tass--2020-04-22--Press review: Forecasts on amendment voting date and West’s ‘concern’ over Kim’s health

Kommersant : Constitutional amendment vote possible in late June or early July Russia ’ s nationwide vote on constitutional amendments , which was originally scheduled for April 22 , could take place in late June or even in early July , Kommersant writes citing its sources .
They noted that the lockdown restrictions across Russia might be in effect longer than in Moscow , where they could be eased in mid-May .
Meanwhile , a source close to the presidential administration told the paper that the discussion of the new date was ongoing .
In turn , a source in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin would like the vote to be held as soon as possible .
If it is postponed until the autumn , the authorities will face the problem of combining it with Unified Election Day ( September 13 ) .
According to Head of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova , the nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments can not be held on that day , because these are two different procedures .
Gleb Kuznetsov , a member of the Board of Directors at the Expert Institute of Social Studies , who is studying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that neither Moscow , nor Russia in general should expect the restrictions to be lifted soon .
`` Based on other countries ’ experience and common sense , we can assume that everything will be done slowly and gradually , with an eye on the possibility of new outbreaks .
Countries lift restrictions at different times , because they did not enter the epidemic at the same time .
Here everything started approximately in late March , '' the paper quotes him as saying .
He also stressed that restrictive measures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in effect longer than in Moscow .
The expert is certain that the regional authorities will not underreport statistics for the sake of lifting restrictions .
`` It is impossible to hide a major outbreak in the Internet era , '' he said .
A group of Russian military doctors and civilian consultants , together with their Italian counterparts , have been fighting the coronavirus epidemic in Lombardy , Italy ’ s hardest hit region , for almost a month .
Alexander Semenov , Deputy Director of the St. Petersburg Pasteur Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has just returned from Italy , elaborated on the prospects for preventing the so-called `` European scenario '' in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta .
He noted that all age groups were at risk during the epidemic , but forecasts are worse for elderly people , regardless of the country .
`` While most patients aged from 18 to 40 cope with the disease easily , it is always very dangerous for people aged 80 and over .
The low proportion of elderly patients in our hospitals is the result of timely measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comply with .
They are much more disciplined than young people , '' he explained , adding that Italy imposed restrictions too late .
There are specific features related to the `` behavior '' of the virus in different parts of the world , because each population has its own genetics , he went on to say .
`` However , genetics is not the only factor .
Men tend to have a more severe form of the disease and die more often than women .
Half of those who die from coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diabetes and obesity are a substantial risk factor , along with obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease .
On the other hand , there are a few percent of cases when it is impossible to save patients who had no chronic pathologies , '' he emphasized .
Western media reports keep asserting that the North Korean leader ’ s health condition has worsened , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
CNN , citing US intelligence services , claims that Kim Jong-un `` is in grave danger after undergoing a previous surgery . ''
This allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear in public for a long time .
What ’ s more , media outlets make forecasts about who might succeed Kim as North Korea ’ s leader .
The assumption that the DPRK leader may have some kind of heart problems is not totally unfounded .
Despite his relatively young age ( according to the most common version , he is 36 years old ) , Kim is overweight .
According to media reports , he is also a heavy smoker .
Finally , the current North Korean leader is genetically predisposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Il-sung and his father Kim Jong-il died from that disease .
Konstantin Asmolov , Leading Research Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies , dismissed attempts to predict who will be the next North Korean leader as pointless .
The expert stressed to the paper that the media in democratic countries could write anything about the DPRK .
These reports are very difficult to verify , because North Korea is a closed country .
`` Of course , it can not be ruled out that Kim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a less serious disease .
He could , for example , hurt his leg , the way it happened in 2014 , '' he said .
The fact that some North Korean leaders disappear and unexpectedly appear in public again some time later is typical of the DPRK .
There were several cases when people whom the foreign media believed were repressed or dead eventually turned out to be alive .
That shows that one should view news reports about Kim ’ s worsening health condition with a fair amount of caution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the streets amid the coronavirus pandemic despite the lockdown restrictions , which have been in effect for almost a month , Izvestia writes .
Activists oppose corruption and the government ’ s inability to cope with the protracted economic crisis , the worst since the civil war when the country was in ruins .
According to the World Bank ’ s data , over 45 % of people in Lebanon live below the poverty line , while last September that figure stood at 33 % .
So far , the unrest has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus in the country , but experts warn that worst may still be ahead .
Head of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies ’ Center of the Near and Middle East Vladimir Fitin explained to Izvestia that the current situation in Lebanon is not so much the result of the pandemic , but the result of the policies pursued by the current government .
`` The situation was very complex before the pandemic as well .
Unlike in previous years , the protests that had raged in the country since October had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both Sunnis , Shiites , people who adhere to the Druze beliefs and Christians took part in them .
All of them were outraged by the state of affairs , unlimited corruption , unemployment , and the substantial drop in living standards .
The pandemic helped stop mass protests for some time , but it was clear that this is not a solution to the problem , but just a delay , '' he said .
The IMF demands that the country embark on radical reforms , primarily regarding taxes , which will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will trigger new protests , so the situation is almost hopeless , Fitin stressed .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Automotive industry may lay off half of workforce amid falling demand Car sales in Russia may drop by 50 % this year due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Meanwhile , the risk of massive layoffs at assembly and auxiliary enterprises is growing , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
According to data provided by the Boston Consulting Group , the sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia could drop by 20 % by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario and by 50 % in the event of the worst-case scenario .
It is not improbable that this trend will result in a massive reduction of the workforce in the automotive industry .
During the 2008-2009 crisis , the number of employees at Russian automobile factories and enterprises manufacturing components for assembly declined by almost one-third to 238 mln people , according to ASM Holding .
The shutdown of automotive industry enterprises in Europe has resulted in layoffs of more than 1 mln employees and production losses equivalent to 1.2 mln cars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Department Director at AutoSpecCenter , as saying .
`` Russian manufacturers are likewise thinking about optimization by reducing staff or working hours , '' he said .
At the same time , government support for the automotive industry in the form of cancelling the utilization fee and re-introducing customs duties for the largest automobile concerns with localized production in Russia is aimed primarily at maintaining staff during the period of restrictions on the activities of enterprises , the expert stressed .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press @ @

