tass--2020-04-20--Venezuelan President proposes holding meeting of OPEC+ monitoring committee on May 10

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed holding a meeting of the committee to monitor the implementation of the OPEC+ agreement on May 10 , the republic ’ s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday .
According to the ministry , the head of state put forward the corresponding initiative during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
`` President Maduro noted the decisive role of Russia in reaching the agreement among all parties [ to the OPEC+ deal ] and proposed [ holding ] a meeting of the monitoring committee of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to assess at an early stage the impact of the agreements on the global energy market , '' the ministry said on Twitter .
Earlier on Monday , the Kremlin ’ s press service reported that Putin and Maduro had a phone conversation discussing the situation on the world oil market .
`` When exchanging views on the situation on the world oil market , [ the leaders ] stressed great importance of the agreement reached within the OPEC+ on the approved reduction in oil production , '' the statement said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crude output production in May-June at an extraordinary meeting on April 12 .
The final reduction quota for two months will equal 9.7 mln barrels per day instead of 10 mln barrels per day as Mexico assumed a smaller quota than expected .
Russia and Saudi Arabia will reduce production on equal terms by 2.5 mln barrels per day from the basic level of 11 mln barrels per day .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro proposed holding a meeting of the committee to monitor the implementation of the OPEC+ agreement on May 10, the republic’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.
According to the ministry, the head of state put forward the corresponding initiative during a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
"President Maduro noted the decisive role of Russia in reaching the agreement among all parties [to the OPEC+ deal] and proposed [holding] a meeting of the monitoring committee of the [corresponding] mechanism on May 10 in order to assess at an early stage the impact of the agreements on the global energy market," the ministry said on Twitter.
Earlier on Monday, the Kremlin’s press service reported that Putin and Maduro had a phone conversation discussing the situation on the world oil market.
"When exchanging views on the situation on the world oil market, [the leaders] stressed great importance of the agreement reached within the OPEC+ on the approved reduction in oil production," the statement said.
OPEC+ countries finalized the deal on crude output production in May-June at an extraordinary meeting on April 12. The final reduction quota for two months will equal 9.7 mln barrels per day instead of 10 mln barrels per day as Mexico assumed a smaller quota than expected. Russia and Saudi Arabia will reduce production on equal terms by 2.5 mln barrels per day from the basic level of 11 mln barrels per day.


tass--2020-04-20--Russia is handling repurposing of medical facilities well, says WHO representtive

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Repurposing of hospitals and medical facilities into infectious disease facilities is going well in Russia , World Health Organization ( WHO ) representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said Monday .
`` Pandemic is an extraordinary situation which requires repurposing from everyone .
Russia is handling it very well right now , '' she 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 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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicates 405 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Repurposing of hospitals and medical facilities into infectious disease facilities is going well in Russia, World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said Monday.
"Pandemic is an extraordinary situation which requires repurposing from everyone. Russia is handling it very well right now," she said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--Belarus records more than 6,000 coronavirus cases

Most cases are reported from Minsk ( 3,023 ) , the Vitebsk Region ( 1,504 ) , the Minsk Region ( 789 ) , the Gomel Region ( 322 ) , the Mogilev Region ( 265 ) , the Brest Region ( 185 ) and the Grodno Region ( 176 ) .
`` As of morning on April 18 , 518 new cases were recorded , on the morning of April 19 - 510 , while 457 [ new infections ] were identified over the past 24 hours .
Overall , the data available on April 20 shows that 6,264 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 patients with some chronic conditions died after testing positive for coronavirus , '' the ministry said in a statement .
MINSK , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Belarus has increased to 6,264 , while 51 people died , the national health ministry said Monday .
The healthcare agency also stressed that 92 people are in critical condition and require special medical attention , 514 people who tested positive for COVID-19 recovered and were discharged .
Since early February the country has performed 102,556 coronavirus tests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out tests around the clock .
Belarus has not introduced any lockdown measures , preparations for the Victory Day parade are underway .
Schools reopened on April 20 .
According to Belarusian Health Minister Vladimir Karanik , the peak of the outbreak will fall on late April-early May .
On April 11 , the World Health Organization recommended that Belarus should prepare for the worst-case scenario in the outbreak .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Most cases are reported from Minsk (3,023), the Vitebsk Region (1,504), the Minsk Region (789), the Gomel Region (322), the Mogilev Region (265), the Brest Region (185) and the Grodno Region (176).
"As of morning on April 18, 518 new cases were recorded, on the morning of April 19 - 510, while 457 [new infections] were identified over the past 24 hours. Overall, the data available on April 20 shows that 6,264 positive COVID-19 tests were recorded, while 51 patients with some chronic conditions died after testing positive for coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement.
MINSK, April 20. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Belarus has increased to 6,264, while 51 people died, the national health ministry said Monday.
The healthcare agency also stressed that 92 people are in critical condition and require special medical attention, 514 people who tested positive for COVID-19 recovered and were discharged. Since early February the country has performed 102,556 coronavirus tests. Both state and private laboratories are carrying out tests around the clock.
Belarus has not introduced any lockdown measures, preparations for the Victory Day parade are underway. Schools reopened on April 20. According to Belarusian Health Minister Vladimir Karanik, the peak of the outbreak will fall on late April-early May. On April 11, the World Health Organization recommended that Belarus should prepare for the worst-case scenario in the outbreak.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--Number of novel coronavirus cases in Italy surpasses 180,000

ROME , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases in Italy has reached 181,228 , the Italian Civil Protection Department informed on Monday .
In the past 24 hours , 454 people have died from the disease , with the total number of deaths reaching 24,114 .
Head of the department Angelo Borrelli noted that for the first time in over a month , the number of people currently receiving treatment has gone down by 20 , reaching 108,237 .
The number of those recovered has reached 1,822 , with 48,877 people having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regional council of the Italian province of Lazio informed that a married couple from China ’ s Wuhan , who were hospitalized in serious condition in Rome in late January , fully recovered from COVID-19 .
The tourists first arrived to Milan and visited several cities in the north of Italy before they began exhibiting first symptoms of the disease .
A local outbreak of the coronavirus was documented on February 21 in the area of Lodi ( near Milan ) .
The so-called patient zero still has not been found .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun to spread in Italy in late January - early February .
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 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

ROME, April 20. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases in Italy has reached 181,228, the Italian Civil Protection Department informed on Monday.
In the past 24 hours, 454 people have died from the disease, with the total number of deaths reaching 24,114. Head of the department Angelo Borrelli noted that for the first time in over a month, the number of people currently receiving treatment has gone down by 20, reaching 108,237.
The number of those recovered has reached 1,822, with 48,877 people having recovered from the disease in total.
On Monday, the regional council of the Italian province of Lazio informed that a married couple from China’s Wuhan, who were hospitalized in serious condition in Rome in late January, fully recovered from COVID-19. The tourists first arrived to Milan and visited several cities in the north of Italy before they began exhibiting first symptoms of the disease.
A local outbreak of the coronavirus was documented on February 21 in the area of Lodi (near Milan). The so-called patient zero still has not been found. Many experts think that the virus had begun to spread in Italy in late January - early February.
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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--Serbia’s coronavirus death toll reaches 125

