of international human rights organizations , cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US , as well as such form of media harassment as lawsuits .
The human rights organizations are also concerned by particularly strict searches of journalists at the US border and forced disclosure of official information sources . ''
Zakharova pointed towards discrimination that various foreign media , including the Russian ones , face in the US .
`` An atmosphere of hostility and mistrust is being actively formed around RT and Sputnik , '' she said .
`` In the meantime , the Foreign Agents Registration Act ( FARA ) prevents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist work . ''
At the same time , media sweeps continue to avoid the notorious Ukrainian Mirotvorets website , which publishes journalists ’ personal data online .
`` It keeps running on the US servers , despite posing a direct threat to all journalists included in its database , '' Zakharova noted .
`` We expect the US to exercise not superficial concerns about the freedom of press across the globe , but concrete steps on fixing the situation with the media rights in their own country , first and foremost .
@ @

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Commenting on the US allegations on freedom of press in Russia, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on Washington to take concrete steps to fix such issues in its own country.
"We noted increasingly frequent attempts of our American partners to present the situation with the freedom of press in Russia amid the complicated pandemic conditions in a negative light," the diplomat said. "We believe that such assessments have highly politicized nature, because they are based not on facts, but on [Washington’s] own interpretation of materials, comments and interviews. We call on our US partners to refrain from actions that could be easily qualified as meddling in Russia’s internal affairs."
Zakharova called on Washington to focus on its own issues in this field, which, according to the diplomat, there is still quite a few of.
"These issues are not limited by negative rhetoric of US officials towards the media alone," she noted. "According to numerous reports of international human rights organizations, cases of physical violence against media employees continue in the US, as well as such form of media harassment as lawsuits. The human rights organizations are also concerned by particularly strict searches of journalists at the US border and forced disclosure of official information sources."
Zakharova pointed towards discrimination that various foreign media, including the Russian ones, face in the US.
"An atmosphere of hostility and mistrust is being actively formed around RT and Sputnik," she said. "In the meantime, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) prevents the Chinese media from properly conducting its journalist work."
At the same time, media sweeps continue to avoid the notorious Ukrainian Mirotvorets website, which publishes journalists’ personal data online.
"It keeps running on the US servers, despite posing a direct threat to all journalists included in its database," Zakharova noted. "We expect the US to exercise not superficial concerns about the freedom of press across the globe, but concrete steps on fixing the situation with the media rights in their own country, first and foremost.".


tass--2020-04-23--Moscow officials may toughen some COVID-19 restrictions, says mayor

`` It is true , there is always a possibility that the measures may be toughened .
However , this decision must be justified .
Before the introduction of permits , we tackled it head on , but now we can do it in a targeted manner , '' Sobyanin said .
MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow may toughen some of the restrictive measures introduced to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus , however , it will be done in a targeted manner , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Rossiya-24 channel on Thursday .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Moscow officials to detect those violating the self-isolation regime in a prompt manner .
`` I think that the permit system is the most fair and effective .
Since we introduced the permits , the number of people moving around the city has lowered by 500,000-800,000 , '' the mayor said .
All Moscow residents regardless of their age must self-isolate at home until May 1 .
These measures were introduced to restrict people ’ s movements within the city .
Starting April 15 , a digital permit is required to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"It is true, there is always a possibility that the measures may be toughened. However, this decision must be justified. Before the introduction of permits, we tackled it head on, but now we can do it in a targeted manner," Sobyanin said.
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Moscow may toughen some of the restrictive measures introduced to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, however, it will be done in a targeted manner, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Rossiya-24 channel on Thursday.
He noted that digital permits make it easier for Moscow officials to detect those violating the self-isolation regime in a prompt manner.
"I think that the permit system is the most fair and effective. Since we introduced the permits, the number of people moving around the city has lowered by 500,000-800,000," the mayor said.
All Moscow residents regardless of their age must self-isolate at home until May 1. These measures were introduced to restrict people’s movements within the city. Starting April 15, a digital permit is required to move around Moscow and the Moscow Region.
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 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Allegations of Russian, Syrian cooperation on Douma attack unacceptable, Moscow says