Kommersant: Constitutional amendment vote possible in late June or early July
Read also Poll shows Russians consider constitutional amendments on sovereignty extremely vital
Russia’s nationwide vote on constitutional amendments, which was originally scheduled for April 22, could take place in late June or even in early July, Kommersant writes citing its sources. They noted that the lockdown restrictions across Russia might be in effect longer than in Moscow, where they could be eased in mid-May. Meanwhile, a source close to the presidential administration told the paper that the discussion of the new date was ongoing. In turn, a source in the presidential administration itself noted that the Kremlin would like the vote to be held as soon as possible. If it is postponed until the autumn, the authorities will face the problem of combining it with Unified Election Day (September 13). According to Head of the Central Election Commission Ella Pamfilova, the nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments cannot be held on that day, because these are two different procedures. Gleb Kuznetsov, a member of the Board of Directors at the Expert Institute of Social Studies, who is studying the pandemic and its social impact, noted that neither Moscow, nor Russia in general should expect the restrictions to be lifted soon. "Based on other countries’ experience and common sense, we can assume that everything will be done slowly and gradually, with an eye on the possibility of new outbreaks. Countries lift restrictions at different times, because they did not enter the epidemic at the same time. Here everything started approximately in late March," the paper quotes him as saying. He also stressed that restrictive measures in Russia’s regions would not necessarily be in effect longer than in Moscow. The expert is certain that the regional authorities will not underreport statistics for the sake of lifting restrictions. "It is impossible to hide a major outbreak in the Internet era," he said. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Key virologist weighs in on Russia’s COVID-19 situation
Read also Serious illness caused by COVID-19 might damage heart muscle
A group of Russian military doctors and civilian consultants, together with their Italian counterparts, have been fighting the coronavirus epidemic in Lombardy, Italy’s hardest hit region, for almost a month. Alexander Semenov, Deputy Director of the St. Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, who has just returned from Italy, elaborated on the prospects for preventing the so-called "European scenario" in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta. He noted that all age groups were at risk during the epidemic, but forecasts are worse for elderly people, regardless of the country. "While most patients aged from 18 to 40 cope with the disease easily, it is always very dangerous for people aged 80 and over. The low proportion of elderly patients in our hospitals is the result of timely measures to limit contacts, which our pensioners comply with. They are much more disciplined than young people," he explained, adding that Italy imposed restrictions too late. There are specific features related to the "behavior" of the virus in different parts of the world, because each population has its own genetics, he went on to say. "However, genetics is not the only factor. Men tend to have a more severe form of the disease and die more often than women. Half of those who die from coronavirus have three or more chronic diseases. Diabetes and obesity are a substantial risk factor, along with obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, there are a few percent of cases when it is impossible to save patients who had no chronic pathologies," he emphasized. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Western media ramps up reporting on Kim Jong-un’s health
Western media reports keep asserting that the North Korean leader’s health condition has worsened, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. CNN, citing US intelligence services, claims that Kim Jong-un "is in grave danger after undergoing a previous surgery." This allegedly explains why the DPRK leader did not appear in public for a long time. What’s more, media outlets make forecasts about who might succeed Kim as North Korea’s leader. The assumption that the DPRK leader may have some kind of heart problems is not totally unfounded. Despite his relatively young age (according to the most common version, he is 36 years old), Kim is overweight. According to media reports, he is also a heavy smoker. Finally, the current North Korean leader is genetically predisposed to cardiovascular disease. Both his grandfather Kim Il-sung and his father Kim Jong-il died from that disease. Konstantin Asmolov, Leading Research Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies, dismissed attempts to predict who will be the next North Korean leader as pointless. The expert stressed to the paper that the media in democratic countries could write anything about the DPRK. These reports are very difficult to verify, because North Korea is a closed country. "Of course, it cannot be ruled out that Kim Jong-un is sick, but that could be a less serious disease. He could, for example, hurt his leg, the way it happened in 2014," he said. The fact that some North Korean leaders disappear and unexpectedly appear in public again some time later is typical of the DPRK. There were several cases when people whom the foreign media believed were repressed or dead eventually turned out to be alive. That shows that one should view news reports about Kim’s worsening health condition with a fair amount of caution. Izvestia: Mass protests resume in Lebanon despite lockdown
People in Lebanon began to take to the streets amid the coronavirus pandemic despite the lockdown restrictions, which have been in effect for almost a month, Izvestia writes. Activists oppose corruption and the government’s inability to cope with the protracted economic crisis, the worst since the civil war when the country was in ruins. According to the World Bank’s data, over 45% of people in Lebanon live below the poverty line, while last September that figure stood at 33%. So far, the unrest has had no adverse effect on the incidence of coronavirus in the country, but experts warn that worst may still be ahead. Head of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies’ Center of the Near and Middle East Vladimir Fitin explained to Izvestia that the current situation in Lebanon is not so much the result of the pandemic, but the result of the policies pursued by the current government. "The situation was very complex before the pandemic as well. Unlike in previous years, the protests that had raged in the country since October had nothing to do with religious affiliation. Both Sunnis, Shiites, people who adhere to the Druze beliefs and Christians took part in them. All of them were outraged by the state of affairs, unlimited corruption, unemployment, and the substantial drop in living standards. The pandemic helped stop mass protests for some time, but it was clear that this is not a solution to the problem, but just a delay," he said. The IMF demands that the country embark on radical reforms, primarily regarding taxes, which will further impoverish the population, and that will trigger new protests, so the situation is almost hopeless, Fitin stressed. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Automotive industry may lay off half of workforce amid falling demand Car sales in Russia may drop by 50% this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the risk of massive layoffs at assembly and auxiliary enterprises is growing, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. According to data provided by the Boston Consulting Group, the sales of new cars and light commercial vehicles in Russia could drop by 20% by the end of the year in a best-case scenario and by 50% in the event of the worst-case scenario.


tass--2020-04-22--Spain records 435 coronavirus deaths in one day

According to the ministry , 21,717 patients have died and 85,915 have recovered .
As many as 4,211 new cases , 3,401 recoveries and 435 fatalities were confirmed in the past 24 hours .
MADRID , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 208,389 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Spain so far , the country ’ s Health Ministry said on Wednesday .
Spain recorded its first coronavirus case on January 31 .
The number of patients started to grow rapidly after an outbreak had hit Italy .
On March 14 , the Spanish government declared a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement of people across the country .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

According to the ministry, 21,717 patients have died and 85,915 have recovered. As many as 4,211 new cases, 3,401 recoveries and 435 fatalities were confirmed in the past 24 hours.
MADRID, April 22. /TASS/. A total of 208,389 coronavirus cases have been recorded in Spain so far, the country’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Spain recorded its first coronavirus case on January 31. The number of patients started to grow rapidly after an outbreak had hit Italy. On March 14, the Spanish government declared a high alert over the coronavirus, restricting the movement of people across the country.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-22--S-400 teams shield Crimea’s economically vital facilities in drills

SEVASTOPOL , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The teams of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile systems shielded economically vital facilities on the Crimean Peninsula during drills , the Black Sea Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
The personnel of the Southern Military District ’ s surface-to-air missile formation `` held a special exercise for the air defense of vital facilities of the economy ’ s civil sector , '' the press office said in a statement .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the data coming from the command post pointed to a sudden advance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Su-24M frontline bombers from the Southern Military District ’ s composite air formation .
`` During the drills , the teams of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ systems practiced the algorithm of measures to detect , identify and eliminate the notional enemy .
The air targets were destroyed by electronic missile launches , '' the statement reads .
Meanwhile , the crews of Pantsyr anti-aircraft missile/gun systems held an exercise to shield S-400 launchers from a hypothetical enemy ’ s missile attack , the press office said .
Russia ’ s S-400 Triumf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 .
It is designated to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming .
The Pantsyr-S1 ( NATO reporting name : SA-22 Greyhound ) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities , including long-range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and future air attack weapons .
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns , each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second , as well as with 12 anti-aircraft missiles .

SEVASTOPOL, April 22. /TASS/. The teams of S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile systems shielded economically vital facilities on the Crimean Peninsula during drills, the Black Sea Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
The personnel of the Southern Military District’s surface-to-air missile formation "held a special exercise for the air defense of vital facilities of the economy’s civil sector," the press office said in a statement.
Under the drills’ scenario, the data coming from the command post pointed to a sudden advance of a notional enemy’s aircraft simulated by Su-24M frontline bombers from the Southern Military District’s composite air formation.
"During the drills, the teams of S-400 ‘Triumf’ systems practiced the algorithm of measures to detect, identify and eliminate the notional enemy. The air targets were destroyed by electronic missile launches," the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the crews of Pantsyr anti-aircraft missile/gun systems held an exercise to shield S-400 launchers from a hypothetical enemy’s missile attack, the press office said.
Russia’s S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designated to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.
The Pantsyr-S1 (NATO reporting name: SA-22 Greyhound) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities, including long-range air defense systems, from all modern and future air attack weapons.
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns, each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second, as well as with 12 anti-aircraft missiles.


tass--2020-04-22--WHO official warns of coronavirus worsening in Russia unless citizens comply with rules