BELGRADE , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Serbia has increased by 312 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 6,630 , while the number of fatalities has also risen to 125 , the national health ministry said Monday .
Three people died over the past 24 hours , 3,111 people were tested and 312 of them tested positive .
Moreover , 870 people recovered .
The number of new confirmed infections decreased in the past 24 hours after Sunday ’ s figures showed 324 infections .
Overall , 3,703 people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak began .
To counter the pandemic , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced full shut down of borders .
A state of emergency and a curfew were introduced in the country for 90 days .
General elections were called off , while intercity busses and trains were cancelled .
Earlier , Serbia ’ s government asked Russia ’ s assistance in fighting against the novel coronavirus .
Belgrade asked for concrete assistance under the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in emergency and humanitarian response .
Commenting on Belgrade ’ s request , Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged that `` a request from such an important , allied , brotherly country as Serbia will not be unanswered . ''
On April 3-4 , the Russian air force jets transferred 87 Russian military specialists to Serbia including doctors , virologists of radiation , chemical and biological forces as well as special medical equipment , PPE and 16 units of military vehicles .
The Russian medical brigades are planned to be deployed across the country .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BELGRADE, April 20. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Serbia has increased by 312 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 6,630, while the number of fatalities has also risen to 125, the national health ministry said Monday.
Three people died over the past 24 hours, 3,111 people were tested and 312 of them tested positive. Moreover, 870 people recovered. The number of new confirmed infections decreased in the past 24 hours after Sunday’s figures showed 324 infections.
Overall, 3,703 people were hospitalized, 41,812 people were tested since the outbreak began.
To counter the pandemic, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced full shut down of borders. A state of emergency and a curfew were introduced in the country for 90 days. General elections were called off, while intercity busses and trains were cancelled.
Earlier, Serbia’s government asked Russia’s assistance in fighting against the novel coronavirus. Belgrade asked for concrete assistance under the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in emergency and humanitarian response. Commenting on Belgrade’s request, Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov pledged that "a request from such an important, allied, brotherly country as Serbia will not be unanswered." On April 3-4, the Russian air force jets transferred 87 Russian military specialists to Serbia including doctors, virologists of radiation, chemical and biological forces as well as special medical equipment, PPE and 16 units of military vehicles. The Russian medical brigades are planned to be deployed 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.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--Top Russian, Iranian, Turkish diplomats to discuss Syria on April 22 via video conference

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Astana peace process guarantors ( Russia , Iran , Turkey ) foreign ministers @ @ @ @ @ negotiations on Syria via video conference on April 22 , the Russian foreign ministry told @ @ @ @ @ We confirm that trilateral ministerial Astana peace talks on Syria will be held on April @ @ @ @ @ '' TASS was told .
These talks will be held remotely online for the first @ @ @ @ @ , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad @ @ @ @ @ focused on Syria ’ s constitutional committee and developments in the Syrian province of Idlib @ @ @ @ @ The latest round of Astana talks took place on December 10-11 , 2019 in Nur-Sultan @ @ @ @ @ planned for March 2020 , however , the meeting was postponed due to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ which was set to take place in Iran , remains on the agenda , Iranian @ @ @ @ @ said in early April .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Astana peace process guarantors (Russia, Iran, Turkey) foreign ministers will hold a round of negotiations on Syria via video conference on April 22, the Russian foreign ministry told TASS on Monday.
"We confirm that trilateral ministerial Astana peace talks on Syria will be held on April 22 via video conference," TASS was told.
These talks will be held remotely online for the first time.
Earlier on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced that the trilateral talks focused on Syria’s constitutional committee and developments in the Syrian province of Idlib would be held shortly.
The latest round of Astana talks took place on December 10-11, 2019 in Nur-Sultan. The next meeting was planned for March 2020, however, the meeting was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. This meeting, which was set to take place in Iran, remains on the agenda, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said in early April.


tass--2020-04-20--Number of people infected with coronavirus in Greece reaches 2,245

ATHENS , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Greece has increased by 10 in the past 24 hours , reaching 2,245 , six people have died , professor Sotiris Tsiodras , an official with the Greek Health Ministry , stated during Monday ’ s briefing .
`` In total , there are 2,245 confirmed cases in Greece , '' he said , which is 10 more than on Saturday .
On Sunday , the Greek Health Ministry did not publish the coronavirus numbers due to Easter celebrations .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The average age of those patients is 68 , '' the professor noted , adding that many people in intensive care have pre-existing conditions .
Tsiodras informed that the condition of 44 people had improved significantly , and that they had been transferred from intensive care units to regular hospital wards .
In the past 48 hours , six patients have died from the novel coronavirus , with the total amount of deaths reaching 116 .
Over 50,000 tests for COVID-19 have been carried out .
Greece has introduced strict restrictive isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease .
In the past week , the number of new COVID-19 cases has not surpassed 31 people a day , while the number of deaths did not go higher than five .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

ATHENS, April 20. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Greece has increased by 10 in the past 24 hours, reaching 2,245, six people have died, professor Sotiris Tsiodras, an official with the Greek Health Ministry, stated during Monday’s briefing. "In total, there are 2,245 confirmed cases in Greece," he said, which is 10 more than on Saturday. On Sunday, the Greek Health Ministry did not publish the coronavirus numbers due to Easter celebrations.
"There are 61 people in intensive care units currently. The average age of those patients is 68," the professor noted, adding that many people in intensive care have pre-existing conditions.
Tsiodras informed that the condition of 44 people had improved significantly, and that they had been transferred from intensive care units to regular hospital wards. In the past 48 hours, six patients have died from the novel coronavirus, with the total amount of deaths reaching 116. Over 50,000 tests for COVID-19 have been carried out.
Greece has introduced strict restrictive isolation measures to combat the spread of the disease. In the past week, the number of new COVID-19 cases has not surpassed 31 people a day, while the number of deaths did not go higher than five.
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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--Interior Ministry reports growth in extremist, terrorist crimes in Russia Jan-March