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Washington ’ s allegations that Russia allegedly assisted Syrian authorities with the Douma @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on the Executive Summary of the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Arms Control , Nonproliferation , and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments .
`` Claims of Russian @ @ @ @ @ Syrian authorities on the April 7 , 2018 , chlorine incident in Douma are unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ crimes have been committed by the externally-sponsored Syrian armed opposition and the affiliated pseudo-humanitarian non-governmental @ @ @ @ @ notorious White Helmets , '' the Foreign Ministry underscored .
`` They do not hide @ @ @ @ @ elected Syrian government and to provoke strikes from the US and its allies on a @ @ @ @ @ the UN Charter and universally recognized norms of the international law , '' the Ministry @ @

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Washington’s allegations that Russia allegedly assisted Syrian authorities with the Douma chlorine attack, are unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on the Executive Summary of the 2020 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments.
"Claims of Russian ‘cooperation’ with the Syrian authorities on the April 7, 2018, chlorine incident in Douma are unacceptable. A number of similar crimes have been committed by the externally-sponsored Syrian armed opposition and the affiliated pseudo-humanitarian non-governmental organizations, such as the notorious White Helmets," the Foreign Ministry underscored.
"They do not hide their goal to discredit the elected Syrian government and to provoke strikes from the US and its allies on a sovereign state in violation of the UN Charter and universally recognized norms of the international law," the Ministry said.


tass--2020-04-23--US settlement plan for Venezuela does not combine with bounty on Maduro, says diplomat

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The democratic transition plan for Venezuela announced by Washington combines poorly with the bounty set for Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
`` Such superficial constructiveness of the Washington ’ s proposal does not combine with the US authorities ’ decision to set up a bounty for the head of [ President ] Maduro , who has already been accused of all deadly sins , '' she said .
`` Besides , [ this proposal ] looks strange , considering a decision to set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which seek to effectively blockade a sovereign nation . ''
`` We can not react positively to such diplomatic innovations from Washington , which hardly even qualifies as innovation , considering its goal remains the same : to remove the incumbent legitimate President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro from power , '' the spokeswoman added .
On March 31 , US State Secretary Mike Pompeo announced the crisis settlement plan for Venezuela , which involves creation of interim government with representatives from both the opposition and the current government and consecutive withdrawal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US suggest to establish a State Council that will serve as an interim government until presidential and parliamentary elections , which , according to the US plan , are supposed to take place in 6 to 12 months .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The democratic transition plan for Venezuela announced by Washington combines poorly with the bounty set for Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
"Such superficial constructiveness of the Washington’s proposal does not combine with the US authorities’ decision to set up a bounty for the head of [President] Maduro, who has already been accused of all deadly sins," she said. "Besides, [this proposal] looks strange, considering a decision to set up naval exercises in the Caribbean Sea, which seek to effectively blockade a sovereign nation."
"We cannot react positively to such diplomatic innovations from Washington, which hardly even qualifies as innovation, considering its goal remains the same: to remove the incumbent legitimate President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro from power," the spokeswoman added.
On March 31, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo announced the crisis settlement plan for Venezuela, which involves creation of interim government with representatives from both the opposition and the current government and consecutive withdrawal of the US sanctions. According to Pompeo, the US suggest to establish a State Council that will serve as an interim government until presidential and parliamentary elections, which, according to the US plan, are supposed to take place in 6 to 12 months.


tass--2020-04-23--Washington no longer trusts its appointee Juan Guaido, says Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The US lost trust in Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido , and write him off , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
`` The very fact that the plan for some democratic transition was announced by the US Secretary of State [ Mike Pompeo ] , and not the so-called ‘ interim president ’ of Venezuela [ Juan ] Guaido , proves that the Americans no longer trust their appointee and , effectively , apparently , write him off , '' she said .
On March 31 , US State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for Venezuela , which involves creation of interim government with representatives from both the opposition and the current government and consecutive withdrawal of the US sanctions .
According to Pompeo , the US suggest to establish a State Council that will serve as an interim government until presidential and parliamentary elections , which , according to the US plan , are supposed to take place in 6 to 12 months .
According to Pompeo , both the elected president Nicolas Maduro and the opposition leader Juan Guaido must acknowledge that the interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the transition period .
Should all conditions of the plan be complied with , Washington will withdraw all US sanctions , the Secretary of State said .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The US lost trust in Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, and write him off, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
"The very fact that the plan for some democratic transition was announced by the US Secretary of State [Mike Pompeo], and not the so-called ‘interim president’ of Venezuela [Juan] Guaido, proves that the Americans no longer trust their appointee and, effectively, apparently, write him off," she said.
On March 31, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo announced the crisis settlement plan for Venezuela, which involves creation of interim government with representatives from both the opposition and the current government and consecutive withdrawal of the US sanctions. According to Pompeo, the US suggest to establish a State Council that will serve as an interim government until presidential and parliamentary elections, which, according to the US plan, are supposed to take place in 6 to 12 months.
According to Pompeo, both the elected president Nicolas Maduro and the opposition leader Juan Guaido must acknowledge that the interim government is the only executive power body during the transition period. Should all conditions of the plan be complied with, Washington will withdraw all US sanctions, the Secretary of State said.