`` I can say that the scenario of the pandemic in the first and further waves will depend on the steps taken by the country .
If we fail to take advantage of the window of opportunities now , which is provided by the current measures on social distancing , isolation and quarantine , in order to actively detect the virus and the means of its transmission , it won ’ t be defeated and we could expect a deterioration , '' the WHO representative insisted .
Speaking on the `` second wave '' of the coronavirus spread , Vujnovic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make this forecast since the world was still going through the pandemic ’ s early stage .
`` Now , we can not predict when the outbreak in each country will reach its peak and where and when further waves should be expected .
Now , it is vital to focus on reducing the virus transmission and saving human lives , '' Vujnovic noted .
MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russians should develop a responsible approach to complying with the anti-coronavirus measures , otherwise the results achieved by the authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be lost , said Melita Vujnovic , World Health Organization Representative to Russia , in an interview with TASS .
At the moment , the priority task is to contain the growth rate of infections and Russia ’ s authorities - mainly the sanitary watchdog , the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing - have been carefully monitoring the developments in the country , she said .
However , a key factor influencing the infection ’ s spread is people ’ s behavior .
Vujnovic hoped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection would be paid to the Russian regions , where the virus was recently confirmed .
At this stage , it is of vital importance to quickly detect new cases of the infection , track contacts and observe quarantine .
`` It ’ s important that those areas where the measures of social and physical distancing are implemented , should ensure full compliance in addition to strict hygienic measures and preventing infections among medical staff , '' the representative said .
The WHO has introduced a system of evaluating measures and criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection is spreading , how quickly the number of infections is rising and whether there is a risk of overloading the healthcare system .
Countries could take this into account when building their strategy for the anti-coronavirus fight .
`` Neither model nor forecast can give answers to all the questions , but they are useful for evaluating tendencies .
In any case , strict compliance with the measures helps to slow the epidemic , '' Vujnovic noted .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , more than 2.5 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 175,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"I can say that the scenario of the pandemic in the first and further waves will depend on the steps taken by the country. If we fail to take advantage of the window of opportunities now, which is provided by the current measures on social distancing, isolation and quarantine, in order to actively detect the virus and the means of its transmission, it won’t be defeated and we could expect a deterioration," the WHO representative insisted.
Speaking on the "second wave" of the coronavirus spread, Vujnovic pointed out that it was too early to make this forecast since the world was still going through the pandemic’s early stage. "Now, we cannot predict when the outbreak in each country will reach its peak and where and when further waves should be expected. Now, it is vital to focus on reducing the virus transmission and saving human lives," Vujnovic noted.
MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Russians should develop a responsible approach to complying with the anti-coronavirus measures, otherwise the results achieved by the authorities’ correct steps in fighting the infection could be lost, said Melita Vujnovic, World Health Organization Representative to Russia, in an interview with TASS.
At the moment, the priority task is to contain the growth rate of infections and Russia’s authorities - mainly the sanitary watchdog, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing - have been carefully monitoring the developments in the country, she said. However, a key factor influencing the infection’s spread is people’s behavior.
Vujnovic hoped that special attention to the measures for containing the infection would be paid to the Russian regions, where the virus was recently confirmed. At this stage, it is of vital importance to quickly detect new cases of the infection, track contacts and observe quarantine. "It’s important that those areas where the measures of social and physical distancing are implemented, should ensure full compliance in addition to strict hygienic measures and preventing infections among medical staff," the representative said.
The WHO has introduced a system of evaluating measures and criteria to enable states to estimate how intensively the infection is spreading, how quickly the number of infections is rising and whether there is a risk of overloading the healthcare system. Countries could take this into account when building their strategy for the anti-coronavirus fight. "Neither model nor forecast can give answers to all the questions, but they are useful for evaluating tendencies. In any case, strict compliance with the measures helps to slow the epidemic," Vujnovic noted.
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, more than 2.5 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 175,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-22--US seeks to provide assistance to militants in Rukban at the expense of UN — statement

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The United States seeks to provide assistance to militants under its control in Syria ’ s Rukban refugee camp at the expense of the UN , the Russian and Syrian joint coordination headquarters said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` It is clear that the Americans need humanitarian aid to be delivered to the camp solely to achieve their own goals , that is , to provide the illegal armed groups controlled by them with food and essential supplies at the expense of the UN , which will enable them to further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement reads .
It emphasized that the United States had influenced the development of the UN plan on sending a humanitarian and medical mission to the camp originally proposed by the Syrian government to evaluate the coronavirus situation there .
`` We believe that the UN-proposed document has been drafted under the influence of the United States , which launched a smear campaign to accuse Damascus of inability to effectively counter the spread of coronavirus in the country , '' the statement runs .
According to the headquarters , the document @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cargo in the convoy .
However , it does not envisage its targeted distribution among Syrians in Rukban .
Instead , it is proposed to hand over assistance to members of six ethnic groups in the camp and three nearby villages with subsequent distribution at their own discretion .
The headquarters also noted that `` contrary to the initially declared medical nature of the mission , '' there are no plans for medical examination of Rukban ’ s residents .
The UN had pledged it would analyze the coronavirus situation in the Rukban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian government , though its plan leaves Russia and Syria asking questions regarding the distribution of humanitarian aid and the lack of intention to conduct a medical examination of the camp ’ s residents .
`` The Syrian leadership is taking all possible measures to counter the spread of coronavirus in the areas controlled by it .
In addition , given the critical humanitarian situation in the Rukban refugee camp and in order to study the real COVID-19 situation in it , the Syrian Foreign Ministry has sent a formal request to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the camp , '' the statement reads .
The document emphasized that Syria ’ s initiative had been supported by the United Nations .
`` At the same time , the plan proposed by representatives of the global organization leaves one asking questions , '' the statement says .
The headquarters stressed in a statement that the only solution to the humanitarian problems of the Rukban camp was its final disbandment and evacuation of residents to their chosen places of residence where decent living conditions have been created by the Syrian authorities .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The United States seeks to provide assistance to militants under its control in Syria’s Rukban refugee camp at the expense of the UN, the Russian and Syrian joint coordination headquarters said in a statement on Wednesday.
"It is clear that the Americans need humanitarian aid to be delivered to the camp solely to achieve their own goals, that is, to provide the illegal armed groups controlled by them with food and essential supplies at the expense of the UN, which will enable them to further delay the process of disbanding Rukban," the statement reads.
It emphasized that the United States had influenced the development of the UN plan on sending a humanitarian and medical mission to the camp originally proposed by the Syrian government to evaluate the coronavirus situation there.
"We believe that the UN-proposed document has been drafted under the influence of the United States, which launched a smear campaign to accuse Damascus of inability to effectively counter the spread of coronavirus in the country," the statement runs.
According to the headquarters, the document provides for including 23 trucks with humanitarian cargo in the convoy. However, it does not envisage its targeted distribution among Syrians in Rukban. Instead, it is proposed to hand over assistance to members of six ethnic groups in the camp and three nearby villages with subsequent distribution at their own discretion.
The headquarters also noted that "contrary to the initially declared medical nature of the mission," there are no plans for medical examination of Rukban’s residents.
Mission to assess coronavirus situation in Rukban
The UN had pledged it would analyze the coronavirus situation in the Rukban refugee camp at the request of the Syrian government, though its plan leaves Russia and Syria asking questions regarding the distribution of humanitarian aid and the lack of intention to conduct a medical examination of the camp’s residents.
"The Syrian leadership is taking all possible measures to counter the spread of coronavirus in the areas controlled by it. In addition, given the critical humanitarian situation in the Rukban refugee camp and in order to study the real COVID-19 situation in it, the Syrian Foreign Ministry has sent a formal request to the UN for an assessment medical mission in the camp," the statement reads.
The document emphasized that Syria’s initiative had been supported by the United Nations.
"At the same time, the plan proposed by representatives of the global organization leaves one asking questions," the statement says.
The headquarters stressed in a statement that the only solution to the humanitarian problems of the Rukban camp was its final disbandment and evacuation of residents to their chosen places of residence where decent living conditions have been created by the Syrian authorities.