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia in January-March saw a 14 % growth in the rate of terrorism-related @ @ @ @ @ same period last year , while extremism-related crimes were up 40 % , as follows @ @ @ @ @ s statistics .
`` In January-March 2020 a total of 548 terrorism-related crimes were registered @ @ @ @ @ in the same period of 2019 ] , and 210 extremist-related crimes ( 40.9 % @ @ @ @ @ period of 2019 ] , '' the Interior Ministry ’ s news release says .
@ @ @ @ @ survey , the first three months of this year saw 50,900 drug trafficking crimes , @ @ @ @ @ than in the same period last year .
`` In January-March 2019 there was a @ @ @ @ @ number of exposed crimes committed with the aim of selling narcotic drugs , psychotropic substances @ @ @ @ @ the Interior Ministry said .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Russia in January-March saw a 14% growth in the rate of terrorism-related crimes in contrast to the same period last year, while extremism-related crimes were up 40%, as follows from the Interior Ministry’s statistics.
"In January-March 2020 a total of 548 terrorism-related crimes were registered [13.7% more than in the same period of 2019], and 210 extremist-related crimes (40.9% more than in the same period of 2019]," the Interior Ministry’s news release says.
According to the same statistics survey, the first three months of this year saw 50,900 drug trafficking crimes, which is 1.2% less than in the same period last year. "In January-March 2019 there was a 3.5% increase in the number of exposed crimes committed with the aim of selling narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues," the Interior Ministry said.


tass--2020-04-20--UAE coronavirus cases top 7,600, reports say

TASS , April 20 .
Almost 500 new coronavirus infections have been recorded in the United Arab Emirates over the @ @ @ @ @ Arabiya TV reported Monday .
According to the TV channel , the total number of @ @ @ @ @ stands at 7,625 .
Moreover , 43 people died in the country due to coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
@ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics @ @ @ @ @ been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TASS, April 20. Almost 500 new coronavirus infections have been recorded in the United Arab Emirates over the past 24 hours, Al Arabiya TV reported Monday.
According to the TV channel, the total number of cases in the UAE now stands at 7,625. Moreover, 43 people died in the country due to coronavirus-related complications.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--Turkey records 3,600 new coronavirus cases, 131 people died

ANKARA , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey has increased by more than 3,600 in a single day to bring the total over the 89,000 mark , Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Monday .
`` In the past 24 hours , 42,900 tests were conducted , 3,690 new [ coronavirus ] cases were registered , while 131 patients died .
The total number of deaths reached 2,148 , while the total number of cases hit 89,996 , '' the minister said via his Twitter page .
According to Koca , 13,656 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 , the country said 126 people had died from the coronavirus-related causes , the biggest number of fatalities in Turkey since the outbreak began .
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case identified after a local who recently returned from Europe tested positive for COVID-19 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

ANKARA, April 20. /TASS/. The number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey has increased by more than 3,600 in a single day to bring the total over the 89,000 mark, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Monday.
"In the past 24 hours, 42,900 tests were conducted, 3,690 new [coronavirus] cases were registered, while 131 patients died. The total number of deaths reached 2,148, while the total number of cases hit 89,996," the minister said via his Twitter page. According to Koca, 13,656 people recovered in total.
On April 17, the country said 126 people had died from the coronavirus-related causes, the biggest number of fatalities in Turkey since the outbreak began.
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case identified after a local who recently returned from Europe tested positive for COVID-19.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--New travel programs to be created in Kamchatka to extend season to autumn

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
New travel programs and routes are being created in Russia ’ s Kamchatka Peninsula to attract tourists not only in summer , but also in autumn , head of the region ’ s tourism and external ties agency Elena Stratonova told TASS on Monday .
In 2019 , over 240,000 tourists visited Kamchatka , an increase of almost 26,000 people compared with the previous year , whereas the number of foreigners that visited the peninsula almost doubled to 36,000 people .
The ‘ Valley of geysers ’ and the Nalychev valley remain the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Prime Minister , Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev said earlier about the necessity to increase the competitiveness of the tourist sector of the peninsula .
`` One can hardly predict what the upcoming summer season will be like so far , which is why we are developing a campaign to promote autumn tours in Kamchatka .
Together with businessmen we have launched online displays , which are mainly aimed at telling about autumn tours .
This season ( autumn ) is less popular with tourists than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the peninsula , and our tourist agencies have a lot to offer to Russians as Kamchatka is an unmatched tourist destination , '' Stratonova said .
The region ’ s travel industry is experiencing hard times now as the operations of hotels have been suspended due to the threat of the coronavirus spread , and all travel programs have been temporarily restricted .
Tourists that planned to visit Kamchatka in summer , cancel their trips .
`` We expected at least 28 cruise ship entries to the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs , including unique routes in the Arctic zone .
However , now the cruise season is in jeopardy as spring programs have already been cancelled , and we can only hope for the autumn .
The region ’ s government has already introduced a number of measures to support the sector , though that is not the final list as additional targeted measures to support the tourist sector developed on the basis of businesses ’ proposals are being prepared , '' Stratonova said .
Kamchatka ’ s tourist sector is represented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 200 public eating places and 150 hotels .
Hotels , hostels , camping sites and guest houses of the peninsula can accommodate around 7,000 gusts at once .
Head of the tourism agency considers the flow growth after the epidemiological situation improves to be the best scenario for the business .
Meanwhile , representatives of large tourism companies that are experiencing serious difficulties due to the pandemic , are less optimistic in their projections .
According to Head of the Tour Industry Association of Kamchatka Irina Sedova , large players are most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assuming to support businesses .
`` Despite our 'small business ' peers , we have to keep staff , rent premises , keep guest houses empty .
In our most optimistic projections , we do not expect an influx of tourists in the summer , '' she said , noting that `` one can hardly expect that the number of Russians coming ( to the peninsula this year ) will be the same as that of foreigners that came last year - around 36,000 . ''
Sedova added that the measures to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, April 20. /TASS/. New travel programs and routes are being created in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula to attract tourists not only in summer, but also in autumn, head of the region’s tourism and external ties agency Elena Stratonova told TASS on Monday.
In 2019, over 240,000 tourists visited Kamchatka, an increase of almost 26,000 people compared with the previous year, whereas the number of foreigners that visited the peninsula almost doubled to 36,000 people. The ‘Valley of geysers’ and the Nalychev valley remain the most popular vacation sites in Kamchatka. Deputy Prime Minister, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev said earlier about the necessity to increase the competitiveness of the tourist sector of the peninsula.
"One can hardly predict what the upcoming summer season will be like so far, which is why we are developing a campaign to promote autumn tours in Kamchatka. Together with businessmen we have launched online displays, which are mainly aimed at telling about autumn tours. This season (autumn) is less popular with tourists than summer now, though autumn is stunning in the peninsula, and our tourist agencies have a lot to offer to Russians as Kamchatka is an unmatched tourist destination," Stratonova said.
The region’s travel industry is experiencing hard times now as the operations of hotels have been suspended due to the threat of the coronavirus spread, and all travel programs have been temporarily restricted. Tourists that planned to visit Kamchatka in summer, cancel their trips.
"We expected at least 28 cruise ship entries to the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky this year. Travel agencies have developed new cruise programs, including unique routes in the Arctic zone. However, now the cruise season is in jeopardy as spring programs have already been cancelled, and we can only hope for the autumn. The region’s government has already introduced a number of measures to support the sector, though that is not the final list as additional targeted measures to support the tourist sector developed on the basis of businesses’ proposals are being prepared," Stratonova said.
Kamchatka’s tourist sector is represented by around 90 agencies and 200 agents, over 200 public eating places and 150 hotels. Hotels, hostels, camping sites and guest houses of the peninsula can accommodate around 7,000 gusts at once. Head of the tourism agency considers the flow growth after the epidemiological situation improves to be the best scenario for the business.
Meanwhile, representatives of large tourism companies that are experiencing serious difficulties due to the pandemic, are less optimistic in their projections. According to Head of the Tour Industry Association of Kamchatka Irina Sedova, large players are most vulnerable despite all measures the authorities are assuming to support businesses.
"Despite our 'small business' peers, we have to keep staff, rent premises, keep guest houses empty. In our most optimistic projections, we do not expect an influx of tourists in the summer," she said, noting that "one can hardly expect that the number of Russians coming (to the peninsula this year) will be the same as that of foreigners that came last year - around 36,000." Sedova added that the measures to support the sector should not be postponed.