tass--2020-04-23--Moscow court places Russian citizen in custody on terrorism charges

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Meshchansky District Court has placed Russian national Kamaldin Abdullayev in @ @ @ @ @ in the activities of a terrorist organization , a court spokesperson told TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Article 205.5.2 of the Russian Criminal Code ( involvement in terrorist activities ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ ’ s request , placing him in custody until June 21 , '' the spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ , Abdullayev faces up to 20 years in prison .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Moscow’s Meshchansky District Court has placed Russian national Kamaldin Abdullayev in custody on charges of involvement in the activities of a terrorist organization, a court spokesperson told TASS.
"Kamaldin Abdullayev faces charges under Article 205.5.2 of the Russian Criminal Code (involvement in terrorist activities). The court has upheld the investigation’s request, placing him in custody until June 21," the spokesperson said.
If found guilty, Abdullayev faces up to 20 years in prison.


tass--2020-04-23--Global tourism revenues to fall by $500 bln in 2020, says UNWTO

MADRID , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Global tourism revenues may drop by $ 500 bln this year due to the coronavirus pandemic , United Nations World Tourism Organization ( UNWTO ) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in an interview with TASS .
`` The crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic has sharply and unexpectedly stopped '' the trend of a stable increase in the number of foreign tourists in the world , he said .
In 2019 , the number of travelers reached 1.5 bln people , whereas in 2020 it `` may drop by 30 % , '' Pololikashvili @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tourism revenues decrease of $ 500 bln and millions of lost jobs , '' he noted .
`` The consequences of the crisis may still be mitigated if governments take firm and decisive steps to protect jobs in the tourism sector and make the sector prior in efforts on economic recovery , '' Secretary-General said , adding that `` 96 % of countries have imposed full or partial travelling restrictions since the start of the pandemic , according to the Organization ’ s research . ''
`` Concurrently we have to acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business .
In the travel sector 80 % of companies are small and medium-sized enterprises , '' he said .
`` That puts at threat means of existence of certain persons and their families .
Providing help to tourism to revive growth is the target of our economy , which will have a wider effect and favorably influence whole communities and societies and protect means of living , '' Pololikashvili emphasized .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MADRID, April 23. /TASS/. Global tourism revenues may drop by $500 bln this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in an interview with TASS.
"The crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic has sharply and unexpectedly stopped" the trend of a stable increase in the number of foreign tourists in the world, he said. In 2019, the number of travelers reached 1.5 bln people, whereas in 2020 it "may drop by 30%," Pololikashvili said. "This may result in the tourism revenues decrease of $500 bln and millions of lost jobs," he noted.
"The consequences of the crisis may still be mitigated if governments take firm and decisive steps to protect jobs in the tourism sector and make the sector prior in efforts on economic recovery," Secretary-General said, adding that "96% of countries have imposed full or partial travelling restrictions since the start of the pandemic, according to the Organization’s research."
"Concurrently we have to acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic will hit small business. In the travel sector 80% of companies are small and medium-sized enterprises," he said. "That puts at threat means of existence of certain persons and their families. Providing help to tourism to revive growth is the target of our economy, which will have a wider effect and favorably influence whole communities and societies and protect means of living," Pololikashvili emphasized.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia requests US to free Russian inmates amid coronavirus pandemic, says diplomat

MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
Moscow expects a positive response from Washington to its request to free all Russians under investigation or sentenced to a prison term in the US , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` Back on March 24 , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a verbal message to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to free out of humanitarian considerations not only Konstantin Yaroshenko , but also all nationals of our country who are in the US under investigation or have been sentenced to prison terms there .
Additionally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Embassy in Moscow .
We hope that the official Washington will shortly give a positive response to our requests , which would help save the lives and preserve health of Russian nationals , '' Zakharova said .
Commenting on the situation around Russian pilot Yaroshenko sentenced to 20 years in prison in the US , she said that the Foreign Ministry was closely monitoring his state of health .
`` The situation with medical service in American prisons does not add tranquility .
As far as it is known , difficulties emerge even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicines in case of necessity , '' she pointed out .
On April 20 , Yaroshenko ’ s lawyer Alexei Tarasov told TASS that his client had learnt about the death of one of his cellmates infected with coronavirus .
According to Tarasov , Yaroshenko told him that a man who slept on a bed next to his ’ had died .
`` His bed was two meters away from mine , '' Tarasov quoted him as saying .
The attorney said Yaroshenko is kept in a general cell accommodating about 100 inmates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in panic , '' Tarasov said .
The attorney said his client told him that the man had been sick for three days but had received no medical assistance .
`` He was taken to isolation when he was so sick that he could not get up from the bed and was suffocating .
In a while , they learnt that the man had died because of coronavirus , '' Tarasov said .
Yaroshenko `` is having all the coronavirus symptoms '' and thinks he has contracted the disease , the attorney said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been offered to the Russian national .
On April 3 , Yaroshenko ’ s defense , sent a petition to the prison administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons , asking to release the jailed Russian national over the spread of coronavirus .
Konstantin Yaroshenko was convicted in the United States in September 2011 and sentenced to 20 years in prison .
The pilot was clandestinely transferred to the United States from Liberia , where he had been arrested in May 2010 .
Agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration operating under cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to transport a large batch of cocaine .
He pleaded not guilty , condemning his arrest as a provocation and the whole case as an utter set-up .

MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. Moscow expects a positive response from Washington to its request to free all Russians under investigation or sentenced to a prison term in the US, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"Back on March 24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a verbal message to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to free out of humanitarian considerations not only Konstantin Yaroshenko, but also all nationals of our country who are in the US under investigation or have been sentenced to prison terms there. Additionally, a note was relayed to the US Embassy in Moscow. We hope that the official Washington will shortly give a positive response to our requests, which would help save the lives and preserve health of Russian nationals," Zakharova said.
Commenting on the situation around Russian pilot Yaroshenko sentenced to 20 years in prison in the US, she said that the Foreign Ministry was closely monitoring his state of health. "The situation with medical service in American prisons does not add tranquility. As far as it is known, difficulties emerge even with routine examinations and with obtaining specific medicines in case of necessity," she pointed out.
On April 20, Yaroshenko’s lawyer Alexei Tarasov told TASS that his client had learnt about the death of one of his cellmates infected with coronavirus. According to Tarasov, Yaroshenko told him that a man who slept on a bed next to his’ had died. "His bed was two meters away from mine," Tarasov quoted him as saying. The attorney said Yaroshenko is kept in a general cell accommodating about 100 inmates. "Yaroshenko says everyone there is in panic," Tarasov said.
The attorney said his client told him that the man had been sick for three days but had received no medical assistance. "He was taken to isolation when he was so sick that he could not get up from the bed and was suffocating. In a while, they learnt that the man had died because of coronavirus," Tarasov said.
Yaroshenko "is having all the coronavirus symptoms" and thinks he has contracted the disease, the attorney said, adding that no medical assistance had been offered to the Russian national.
On April 3, Yaroshenko’s defense, sent a petition to the prison administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, asking to release the jailed Russian national over the spread of coronavirus.
Konstantin Yaroshenko was convicted in the United States in September 2011 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The pilot was clandestinely transferred to the United States from Liberia, where he had been arrested in May 2010. Agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration operating under cover allegedly exposed Yaroshenko’s criminal intention to transport a large batch of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty, condemning his arrest as a provocation and the whole case as an utter set-up.