tass--2020-04-22--Coronavirus changes as it spreads, WHO envoy says

The WHO representative was asked how many versions of the coronavirus existed at the moment MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus is changing as it spreads among humans , the World Health Organization 's Representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic said in an interview with TASS .
`` There are different versions of the virus in different parts of the world , '' she said , when asked how many versions of the coronavirus existed at the moment .
`` In theory , the coronavirus could have emerged anywhere but its versions are the result of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also said that the World Health Organization was closely monitoring research activities that could help understand the nature of the virus .
`` The information about the virus in Russia is available to the country ’ s researchers .
Russian research institutions have informed the WHO of efforts to create a candidate vaccine based on the knowledge about the virus ’ s genome , so we expect to see scientific articles on the matter from Russia , '' she said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

The WHO representative was asked how many versions of the coronavirus existed at the moment
MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus is changing as it spreads among humans, the World Health Organization's Representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic said in an interview with TASS.
"There are different versions of the virus in different parts of the world," she said, when asked how many versions of the coronavirus existed at the moment. "In theory, the coronavirus could have emerged anywhere but its versions are the result of its spread among humans," Vujnovic added. She also said that the World Health Organization was closely monitoring research activities that could help understand the nature of the virus. "The information about the virus in Russia is available to the country’s researchers. Russian research institutions have informed the WHO of efforts to create a candidate vaccine based on the knowledge about the virus’s genome, so we expect to see scientific articles on the matter from Russia," she said. Coronavirus pandemic
Read also Serious illness caused by COVID-19 might damage heart muscle


tass--2020-04-22--Teenager detained in Tyumen region planned mass murder

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
A teenager detained in the Tyumen region planned to carry out a mass @ @ @ @ @ April , the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement .
`` According to investigators @ @ @ @ @ a criminal intent to kill an unlimited number of people at an educational facility in @ @ @ @ @ the statement reads .
Law enforcement officers stopped the teenager from implementing his criminal plot @ @ @ @ @ .
A criminal investigation has been launched into preparations to commit a murder of two @ @ @ @ @ manner dangerous to the public .
The Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said earlier @ @ @ @ @ , ammunition , two hunting knives , ammonia nitrate , communication means and Internet guidelines @ @ @ @ @ seized from the 18-year-old .
`` Testimonies by the detained and witnesses point to his @ @ @ @ @ act , '' the FSB added .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. A teenager detained in the Tyumen region planned to carry out a mass murder at a school in April, the Russian Investigative Committee said in a statement.
"According to investigators, the young man had a criminal intent to kill an unlimited number of people at an educational facility in the Tyumen region," the statement reads. Law enforcement officers stopped the teenager from implementing his criminal plot, the Investigation Committee added.
A criminal investigation has been launched into preparations to commit a murder of two or more people in a manner dangerous to the public.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) said earlier that a smooth-bore hunting gun, ammunition, two hunting knives, ammonia nitrate, communication means and Internet guidelines for creating explosive devices were seized from the 18-year-old. "Testimonies by the detained and witnesses point to his plans to commit an unlawful act," the FSB added.


tass--2020-04-22--Russia’s coronavirus case tally rises by 5,236 over past day

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 5,236 over the past day to nearly 58,000 in all regions , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday .
WHO : number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 83,000 in past day At the moment , 4,420 people have recovered and another 513 people have died .
`` Russia has registered a rise in the coronavirus infection cases to 57,999 ( +9.9 % ) in 85 regions .
Some 420 people have been discharged over the past day and 4,420 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past day , 57 coronavirus patients have died .
The total death toll in Russia is 513 , '' the crisis center reported .
Some 43.3 % of new coronavirus cases ( 2,275 ) are asymptomatic .
Moscow has confirmed 2,548 new coronavirus cases , taking the total number in the capital to 31,981 .
Over the past day , the number of coronavirus cases in the Moscow Region has risen by 631 to 6,590 and in St. Petersburg by 294 to 2,267 .
New cases have been also recorded in 75 other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 76 ) , the Republic of Tatarstan ( 75 ) , the Kaluga Region ( 72 ) , the Murmansk Region ( 71 ) and the Nizhny Novgorod Region ( 69 ) .
A total of 547 people have been discharged from hospitals in 51 regions , including 210 in Moscow , 47 in St. Petersburg , 24 in the Murmansk Region and 21 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
Over the past day , 28 fatalities have been confirmed in Moscow , 7 in the Moscow Region , 3 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 2 in the Kaluga Region .
One death was recorded in the Volgograd , Voronezh , Kirov , Nizhny Novgorod , Oryol and Tula Regions , as well as in the Republics of Adygeya , Komi , Chechnya and the Stavropol Region .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 5,236 over the past day to nearly 58,000 in all regions, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.
WHO: number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 83,000 in past day
At the moment, 4,420 people have recovered and another 513 people have died.
"Russia has registered a rise in the coronavirus infection cases to 57,999 (+9.9%) in 85 regions. Some 420 people have been discharged over the past day and 4,420 over the entire period. Over the past day, 57 coronavirus patients have died. The total death toll in Russia is 513," the crisis center reported.
Some 43.3% of new coronavirus cases (2,275) are asymptomatic.
Moscow has confirmed 2,548 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the capital to 31,981.
Over the past day, the number of coronavirus cases in the Moscow Region has risen by 631 to 6,590 and in St. Petersburg by 294 to 2,267. New cases have been also recorded in 75 other regions, including in the Ryazan Region (76), the Republic of Tatarstan (75), the Kaluga Region (72), the Murmansk Region (71) and the Nizhny Novgorod Region (69).
A total of 547 people have been discharged from hospitals in 51 regions, including 210 in Moscow, 47 in St. Petersburg, 24 in the Murmansk Region and 21 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
Over the past day, 28 fatalities have been confirmed in Moscow, 7 in the Moscow Region, 3 in the Krasnodar Region, St. Petersburg and Ingushetia, and 2 in the Kaluga Region. One death was recorded in the Volgograd, Voronezh, Kirov, Nizhny Novgorod, Oryol and Tula Regions, as well as in the Republics of Adygeya, Komi, Chechnya and the Stavropol Region.


tass--2020-04-22--Banks issue $51.61 mln of loans to Russian businesses to pay salaries