tass--2020-04-20--Lavrov discusses anti-coronavirus efforts with Somalian PM

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of bilateral cooperation and anti-coronavirus efforts were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Somalian Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire , the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday .
`` The sides discussed the current state and prospects for further development of Russian-Somalian cooperation in various spheres .
Special attention was focused on issues of combating the coronavirus pandemic .
The sides stressed the importance of invigorating efforts of the entire international community , including within the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neutralize its negative impacts , with due account of the needs of African countries , '' the ministry said .
The conversation was initiated by the Somalian side .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Issues of bilateral cooperation and anti-coronavirus efforts were in focus of a telephone conversation between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Somalian Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday.
"The sides discussed the current state and prospects for further development of Russian-Somalian cooperation in various spheres. Special attention was focused on issues of combating the coronavirus pandemic. The sides stressed the importance of invigorating efforts of the entire international community, including within the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to combat the spread of this infection and neutralize its negative impacts, with due account of the needs of African countries," the ministry said.
The conversation was initiated by the Somalian side.
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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--Russian Energy Ministry negotiated quotas with oil producers, sources say

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Energy Ministry negotiated the distribution of oil production reduction quotas within @ @ @ @ @ deal with national oil companies , two sources in the industry told TASS on Monday @ @ @ @ @ were brought subject to arrangements within the OPEC+ framework .
The Ministry of Energy has @ @ @ @ @ full compliance with conditions , '' one of the source said , without detailing terms @ @ @ @ @ oil producers indeed managed to negotiate reduction volumes , electing not to go into details @ @ @ @ @ the same time that the decision has been taken recently .
Russia has undertaken within @ @ @ @ @ reduce daily oil production by 2.5 mln barrels .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. The Russian Energy Ministry negotiated the distribution of oil production reduction quotas within the framework of the OPEC+ deal with national oil companies, two sources in the industry told TASS on Monday.
"All the levels were brought subject to arrangements within the OPEC+ framework. The Ministry of Energy has communicated information on cuts in full compliance with conditions," one of the source said, without detailing terms.
Another source confirmed that oil producers indeed managed to negotiate reduction volumes, electing not to go into details. The source noted at the same time that the decision has been taken recently.
Russia has undertaken within the OPEC+ deal framework to reduce daily oil production by 2.5 mln barrels.


tass--2020-04-20--Japan reports record high daily number of coronavirus-related fatalities

The total fatality count in Japan has reached 274 .
In the past 24 hours , 345 new cases were registered , including 102 in Tokyo .
The total case tally , including the passengers and the crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship , has reached 11,864 .
TOKYO , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
In the past 24 hours , 23 coronavirus patients died in Japan , becoming the record-high daily fatality count since the coronavirus statistics was established , Kyodo news agency reported .
Tokyo continues to register the majority of cases ( 3,182 ) , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 799 ) prefectures .
Earlier , Japanese TV reported that the infection spread had slowed : Sunday saw 369 new cases , while on Saturday , the number was 584 .
Since April 8 , Tokyo and the neighboring prefectures of Kanagawa , Saitama , Chiba , as well as Osaka , Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures , introduced a state of emergency , announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe .
On April 16 , the prime minister declared the state of emergency across the entire country , effective until May 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of contacts between people by 80 % and to prevent trips across the country during the holiday season in late April - early May .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus @ @

The total fatality count in Japan has reached 274. In the past 24 hours, 345 new cases were registered, including 102 in Tokyo. The total case tally, including the passengers and the crew of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, has reached 11,864.
TOKYO, April 20. /TASS/. In the past 24 hours, 23 coronavirus patients died in Japan, becoming the record-high daily fatality count since the coronavirus statistics was established, Kyodo news agency reported.
Tokyo continues to register the majority of cases (3,182), followed by Osaka (1,296) and Kanagawa (799) prefectures.
Earlier, Japanese TV reported that the infection spread had slowed: Sunday saw 369 new cases, while on Saturday, the number was 584.
Since April 8, Tokyo and the neighboring prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, as well as Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures, introduced a state of emergency, announced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. On April 16, the prime minister declared the state of emergency across the entire country, effective until May 6. These measures seek to decrease the number of contacts between people by 80% and to prevent trips across the country during the holiday season in late April - early May.
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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--US can tighten pressure on Iran after November election, says expert

The pundit pointed out that incidents would continue in Iraq and the Persian Gulf , like the ones the world already witnessed MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Washington and Tehran are not interested in escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf amid the coronavirus pandemic , however , the United States can ramp up pressure on Iran following the November presidential election , head of the Center for the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin told TASS on Monday .
`` As for the escalation of confrontation with it possibly turning into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in a large-scale armed conflict even before .
Even more so amid the pandemic .
However , it is clear that the tension is still there and will continue to be there , '' Fitin said .
The expert also pointed out that incidents would continue in Iraq and the Persian Gulf , like the ones the world already witnessed — Iran 's naval motorboats activity and missile strike exchanges in Iraq .
Nevertheless , Washington will not rejuvenate its plans for Iran for now .
The expert noted that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election .
`` After the pandemic that severely hit primarily the US is over , the presidential campaign will enter its decisive phase .
All eyes of the current administration and its opponents will be on the US domestic political battleground .
It is not the right time for them to reinvigorate confrontation with Iran , '' Fitin emphasized .
`` I think that the strategic issue will be put first on the agenda after the US election irrespective of who will take the presidential office , '' he concluded .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against coronavirus Fitin branded a political gesture .
`` Americans want to show that despite everything they support the Iranian people , they only oppose the leadership which is driving the country into a deadlock .
A simple demonstration .
They were certainly sure that Iran wouldn ’ t take these crumbs , '' he noted .
The expert added that Iranians themselves revealed that they had asked IMF for help but the US blocked this plea .
`` This is the real face of a big Satan , as they call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Saturday , US President Donald Trump announced that the US is willing to provide ventilators to Iran to help fight the coronavirus spread .
According to Trump , the US has thousands of ventilators in stock .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif , in turn , said that Tehran does not need Washington ’ s help .