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
As of April 21 , Russian banks issued interest-free loans to small and medium-sized businesses to support employment in the amount of about 4 bln rubles ( $ 51.61 mln ) , press service of the Ministry of Economic Development said .
`` According to monitoring data for 15 banks that have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development , as of April 21 , about 4 bln rubles were issued for more than 1,800 applications for interest-free loans to support employment , '' the statement said .
It was noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0 % financing program are still being received and the Ministry of Economic Development has already received 36 applications for a total loan amount of 27 bln rubles ( $ 348.4 mln ) .
Agreements have already been signed with 17 banks .
Sberbank , Promsvyazbank , VTB , Alfa Bank , Russian Agricultural Bank , Asian-Pacific Bank , Sovcombank , Ak Bars , Kuznetsky , Chelyabivestbank , Sarovbiznesbank , RNCB , SMP Bank , Otkritie , Akcept Bank , Tomskpromstroybank , Vladbusinessbank are among the banks that signed the agreement , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said that the government is ready to increase funding for the program of interest-free loans for paying salaries for businesses .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. As of April 21, Russian banks issued interest-free loans to small and medium-sized businesses to support employment in the amount of about 4 bln rubles ($51.61 mln), press service of the Ministry of Economic Development said.
"According to monitoring data for 15 banks that have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development, as of April 21, about 4 bln rubles were issued for more than 1,800 applications for interest-free loans to support employment," the statement said.
It was noted that applications from banks participation in the 0% financing program are still being received and the Ministry of Economic Development has already received 36 applications for a total loan amount of 27 bln rubles ($348.4 mln).
Agreements have already been signed with 17 banks. Sberbank, Promsvyazbank, VTB, Alfa Bank, Russian Agricultural Bank, Asian-Pacific Bank, Sovcombank, Ak Bars, Kuznetsky, Chelyabivestbank, Sarovbiznesbank, RNCB, SMP Bank, Otkritie, Akcept Bank, Tomskpromstroybank, Vladbusinessbank are among the banks that signed the agreement, the ministry said.
Earlier, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov said that the government is ready to increase funding for the program of interest-free loans for paying salaries for businesses.


tass--2020-04-22--Creating readily available vaccine for coronavirus will take months — WHO envoy

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Creating a readily available vaccine for the coronavirus will take months , the World Health Organization 's representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic said in an interview with TASS .
`` Intensive efforts to create a vaccine for the coronavirus are underway at dozens of research centers across the globe , including in Russia .
Work continues on than 70 vaccine options and at least 20 options are being considered for preclinical and clinical trials , '' she pointed out .
`` Nevertheless , clinical trials may take much time because there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is safe and effective .
This is why it will be a long time before the vaccine becomes available to people across the world , '' Vujnovic added .
All 193 member states of the United Nations General Assembly earlier unanimously supported a resolution calling for preventing speculations concerning the future vaccine for the coronavirus and ensuring general access to medicines and protective equipment .
The resolution also emphasized the World Health Organization ’ s key role in the fight against the pandemic .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 175,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Creating a readily available vaccine for the coronavirus will take months, the World Health Organization's representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic said in an interview with TASS.
"Intensive efforts to create a vaccine for the coronavirus are underway at dozens of research centers across the globe, including in Russia. Work continues on than 70 vaccine options and at least 20 options are being considered for preclinical and clinical trials," she pointed out. "Nevertheless, clinical trials may take much time because there is a need to make sure that the new vaccine is safe and effective. This is why it will be a long time before the vaccine becomes available to people across the world," Vujnovic added.
All 193 member states of the United Nations General Assembly earlier unanimously supported a resolution calling for preventing speculations concerning the future vaccine for the coronavirus and ensuring general access to medicines and protective equipment. The resolution also emphasized the World Health Organization’s key role in the fight against the pandemic.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 175,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-22--Netflix doubles expected number of subscribers, reaching 15.8 mln

The corporation drew attention to the fact that this figure was twice as much as its own forecast .
Netflix had expected nearly 7 mln new subscribers in the Q1 of this year .
NEW YORK , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
US streaming giant Netflix increased its subscriber base by 15.8 mln in the Q1 2020 compared to 9.6 mln in the same period last year , according to Netflix report .
`` Like other home entertainment services , we ’ re seeing temporarily higher viewing and increased membership growth .
In our case , this is offset by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our international revenue , resulting in revenue-as-forecast .
We expect viewing to decline and membership growth to decelerate as home confinement ends , which we hope is soon , '' the company said in a letter to shareholders attached to the report .
The company ’ s revenue in Q1 amounted to $ 5.77 bln , compared to $ 4.52 bln in the Q1 of last year .
Net profit over the same period increased from $ 344 mln to $ 709 mln .
`` There are three primary effects on our financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our membership growth has temporarily accelerated due to home confinement .
Second , our international revenue will be less than previously forecast due to the dollar rising sharply .
Third , due to the production shutdown , some cash spending on content will be delayed , improving our free cash flow , and some title releases will be delayed , typically by a quarter .
More on each of these three effects below , '' Netflix said .
Netflix provides streaming services in more than 190 countries , including Russia .
The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Gatos , California .
Since 2013 , Netflix has been producing its own films , series , and television shows .

The corporation drew attention to the fact that this figure was twice as much as its own forecast. Netflix had expected nearly 7 mln new subscribers in the Q1 of this year.
NEW YORK, April 22. /TASS/. US streaming giant Netflix increased its subscriber base by 15.8 mln in the Q1 2020 compared to 9.6 mln in the same period last year, according to Netflix report.
"Like other home entertainment services, we’re seeing temporarily higher viewing and increased membership growth. In our case, this is offset by a sharply stronger US dollar, depressing our international revenue, resulting in revenue-as-forecast. We expect viewing to decline and membership growth to decelerate as home confinement ends, which we hope is soon," the company said in a letter to shareholders attached to the report.
The company’s revenue in Q1 amounted to $5.77 bln, compared to $4.52 bln in the Q1 of last year. Net profit over the same period increased from $344 mln to $709 mln.
"There are three primary effects on our financial performance from the crisis. First, our membership growth has temporarily accelerated due to home confinement. Second, our international revenue will be less than previously forecast due to the dollar rising sharply. Third, due to the production shutdown, some cash spending on content will be delayed, improving our free cash flow, and some title releases will be delayed, typically by a quarter. More on each of these three effects below," Netflix said.
Netflix provides streaming services in more than 190 countries, including Russia. The company was founded in 1997, headquartered in Los Gatos, California. Since 2013, Netflix has been producing its own films, series, and television shows.


tass--2020-04-22--India documents nearly 20,000 cases of COVID-19

NEW DELHI , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) cases in India has @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , reaching 19,984 by Wednesday morning , the Indian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ on its website .
The number of deaths from the virus has risen by 50 @ @ @ @ @ the past several days , the daily increase in cases has reached over 1,300 .
@ @ @ @ @ , 1,383 people are reported to have contracted COVID-19 .
The Health Ministry informs that @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 are receiving treatment in Indian hospitals , and 3,870 people have recovered .
@ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on all Indian regional officials to ensure strict adherence to @ @ @ @ @ country from March 25 to April 14 .
Later , the Indian PM prolonged the @ @ @ @ @ May 3 .

NEW DELHI, April 22. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India has risen by over 1,300 in the past 24 hours, reaching 19,984 by Wednesday morning, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on its website. The number of deaths from the virus has risen by 50, reaching 640.
In the past several days, the daily increase in cases has reached over 1,300. In the past 24 hours, 1,383 people are reported to have contracted COVID-19.
The Health Ministry informs that currently, 15,474 people diagnosed with COVID-19 are receiving treatment in Indian hospitals, and 3,870 people have recovered.
On March 24, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on all Indian regional officials to ensure strict adherence to restrictive measures introduced in the country from March 25 to April 14. Later, the Indian PM prolonged the regime of strict self-isolation until May 3.


tass--2020-04-22--Brent oil price falls below $16 per barrel

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The price of June 2020 Brent oil futures has dropped by 17.33 % @ @ @ @ @ , reaching $ 15.98 per barrel , the data as of 07:35 Moscow time informs @ @ @ @ @ futures has dropped by 4.75 % , reaching $ 11.02 per barrel .
The price @ @ @ @ @ futures has dropped by 13.55 % on London ’ s ICE , reaching $ 16.71 @ @ @ @ @ the first time Brent drops below $ 17 since November 2001 , the data as @ @ @ @ @ .
Oil prices continue to drop amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The price of June 2020 Brent oil futures has dropped by 17.33% on London’s ICE, reaching $15.98 per barrel, the data as of 07:35 Moscow time informs.
The price of WTI futures has dropped by 4.75%, reaching $11.02 per barrel.
The price of June 2020 Brent oil futures has dropped by 13.55% on London’s ICE, reaching $16.71 per barrel. This is the first time Brent drops below $17 since November 2001, the data as of 06:45 Moscow time informs.
Oil prices continue to drop amid the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-22--Majority of Moscow Region residents adhere to self-isolation measures

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The overwhelming majority of Moscow Region ’ s residents adhere to the self-isolation measures introduced to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , Governor of the Moscow Region Andrei Vorobyev said on Rossiya-24 channel on Tuesday .
`` Statistical data shows that the majority of people are adhering to the self-isolation regime .
< … > We are working on it , trying to convince people that it is important and necessary currently , '' he stated .
The governor noted that the self-isolation regime `` helps contain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Due to the fact that people are staying home , the activity [ of the virus ] has decreased .
The growth rate reaches 12-14-15 % day to day , it needs to drop to less than 10 % .
We need to reach a point when the number of those discharged would at least equal the number of those newly infected .
So far , the balance is negative , we are hospitalizing more people , '' Vorobyev said .
Starting March 29 , the Moscow Region has introduced a regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of March 15 , Moscow and the Moscow Region have introduced a system of digital permits for residents .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The overwhelming majority of Moscow Region’s residents adhere to the self-isolation measures introduced to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor of the Moscow Region Andrei Vorobyev said on Rossiya-24 channel on Tuesday.
"Statistical data shows that the majority of people are adhering to the self-isolation regime. <…> We are working on it, trying to convince people that it is important and necessary currently," he stated.
The governor noted that the self-isolation regime "helps contain the exponential increase in new cases." "Due to the fact that people are staying home, the activity [of the virus] has decreased. The growth rate reaches 12-14-15% day to day, it needs to drop to less than 10%. We need to reach a point when the number of those discharged would at least equal the number of those newly infected. So far, the balance is negative, we are hospitalizing more people," Vorobyev said.
Starting March 29, the Moscow Region has introduced a regime of total self-isolation along with Moscow. As of March 15, Moscow and the Moscow Region have introduced a system of digital permits for residents.
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 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 83,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
More than 83,000 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus were registered worldwide on April 22 , exceeding the previous day 's statistics by more than 9,000 cases , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Wednesday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on April 22 , as many as 2,471,136 novel coronavirus cases and 169,006 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 73,920 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,058 .
Europe accounts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 1,219,486 and 109,952 respectively .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 32,302 and the number of deaths - by 3,618 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in South and North America reached 925,291 and the number of deaths stands at 44,775 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 32,172 and the number of deaths - by 2,089 .
The Eastern Mediterranean region comes third , with 139,349 cases and 6,326 fatalities .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Spain ( 204,178 ) , Italy ( 183,957 ) , Germany ( 145,694 ) , the United Kingdom ( 129,048 ) , France ( 116,151 ) , Turkey ( 95,591 ) , Iran ( 84,802 ) , China ( 84,287 ) and Russia ( 57,999 ) .
In the past day , Iran overtook China to become the world ’ s eighth hardest-hit country .
China , once the world ’ s hardest hit-country and the starting point of the outbreak , is now ranked ninth .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
The WHO statistics is based only on official information about cases and deaths , provided by national governments .

GENEVA, April 23. /TASS/. More than 83,000 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus were registered worldwide on April 22, exceeding the previous day's statistics by more than 9,000 cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Wednesday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on April 22, as many as 2,471,136 novel coronavirus cases and 169,006 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 73,920 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,058.
Europe accounts for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities - 1,219,486 and 109,952 respectively. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 32,302 and the number of deaths - by 3,618.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in South and North America reached 925,291 and the number of deaths stands at 44,775. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 32,172 and the number of deaths - by 2,089.
The Eastern Mediterranean region comes third, with 139,349 cases and 6,326 fatalities.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases were reported from the United States (776,907), Spain (204,178), Italy (183,957), Germany (145,694), the United Kingdom (129,048), France (116,151), Turkey (95,591), Iran (84,802), China (84,287) and Russia (57,999). In the past day, Iran overtook China to become the world’s eighth hardest-hit country. China, once the world’s hardest hit-country and the starting point of the outbreak, is now ranked ninth.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
The WHO statistics is based only on official information about cases and deaths, provided by national governments.


tass--2020-04-23--WHO calls upon countries to reopen borders with caution

GENEVA , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
All nations should exercise extreme caution while re-opening their borders when the novel coronavirus pandemic begins to subside , said Michael Ryan , the executive director of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Health Emergencies Programme .
`` When we talk about opening up and reducing lockdowns , there ’ s also the question of how people begin to move internationally , '' he said .
`` Obviously , they need to move between countries , and it ’ s going to become more and more of an issue and more and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the issue of moving citizens home or just getting people back into international travel is going to have to be approached carefully and is going to have to be done , I would suspect , first at the sub-regional level , '' the WHO official continued .
`` Already countries are looking at how we can re-establish the movement .
Some of that would be based , I think , on risk equalization and response equalization : where countries have a similar control of the disease , where countries have confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , then , in fact , the risks are equalized and the movement of people between those areas , in a sense , does not add risk to the other country , '' he went on .
`` So I think a lot of the initial work that is going on is at sub-regional and regional level , and then , opening up global travel , again , is going to require careful risk management adjustments by everyone , '' Ryan said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

GENEVA, April 23. /TASS/. All nations should exercise extreme caution while re-opening their borders when the novel coronavirus pandemic begins to subside, said Michael Ryan, the executive director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme.
"When we talk about opening up and reducing lockdowns, there’s also the question of how people begin to move internationally," he said.
"Obviously, they need to move between countries, and it’s going to become more and more of an issue and more and more of a challenge. So I think the issue of moving citizens home or just getting people back into international travel is going to have to be approached carefully and is going to have to be done, I would suspect, first at the sub-regional level," the WHO official continued.
"Already countries are looking at how we can re-establish the movement. Some of that would be based, I think, on risk equalization and response equalization: where countries have a similar control of the disease, where countries have confidence in the measures being implemented in the other country, then, in fact, the risks are equalized and the movement of people between those areas, in a sense, does not add risk to the other country," he went on.
"So I think a lot of the initial work that is going on is at sub-regional and regional level, and then, opening up global travel, again, is going to require careful risk management adjustments by everyone," Ryan said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--Ukrainian president vows to settle Donbass issue before his presidential term expires

KIEV , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has expressed confidence that the eastern Ukrainian conflict will be resolved before his presidential term expires .
`` I ’ m sure that we will end this war in the course of my tenure .
I ’ m personally sure of it , '' he said in a documentary , headlined `` A year of President Zelensky , '' aired by the Ukraine 24 TV channel on Wednesday .
The head of the Ukrainian state stressed that he was not going to change his tactics in this direction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
`` I ’ ve said that I was ready to wait for one year , to work for one year .
If the Minsk Process does not work , we will change our tactics .
We are ready for that .
The year has not yet run out , '' he went on .
Zelensky claimed that the Minsk reconciliation process has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his presidency .
`` We managed to speed up this process , and there will be results .
Every meeting in Minsk should end up with a paper , saying what we have agreed upon something and made another step forward , '' he said .