The pundit pointed out that incidents would continue in Iraq and the Persian Gulf, like the ones the world already witnessed
MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Washington and Tehran are not interested in escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf amid the coronavirus pandemic, however, the United States can ramp up pressure on Iran following the November presidential election, head of the Center for the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin told TASS on Monday. "As for the escalation of confrontation with it possibly turning into an armed conflict, no side was interested in a large-scale armed conflict even before. Even more so amid the pandemic. However, it is clear that the tension is still there and will continue to be there," Fitin said. The expert also pointed out that incidents would continue in Iraq and the Persian Gulf, like the ones the world already witnessed — Iran's naval motorboats activity and missile strike exchanges in Iraq. Nevertheless, Washington will not rejuvenate its plans for Iran for now.
Read also Russian Foreign Ministry says countries have no right to settle scores on Iraqi soil
The expert noted that it is likely to take place after the US presidential election. "After the pandemic that severely hit primarily the US is over, the presidential campaign will enter its decisive phase. All eyes of the current administration and its opponents will be on the US domestic political battleground. It is not the right time for them to reinvigorate confrontation with Iran," Fitin emphasized. "I think that the strategic issue will be put first on the agenda after the US election irrespective of who will take the presidential office," he concluded. Aid refused
Read also Russian diplomat slams US reluctance to ease Iranian sanctions amid coronavirus


tass--2020-04-20--Putin, Maduro discuss joint anti-coronavirus efforts, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of combating the coronavirus infection were among the topics of a telephone conversation between Russian and Venezuelan Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro , the Kremlin press service said on Monday .
`` The sides noted the importance of internationally agreed measures to combat the new global threat , including Vladimir Putin ’ s initiative to create the so-called green corridors , free from trade wars and sanctions , for deliveries of medicines , food , equipment and technologies for the crisis period , '' the press service said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered by the Russia side , including supplies of testing systems , '' the Kremlin said , adding that the two leaders agreed to continue contacts at various levels , including between the two countries ’ health ministries .
The conversation was initiated by the Venezuelan side .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Issues of combating the coronavirus infection were among the topics of a telephone conversation between Russian and Venezuelan Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Nicolas Maduro, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.
"The sides noted the importance of internationally agreed measures to combat the new global threat, including Vladimir Putin’s initiative to create the so-called green corridors, free from trade wars and sanctions, for deliveries of medicines, food, equipment and technologies for the crisis period," the press service said.
"Nicolas Maduro expressed gratitude for the assistance offered by the Russia side, including supplies of testing systems," the Kremlin said, adding that the two leaders agreed to continue contacts at various levels, including between the two countries’ health ministries.
The conversation was initiated by the Venezuelan side.
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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--Those wishing to return to New York from Moscow can leave on April 24, embassy says

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The next flight from Moscow to New York will leave on April 24 @ @ @ @ @ sale , US Embassy in Moscow Spokesperson Rebecca Ross informed on Monday .
`` Tickets @ @ @ @ @ Aeroflot 's website for a commercial flight from Moscow ( SVO ) to New York @ @ @ @ @ , April 24 at 14:15 .
·Please contact Aeroflot directly to book a seat for @ @ @ @ @ said on Twitter .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. The next flight from Moscow to New York will leave on April 24, tickets are now on sale, US Embassy in Moscow Spokesperson Rebecca Ross informed on Monday.
"Tickets are now for sale on Aeroflot's website for a commercial flight from Moscow (SVO) to New York (JFK) on Friday, April 24 at 14:15. ·Please contact Aeroflot directly to book a seat for this flight," she said on Twitter.


tass--2020-04-20--Foreign interference in Venezuelan affairs unacceptable, says Putin

Putin , Trump did not discuss the US $ 15 mln bounty for Maduro ’ s ‘ apprehension ’ — @ @ @ @ @ .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that foreign interference in Venezuelan affairs @ @ @ @ @ press service informed on Monday on the outcomes of the phone call between the Russian @ @ @ @ @ Maduro .
`` Russia has reaffirmed its support of Venezuela ’ s legal government on @ @ @ @ @ disputes based on national dialogue .
[ Russia ] has stressed that destructive foreign interference @ @ @ @ @ , '' the message informs .

Putin, Trump did not discuss the US $15 mln bounty for Maduro’s ‘apprehension’ — Kremlin
MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that foreign interference in Venezuelan affairs is unacceptable, the Kremlin press service informed on Monday on the outcomes of the phone call between the Russian leader and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
"Russia has reaffirmed its support of Venezuela’s legal government on peaceful regulation of domestic policy disputes based on national dialogue. [Russia] has stressed that destructive foreign interference in Venezuelan affairs is unacceptable," the message informs.


tass--2020-04-20--Over 700 coronavirus patients in Russia in critical condition, says health minister

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 700 patients diagnosed with the coronavirus infection in Russia are in critical condition , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Monday .
`` We have set up a federal consultative center , which registers all patients in critical condition .
As of today , we have more than 700 such patients , i.e .
those requiring increased attention in intensive care wards , '' he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel .
The minister noted that self-isolation measures are yielding good results as the number of coronavirus-positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow and the Moscow region .
According to the minister , the symptoms of this disease develop rapidly , so it is important to consult a doctor in due time .
`` Patients who call a doctor in due time and begin treatment early have better forecasts and milder forms of the disease than those who took medicines on their own waiting for improvement , '' Murashko said .
`` That is why it is essential to seek medical assistance at the right moment . ''
To date , a total of 47,121 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. More than 700 patients diagnosed with the coronavirus infection in Russia are in critical condition, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Monday.
"We have set up a federal consultative center, which registers all patients in critical condition. As of today, we have more than 700 such patients, i.e. those requiring increased attention in intensive care wards," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.
The minister noted that self-isolation measures are yielding good results as the number of coronavirus-positive patients in critical condition has reduced in Moscow and the Moscow region.
According to the minister, the symptoms of this disease develop rapidly, so it is important to consult a doctor in due time. "Patients who call a doctor in due time and begin treatment early have better forecasts and milder forms of the disease than those who took medicines on their own waiting for improvement," Murashko said. "That is why it is essential to seek medical assistance at the right moment."
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--Russian lawmaker slams as unfair competition Trump’s words about China guilt for pandemic