KIEV, April 23. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has expressed confidence that the eastern Ukrainian conflict will be resolved before his presidential term expires.
"I’m sure that we will end this war in the course of my tenure. I’m personally sure of it," he said in a documentary, headlined "A year of President Zelensky," aired by the Ukraine 24 TV channel on Wednesday.
The head of the Ukrainian state stressed that he was not going to change his tactics in this direction. 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.
"I’ve said that I was ready to wait for one year, to work for one year. If the Minsk Process does not work, we will change our tactics. We are ready for that. The year has not yet run out," he went on.
Zelensky claimed that the Minsk reconciliation process has speeded up noticeably in the course of his presidency.
"We managed to speed up this process, and there will be results. Every meeting in Minsk should end up with a paper, saying what we have agreed upon something and made another step forward," he said.


tass--2020-04-23--Supporting WHO important for US own safety — WHO chief

GENEVA , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Financial support for the World Health Organization and its efforts worldwide is important for the own safety of the United States , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva .
On April 14 , US President Donald Trump said the United States was suspending its contributions to the budget of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) `` while a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organization ’ s role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus . ''
`` The US has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number one donor , and we value that , we appreciate that , '' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said when asked to comment on the issue .
In his opinion , the US funding of WHO health efforts in other states helps to save lives and improve the global health system .
`` I hope the US believes this is an important investment not just to help others , but for the US to stay safe also , '' Ghebreyesus said .
`` For US to remain safe the investment in other countries is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope the freezing of the funding will be reconsidered , and US will once again support WHO ’ s work and continue to save lives , '' he added .
When asked by a journalist to comment on calls by certain US lawmakers , who said that the WHO director general must resign for the US funding to resume , the official said : `` I hope they know what the rules are [ for WHO director general ’ s appointment and removal from office ] .
I don ’ t have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I ’ m sure is : we have been working very hard for the last three years , almost three years , reforming the WHO , '' he added .
`` We work day and night , and we will continue to work day and night . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, April 23. /TASS/. Financial support for the World Health Organization and its efforts worldwide is important for the own safety of the United States, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.
On April 14, US President Donald Trump said the United States was suspending its contributions to the budget of the World Health Organization (WHO) "while a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organization’s role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus."
"The US has been supporting the WHO. It’s number one donor, and we value that, we appreciate that," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said when asked to comment on the issue.
In his opinion, the US funding of WHO health efforts in other states helps to save lives and improve the global health system.
"I hope the US believes this is an important investment not just to help others, but for the US to stay safe also," Ghebreyesus said. "For US to remain safe the investment in other countries is very important."
"So I hope the freezing of the funding will be reconsidered, and US will once again support WHO’s work and continue to save lives," he added.
When asked by a journalist to comment on calls by certain US lawmakers, who said that the WHO director general must resign for the US funding to resume, the official said: "I hope they know what the rules are [for WHO director general’s appointment and removal from office]. I don’t have any more to comment."
"One thing I’m sure is: we have been working very hard for the last three years, almost three years, reforming the WHO," he added. "We work day and night, and we will continue to work day and night."
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.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia to hold about 10 more test launches of Tsirkon hypersonic missile — source

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will carry out about 10 more launches of its newest hypersonic missile , Tsirkon , as part of state trials , a source in Russia ’ s defense industry told TASS .
`` Prior to the completion of the Tsirkon system 's state trials , about ten more launches of the hypersonic missile from two carriers are planned to be carried out , '' he said .
According to the source , the trials will be held in 2020-2021 .
`` Approximately seven or eight launches at ground and naval target are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while two or three launches will be performed from the Severodvinsk submarine , at least one of them while submerged , '' the source said .
The NPO mashinostroeniya ( part of the Tactical Missiles Corporation ) , which , according to media reports , designed the Tsirkon missile , did not comment on the information provided by the source .
In early 2011 , then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with the hypersonic missile .
According to media reports , the missile ’ s flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , more than ten test-launches had been conducted , according to the data of a TASS source .
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled .
As the Russian leader said , the Tsirkon is capable of developing a speed of Mach 9 and its striking range capability can exceed 1,000 km .
The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets .
Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines , including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in November 2019 that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon missiles on the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov currently undergoing modernization and on the Project 949A multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk .
In December 2019 , Head of Russia ’ s United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov said that it would be possible to deploy Tsirkon hypersonic missiles on all Russian ships of new Projects .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Tsirkon missile launches .
These launchers are installed , in particular , on Project 22350 frigates , Project 20380 corvettes and on Yasen-class multipurpose submarines .
Another defense industry source told TASS that Tsirkon state trials are scheduled for completion in 2021 .
The missile is expected to enter service in 2022 .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russia will carry out about 10 more launches of its newest hypersonic missile, Tsirkon, as part of state trials, a source in Russia’s defense industry told TASS.
"Prior to the completion of the Tsirkon system's state trials, about ten more launches of the hypersonic missile from two carriers are planned to be carried out," he said.
According to the source, the trials will be held in 2020-2021.
"Approximately seven or eight launches at ground and naval target are scheduled from the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, while two or three launches will be performed from the Severodvinsk submarine, at least one of them while submerged," the source said.
The NPO mashinostroeniya (part of the Tactical Missiles Corporation), which, according to media reports, designed the Tsirkon missile, did not comment on the information provided by the source.
Tsirkon missile
In early 2011, then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with the hypersonic missile. According to media reports, the missile’s flight tests began in 2015. By late 2018, more than ten test-launches had been conducted, according to the data of a TASS source.
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled. As the Russian leader said, the Tsirkon is capable of developing a speed of Mach 9 and its striking range capability can exceed 1,000 km. The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets. Putin specified at the time that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines, including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in November 2019 that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon missiles on the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov currently undergoing modernization and on the Project 949A multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk. In December 2019, Head of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov said that it would be possible to deploy Tsirkon hypersonic missiles on all Russian ships of new Projects.
The ZS-14 universal shipborne launching system is used for Tsirkon missile launches. These launchers are installed, in particular, on Project 22350 frigates, Project 20380 corvettes and on Yasen-class multipurpose submarines.
Another defense industry source told TASS that Tsirkon state trials are scheduled for completion in 2021. The missile is expected to enter service in 2022.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia ready to lead global healthcare efforts amid pandemic, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Amid the coronavirus pandemic , Russia is willing to join the vanguard of global efforts on cooperation in healthcare , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said at TASS on Wednesday .
According to him , the pandemic opens a `` window of opportunity '' for the Russian foreign policy .
`` In particular , having a global vision and a unique geostrategic position , Russia can offer a positive agenda directed at everyone , '' he explained .
`` For instance , lead the vanguard of common effort in the area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilitate resolution of many other global problems , simultaneously raising the status of international cooperation in BRICS and the SCO . ''
Ramping up efforts in international humanitarian cooperation can also play a significant role .
`` We naturally maintain balanced relations with all centers and powers in different regions of the world .
We are interested in improving global security and stability , '' Ryabkov stressed .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Russia is willing to join the vanguard of global efforts on cooperation in healthcare, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said at TASS on Wednesday.
According to him, the pandemic opens a "window of opportunity" for the Russian foreign policy. "In particular, having a global vision and a unique geostrategic position, Russia can offer a positive agenda directed at everyone," he explained. "For instance, lead the vanguard of common effort in the area of healthcare, environmental and climate cooperation and facilitate resolution of many other global problems, simultaneously raising the status of international cooperation in BRICS and the SCO."
Ramping up efforts in international humanitarian cooperation can also play a significant role. "We naturally maintain balanced relations with all centers and powers in different regions of the world. We are interested in improving global security and stability," Ryabkov stressed.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian, Turkish military conduct joint patrol mission in Syria’s al-Hasakah governorate

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted a regular joint patrol mission in Syria ’ @ @ @ @ @ with the 2019 Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the @ @ @ @ @ said on Wednesday .
`` Implementation of provisions of the Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding , @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , continues .
A regular joint patrol has taken place along the following route @ @ @ @ @ Qasra - Kara Mania - Shayker in the al-Hasakah governorate , '' the center said @ @ @ @ @ no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled armed groups were reported in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation @ @ @ @ @ .
The ceasefire , introduced in line with Russian-Turkish agreements starting from 00:01 local time @ @ @ @ @ , is being observed .
However , two shelling attacks from the positions of the @ @ @ @ @ outlawed in Russia ) were reported in the settlements of Kafr Mus in the Idlib @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo governorate .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted a regular joint patrol mission in Syria’s al-Hasakah governorate in line with the 2019 Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Wednesday.
"Implementation of provisions of the Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding, adopted on October 22, 2019, continues. A regular joint patrol has taken place along the following route: Shayker - Dellik - Qasra - Kara Mania - Shayker in the al-Hasakah governorate," the center said.
According to Zhuravlev, no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled armed groups were reported in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone during the past day. The ceasefire, introduced in line with Russian-Turkish agreements starting from 00:01 local time on March 6, 2020, is being observed.
However, two shelling attacks from the positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia) were reported in the settlements of Kafr Mus in the Idlib governorate and Adjel in the Aleppo governorate.


tass--2020-04-23--Date of five permanent UN Security Council members’ summit not set yet — Elysee Palace

PARIS , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The date of the summit bringing together the five permanent members of the @ @ @ @ @ format of a video conference has not been set yet , the French president ’ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` So far , there have been no date , '' the official @ @ @ @ @ Peskov earlier said that during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin , @ @ @ @ @ organizing a working meeting of the UN Security Council ’ s five permanent members in @ @ @ @ @ conference .
In his words , a possible joint document for the event is currently @ @ @ @ @ channels and may be agreed in the coming days .
Putin and Macron held a @ @ @ @ @ at the French side ’ s initiative .
The five permanent members of the UN @ @ @ @ @ France , the United States , China and the United Kingdom .

PARIS, April 22. /TASS/. The date of the summit bringing together the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in the format of a video conference has not been set yet, the French president’s administration told TASS on Wednesday.
"So far, there have been no date," the official said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that during a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested organizing a working meeting of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members in the format of a video conference. In his words, a possible joint document for the event is currently being worked out via diplomatic channels and may be agreed in the coming days.
Putin and Macron held a phone conversation on April 17 at the French side’s initiative.
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are Russia, France, the United States, China and the United Kingdom.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian, Chinese diplomats discuss UN Security Council cooperation on coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy Foreign Ministers of Russia and China Sergey Vershinin and Ma Zhaoxu discussed @ @ @ @ @ Council on fighting coronavirus , as well as the upcoming contacts of the UN Security @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday .
According to the Ministry , the discussion took place within @ @ @ @ @ approaches to the international reaction to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The sides discussed practical @ @ @ @ @ UN Security Council on countering the coronavirus and exchanged their opinions regarding preparations fro the @ @ @ @ @ Council Five on this topic , '' the Ministry said .
Earlier , the two @ @ @ @ @ phone on Tuesday .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. Deputy Foreign Ministers of Russia and China Sergey Vershinin and Ma Zhaoxu discussed cooperation in the UN Security Council on fighting coronavirus, as well as the upcoming contacts of the UN Security Council permanent members, Russian Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday.
According to the Ministry, the discussion took place within the framework of coordination of approaches to the international reaction to the coronavirus pandemic.
"The sides discussed practical issues of cooperation within the UN Security Council on countering the coronavirus and exchanged their opinions regarding preparations fro the upcoming contacts of the Security Council Five on this topic," the Ministry said.
Earlier, the two Deputy Foreign Ministers talked by phone on Tuesday.


tass--2020-04-23--Number of Russians who want to return from abroad keeps growing — diplomat

MOSCOW , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of Russian abroad who opted to return home , grows every day , making it impossible to name a precise figure , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told in an online Instagram interview Wednesday .
According to the diplomat , 6,000 Russians were repatriated since April 5 , and 100,000 Russians were repatriated in March .
The number of Russians who want but can not return home stays at around 30,000 people , as during the previous week .
`` We do we keep returning to 30,000 ?
Because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return home ] keeps growing , '' Zakharova said .
`` The problem [ with calculation ] is that their number keeps changing . ''
The spokeswoman brought up Italy as an example .
`` We had so many flights already .
But my colleagues from Rome call me again and say : ‘ we have 150 people again ’ , '' the diplomat disclosed .
`` That ’ s because people that live in Italy suddenly realized that the coronavirus situation takes a bit too long .
Initially , they though that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic , but for some reason they could not . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The number of Russian abroad who opted to return home, grows every day, making it impossible to name a precise figure, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told in an online Instagram interview Wednesday.
According to the diplomat, 6,000 Russians were repatriated since April 5, and 100,000 Russians were repatriated in March. The number of Russians who want but cannot return home stays at around 30,000 people, as during the previous week.
"We do we keep returning to 30,000? Because the number of Russians [who want to return home] keeps growing," Zakharova said. "The problem [with calculation] is that their number keeps changing."
The spokeswoman brought up Italy as an example.
"We had so many flights already. But my colleagues from Rome call me again and say: ‘we have 150 people again’," the diplomat disclosed. "That’s because people that live in Italy suddenly realized that the coronavirus situation takes a bit too long. Initially, they though that they would be able to wait through the epidemic, but for some reason they could not."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 57,999 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,420 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 513 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--WHO keeps investigating animal origin of novel coronavirus — official

GENEVA , April 22 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) keeps investigating the animal origin of the novel coronavirus in cooperation with its partners , said Michael Ryan , the executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme .
`` I think it ’ s very important that we understand the animal origins of this disease .
It ’ s clear that if the animal-human barrier has been breached once , it can be breached again .
We need to understand where that has come from , what are the factors that have led to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in future , '' he said .
`` We have certainly offered that assistance to the government of China , but are also working very closely with our colleagues in FAO [ Food and Agriculture Organization ] and OIE [ World Organization for Animal Health ] , '' Ryan went on .
`` We have a team working specifically on those issues very closely with OIE and FAO , and we ’ ll be delighted to work with international partners < … > in order to carry out a really good investigation around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the factors associated with that , '' he added .
Ryan also commented on the possibility of easing or lifting lockdowns , warning that any attempt of this kind should be carried out in combination with a replacement strategy to boost a country ’ s health system .
`` The danger is easing these so-called lockdowns without a replacement strategy .
That ’ s the real danger , '' he said .
`` And there is always a danger - even with a replacement strategy - that there will be outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe , but exiting a lockdown without a strong public health strategy and a strong strategy to strengthen your health system is going to be difficult . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
According to the latest statistics , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 177,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

GENEVA, April 22. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) keeps investigating the animal origin of the novel coronavirus in cooperation with its partners, said Michael Ryan, the executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme.
"I think it’s very important that we understand the animal origins of this disease. It’s clear that if the animal-human barrier has been breached once, it can be breached again. We need to understand where that has come from, what are the factors that have led to that, and how they can be prevented in future," he said.
"We have certainly offered that assistance to the government of China, but are also working very closely with our colleagues in FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization] and OIE [World Organization for Animal Health]," Ryan went on.
"We have a team working specifically on those issues very closely with OIE and FAO, and we’ll be delighted to work with international partners <…> in order to carry out a really good investigation around the animal origins and to really understand all of the factors associated with that," he added.
Ryan also commented on the possibility of easing or lifting lockdowns, warning that any attempt of this kind should be carried out in combination with a replacement strategy to boost a country’s health system.
"The danger is easing these so-called lockdowns without a replacement strategy. That’s the real danger," he said. "And there is always a danger - even with a replacement strategy - that there will be outbreaks. They can be managed, I believe, but exiting a lockdown without a strong public health strategy and a strong strategy to strengthen your health system is going to be difficult."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 177,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 696,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.