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian lawmaker has slammed as an example of unfair competition US President Donald Trump ’ s words that China would face consequences in case its blame for the spread of the coronavirus infection is proved .
`` The United States continues to preach savage egoism amid the coronavirus pandemic .
As soon as the morbidity curve has somewhat stabilized , Washington rushed to speak about China ’ s possible responsibility or even about punishing China for the COVID-19 outbreak , '' Leonid Slutsky , chairman of the International Affairs Committee of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said on Monday .
`` Again , we see methods of unfair competition practiced by Washington in a bid to guarantee its own domination . ''
`` In a situation when people ’ s lives are at stake , such methods look even more cynical , '' he stressed .
`` China is no accomplice of the virus .
It , like other countries , is a victim of the epidemic .
We all must show solidarity in the face of the threat rather than pointing fingers at each other looking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another expert , Dmitry Suslov , deputy head of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies of the National Research University Higher School of Economics , the statements made by US President Donald Trump that China must bear responsibility for the pandemic is merely a campaign rhetoric , which aims to reduce the pressure on the White House over his own miscalculations in the coronavirus fight .
`` These allegations have a very serious campaigning component .
During the initial stages of reaction to the pandemic , the Trump Administration was quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures in time , and the US leader himself kept saying that ‘ this is all not serious , there is nothing scary about it , the economy is way more important ’ throughout March , '' the expert says .
`` Due to these missteps , the US got a colossal breakaway on infection and fatality cases .
The US administration urgently needs a scapegoat , and they have found it in China . ''
According to Suslov , the US officials seek to shift the public discussion focus from Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against the pandemic during its early stages , to search for `` China ’ s mythical guilt in the spread of the disease . ''
He noted that such statements are characteristic of US policy of containment towards Beijing .
`` Due to the coronavirus and the processes it provoked , the US influence goes downward , while Chinese influence , on the contrary , gets stronger .
Washington desperately seeks to prevent the processes of its own weakening and to activate the struggle for restoration of its global dominance , '' @ @ @ @

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday China could face consequences if it was proved to be "knowingly responsible" for the coronavirus pandemic
MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. A Russian lawmaker has slammed as an example of unfair competition US President Donald Trump’s words that China would face consequences in case its blame for the spread of the coronavirus infection is proved.
Read also US investigates origins of novel coronavirus pandemic — Trump
"The United States continues to preach savage egoism amid the coronavirus pandemic. As soon as the morbidity curve has somewhat stabilized, Washington rushed to speak about China’s possible responsibility or even about punishing China for the COVID-19 outbreak," Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of Russia’s State Duma lower parliament house, said on Monday. "Again, we see methods of unfair competition practiced by Washington in a bid to guarantee its own domination."
Read also Ambassador says coronavirus imported to China, points to genetic sequence as proof
"In a situation when people’s lives are at stake, such methods look even more cynical," he stressed. "China is no accomplice of the virus. It, like other countries, is a victim of the epidemic. We all must show solidarity in the face of the threat rather than pointing fingers at each other looking for a guilty party." According to another expert, Dmitry Suslov, deputy head of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the statements made by US President Donald Trump that China must bear responsibility for the pandemic is merely a campaign rhetoric, which aims to reduce the pressure on the White House over his own miscalculations in the coronavirus fight. "These allegations have a very serious campaigning component. During the initial stages of reaction to the pandemic, the Trump Administration was quite clumsy: they did not introduce restrictive measures in time, and the US leader himself kept saying that ‘this is all not serious, there is nothing scary about it, the economy is way more important’ throughout March," the expert says. "Due to these missteps, the US got a colossal breakaway on infection and fatality cases. The US administration urgently needs a scapegoat, and they have found it in China." According to Suslov, the US officials seek to shift the public discussion focus from Trump administration’s mistakes, which prevented effective fight against the pandemic during its early stages, to search for "China’s mythical guilt in the spread of the disease." He noted that such statements are characteristic of US policy of containment towards Beijing. "Due to the coronavirus and the processes it provoked, the US influence goes downward, while Chinese influence, on the contrary, gets stronger. Washington desperately seeks to prevent the processes of its own weakening and to activate the struggle for restoration of its global dominance," the analyst noted. No serious consequences


tass--2020-04-20--Protective masks production to grow to 7.5 mln per day soon, Putin vows

`` We were producing just 1.2 mln masks in the country in early March ; we will produce as much as 3.5 mln per day by the end of the month and will make 7.5 mln in the near future , '' the head of state said .
The Russian industry is boosting production of various protective aids , Putin said .
`` At the same time , we collaborate with our foreign partners rather proactively , '' the president added , citing China as an example .
`` When our friends experienced difficulties in February , we sent 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have received to date 150 mln masks from China through different channels , '' he noted .
Domestic `` small and medium enterprises set up production of hygienic masks in the amount of 5.8 mln , '' the head of state said .
`` Some 1.7 mln protective suits are imported into Russia .
We scaled up domestic production from 6,000 in mid-March to 20,000 and more than 100,000 suits will be produced daily in the coming future , by May , '' Putin noted .
`` Two million protection suits were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Such work will definitely continue , '' the Russian leader vowed .
As regards production of breather masks , `` we increased production twofold over one month to 280,000 per day , while 2.5 mln were delivered from China over that period .
Roughly 700,000 items will be imported by the end of April and 2.6 mln more in May , '' the president informed .
`` We enjoy fairly broad cooperation with many colleagues , '' Putin stated .
At the same time , Russia completely covers its sanitizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We get along without import in respect of sanitizers ; we satisfy all our needs completely , '' he added .

"We were producing just 1.2 mln masks in the country in early March; we will produce as much as 3.5 mln per day by the end of the month and will make 7.5 mln in the near future," the head of state said.
The Russian industry is boosting production of various protective aids, Putin said. "At the same time, we collaborate with our foreign partners rather proactively," the president added, citing China as an example. "When our friends experienced difficulties in February, we sent 2 mln masks [to them]. We have received to date 150 mln masks from China through different channels," he noted.
Domestic "small and medium enterprises set up production of hygienic masks in the amount of 5.8 mln," the head of state said. "Some 1.7 mln protective suits are imported into Russia. We scaled up domestic production from 6,000 in mid-March to 20,000 and more than 100,000 suits will be produced daily in the coming future, by May," Putin noted. "Two million protection suits were additionally imported from China," he said. "Such work will definitely continue," the Russian leader vowed.
As regards production of breather masks, "we increased production twofold over one month to 280,000 per day, while 2.5 mln were delivered from China over that period. Roughly 700,000 items will be imported by the end of April and 2.6 mln more in May," the president informed.
"We enjoy fairly broad cooperation with many colleagues," Putin stated. At the same time, Russia completely covers its sanitizer needs, the president pointed out. "We get along without import in respect of sanitizers; we satisfy all our needs completely," he added.


tass--2020-04-20--Saudi Arabia’s coronavirus cases top 10,000

TASS , April 20 .
Saudi doctors have identified 1,122 new coronavirus cases , the Saudi health ministry reported via @ @ @ @ @ total number of infections reached 10,484 .
According to the ministry , 24 people died @ @ @ @ @ , while 92 patients recovered .
The country reported 103 fatalities in the pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ 8,891 people are being treated across the country .
Saudi Arabia is still ranked first @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases .

TASS, April 20. Saudi doctors have identified 1,122 new coronavirus cases, the Saudi health ministry reported via Twitter, adding that the total number of infections reached 10,484.
According to the ministry, 24 people died over the past 24 hours, while 92 patients recovered. The country reported 103 fatalities in the pandemic and 1,490 recoveries. Currently, 8,891 people are being treated across the country.
Saudi Arabia is still ranked first among the Arab countries in coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-04-20--Putin certain cooperation between Russia, US on fighting coronavirus will continue

NOVO OGARYOVO , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a contract on ventilator components , signed with the US , adding that the cooperation of the two countries will continue .
`` The next day after our military transport plane landed in New York , carrying equipment and protective gear , we signed a contract with our American partners on shipment of air flow sensors , required for the production of ventilators in Russia , '' the president said .
The Russian leader pointed towards cooperation with Italy as an example .
`` We sent there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilian agencies , too .
But this is not a one-way street — we buy pressure sensors from Italy , which are necessary for the production of the ventilators .
And this cooperation keeps growing , '' Putin underscored .
`` There are things we do from scratch , and we do them efficiently : for example , we have never produced single-use breathing circuits for the ventilators , and now one of our companies began to produce [ them ] , '' Putin said .
`` Throughout April , 80,000 pieces will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company will achieve a monthly production of 200,000 pieces . ''
`` This work will continue in all fields , '' the president pledged .

NOVO OGARYOVO, April 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a contract on ventilator components, signed with the US, adding that the cooperation of the two countries will continue.
"The next day after our military transport plane landed in New York, carrying equipment and protective gear, we signed a contract with our American partners on shipment of air flow sensors, required for the production of ventilators in Russia," the president said.
The Russian leader pointed towards cooperation with Italy as an example. "We sent there our military medics and sent equipment via civilian agencies, too. But this is not a one-way street — we buy pressure sensors from Italy, which are necessary for the production of the ventilators. And this cooperation keeps growing," Putin underscored.
"There are things we do from scratch, and we do them efficiently: for example, we have never produced single-use breathing circuits for the ventilators, and now one of our companies began to produce [them]," Putin said. "Throughout April, 80,000 pieces will be made; since May, the company will achieve a monthly production of 200,000 pieces."
"This work will continue in all fields," the president pledged.


tass--2020-04-20--Hainan to increase acreage for rice to 132, 200 ha in 2020

HAIKOU , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan will increase the acreage for rice cultivation by 2.02 % – up to 132 , 200 hectares in 2020 , according the Hainan Daily .
According to the news outlet , the local government has set the task to increase the cultivated area for grain to 287,000 ha in 2020 ( an increase of 350 ha ) .
According to the newspaper , the authorities also plan to take measures to protect the crop from insects .
At present , 113 varieties of rice are cultivated on the Island of Hainan with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and irrigation systems for torrential production are also under development .
In particular , in the urban district of Wenchang there are two experimental farms practicing rice cultivation with the use of torrential method .
The Chinese scientists have also created an experimental plantation on Hainan for experiments on the cultivation of `` saltwater rice '' , which has salt tolerant properties .
Scientists often use the term “ saltwater rice ” among themselves , but this name is unofficial , as , strictly speaking , it does not grow directly in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the salt marsh - the soil , the top layer of which is characterized by the presence of readily-soluble salts , where most crops would die .
The scientific research base will be located in Wenchang County in Puqian and Jinshan areas .
These areas were severely damaged by typhoon Rammasun in 2014 : due to the storms , a large number of fertile lands was contaminated with salt and the lands ' fertility decreased significantly .
Currently , 24 , 700 hectares of rural lands remain abandoned .

HAIKOU, April 20. /TASS/. Hainan will increase the acreage for rice cultivation by 2.02% – up to 132, 200 hectares in 2020, according the Hainan Daily.
According to the news outlet, the local government has set the task to increase the cultivated area for grain to 287,000 ha in 2020 (an increase of 350 ha). According to the newspaper, the authorities also plan to take measures to protect the crop from insects.
At present, 113 varieties of rice are cultivated on the Island of Hainan with the use of dry land method, and irrigation systems for torrential production are also under development. In particular, in the urban district of Wenchang there are two experimental farms practicing rice cultivation with the use of torrential method.
The Chinese scientists have also created an experimental plantation on Hainan for experiments on the cultivation of "saltwater rice", which has salt tolerant properties. Scientists often use the term “saltwater rice” among themselves, but this name is unofficial, as, strictly speaking, it does not grow directly in the ocean. This breed grows and survives in the salt marsh - the soil, the top layer of which is characterized by the presence of readily-soluble salts, where most crops would die.
The scientific research base will be located in Wenchang County in Puqian and Jinshan areas. These areas were severely damaged by typhoon Rammasun in 2014: due to the storms, a large number of fertile lands was contaminated with salt and the lands' fertility decreased significantly. Currently, 24, 700 hectares of rural lands remain abandoned.


tass--2020-04-20--Nornickel plans to complete work on drones to monitor mines

KRASNOYARSK , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Norilsk Nickel Company plans to finalize in 2020 the work on unmanned aerial vehicles , which can work inside mines , head of Nornickel ’ s Digital Lab Alexei Manikhin told TASS .
`` We are in the homestretch with the work on a drone for mines , for places where communication and GPS navigation do not work .
< … > We now begin another trial inside the mine , and we plan to finalize the work in the second half of the year , '' he said .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries are only at the stage of projects .
`` The world does not have solutions , which could meet the requirements of our industry , no matter how weird it may sound nowadays , '' he added .
The company embarked on the project in 2018 .
Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company , the world ’ s largest producer of refined nickel and palladium and a leading producer of platinum , cobalt , copper and rhodium .
The company also produces gold , silver , iridium , @ @ @ @ @ @

KRASNOYARSK, April 20. /TASS/. The Norilsk Nickel Company plans to finalize in 2020 the work on unmanned aerial vehicles, which can work inside mines, head of Nornickel’s Digital Lab Alexei Manikhin told TASS.
"We are in the homestretch with the work on a drone for mines, for places where communication and GPS navigation do not work. <…> We now begin another trial inside the mine, and we plan to finalize the work in the second half of the year," he said.
According to Manikhin, such unmanned aerial vehicles in other countries are only at the stage of projects. "The world does not have solutions, which could meet the requirements of our industry, no matter how weird it may sound nowadays," he added.
The company embarked on the project in 2018.
Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company, the world’s largest producer of refined nickel and palladium and a leading producer of platinum, cobalt, copper and rhodium. The company also produces gold, silver, iridium, selenium, ruthenium and tellurium.


tass--2020-04-20--US trying to use COVID-19 pandemic with political aims, says Syria’s Assad

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has condemned the refusal of the US and Western states to lift unilateral sanctions against several states in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Al-Assad made this statement during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus , quoted by SANA news agency .
`` Sadly , the US and several other states are using this epidemic with political aims , '' al-Assad said .
`` Even in these strictly humanitarian conditions , they have failed to lift the sanctions . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Western ruling circles .
`` The coronavirus has shown that these governments are acting in the interest of those in power and not in the interest of their own people , '' the Syrian leader stressed .
SANA informed that al-Assad had expressed his condolences to Iran over the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic in the country .
Iran has documented about 83,500 cases of the novel coronavirus , with at least 5,209 deaths .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. /TASS/. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has condemned the refusal of the US and Western states to lift unilateral sanctions against several states in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Al-Assad made this statement during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Damascus, quoted by SANA news agency.
"Sadly, the US and several other states are using this epidemic with political aims," al-Assad said. "Even in these strictly humanitarian conditions, they have failed to lift the sanctions." He noted that this approach exposes the amorality of Western ruling circles. "The coronavirus has shown that these governments are acting in the interest of those in power and not in the interest of their own people," the Syrian leader stressed.
SANA informed that al-Assad had expressed his condolences to Iran over the consequences of the coronavirus epidemic in the country. Iran has documented about 83,500 cases of the novel coronavirus, with at least 5,209 deaths.
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 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-20--Russian Geographical Society continues Trans-Polar Railroad expedition

ST. PETERSBURG , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Geographical Society ( RGS ) continued the Trans-Polar Railroad expedition to install geo-thermal equipment in the Yamalo-Nenets and Krasnoyarsk regions .
Collected data will be used to evaluate the expediency of the project to build a railway line between Korotcheyevo , Igarka and Norilsk , RGS ’ s press service said in a statement .
`` In order to evaluate the prospects and specifics of this railway line 's construction , RGS ’ s specialists installed geo-thermal measuring equipment in various locations along the planned line , sometimes in extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted the society ’ s department head , Sergei Chechulin as saying .
The expedition members registered measurements at 19 locations , where the equipment was installed in autumn .
Two new locations can be found in the northernmost ( Dudinka ) and southernmost ( Krasnoselkup village ) points of the surveyed area .
The explorers covered 3,800 km across snow , river ice and mountains between Snezhnogorsk and Norilsk .
`` The expedition ’ s area is a huge triangle with vertices in Urengoi , Turukhansk and Norilsk .
The shortest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , '' the scientist said .
`` The Polar Circle divides the triangle in two almost equal parts , where there are practically no roads , only ice roads that in winter connect oil and gas deposits . ''
Construction of a railway line between Korotchayevo , Igarka and Norilsk began in 1949 .
The labor force was Soviet prisoners .
After Joseph Stalin ’ s death in 1953 , the construction was terminated .

ST. PETERSBURG, April 20. /TASS/. The Russian Geographical Society (RGS) continued the Trans-Polar Railroad expedition to install geo-thermal equipment in the Yamalo-Nenets and Krasnoyarsk regions. Collected data will be used to evaluate the expediency of the project to build a railway line between Korotcheyevo, Igarka and Norilsk, RGS’s press service said in a statement.
"In order to evaluate the prospects and specifics of this railway line's construction, RGS’s specialists installed geo-thermal measuring equipment in various locations along the planned line, sometimes in extremely hard-to-reach places," the press service quoted the society’s department head, Sergei Chechulin as saying.
The expedition members registered measurements at 19 locations, where the equipment was installed in autumn. Two new locations can be found in the northernmost (Dudinka) and southernmost (Krasnoselkup village) points of the surveyed area. The explorers covered 3,800 km across snow, river ice and mountains between Snezhnogorsk and Norilsk.
"The expedition’s area is a huge triangle with vertices in Urengoi, Turukhansk and Norilsk. The shortest, southern, side is at least 500km long," the scientist said. "The Polar Circle divides the triangle in two almost equal parts, where there are practically no roads, only ice roads that in winter connect oil and gas deposits."
Construction of a railway line between Korotchayevo, Igarka and Norilsk began in 1949. The labor force was Soviet prisoners. After Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953, the construction was terminated.


tass--2020-04-20--Revenue of Hainan's duty free stores exceeds $7.7 bln over nine years

HAIKOU , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The total revenue of Hainan 's duty free stores over nine years exceeded 55 billion yuan ( about $ 7.78 billion ) , according to the local customs office .
Over nine years since the launch of the pilot program for the development of duty free stores on the island , more than 16 million customers have shopped at the stores ; the volume of sold goods reached 72 million .
At present , there are four duty free stores on the island : two in Haikou , one each in the resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the island and in Qionghaii in the east of the province .
Duty free stores on the island temporarily suspended their operations amid the coronavirus epidemic , however , since February 19 , they have been open .
According to the customs administration , by the end of March , the network ’ s sales reached 80 % of revenue at the end of the first quarter of last year .
On April 20 , 2011 , the Chinese State Council approved the launch of a pilot program for the development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hainan to promote the island as a world-class resort .
Visitors can make purchases up to 30,000 yuan ( about $ 4,240 ) a year without paying duties .

HAIKOU, April 20. /TASS/. The total revenue of Hainan's duty free stores over nine years exceeded 55 billion yuan (about $ 7.78 billion), according to the local customs office.
Over nine years since the launch of the pilot program for the development of duty free stores on the island, more than 16 million customers have shopped at the stores; the volume of sold goods reached 72 million.
At present, there are four duty free stores on the island: two in Haikou, one each in the resort town of Sanya in the southern part of the island and in Qionghaii in the east of the province.
Duty free stores on the island temporarily suspended their operations amid the coronavirus epidemic, however, since February 19, they have been open. According to the customs administration, by the end of March, the network’s sales reached 80% of revenue at the end of the first quarter of last year.
On April 20, 2011, the Chinese State Council approved the launch of a pilot program for the development of a duty-free store chain on the Island of Hainan to promote the island as a world-class resort. Visitors can make purchases up to 30,000 yuan (about $ 4,240) a year without paying duties.


tass--2020-04-20--More than 36,800 companies registered on Hainan in first quarter of 2020

HAIKOU , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Over 36,800 new market entities were registered in the southern Chinese province of Hainan in the first quarter of 2020 , according to www.hinews.cn .
Overall , at least 955,000 market entities are currently workingin the province , where the process of building a pilot free trade zone and a free port is currently underway .
Over 320,000 of those are enterprises , the rest — entrepreneurs .
The local authorities over the recent years have made significant progress in improving the business registration system .
In particular , business registration is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process by the relevant authorities ( which is more simple now as well ) .
Applicants can provide documents online and choose a convenient window from one of the local market control institutions to obtain a license in any part of the province .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .

HAIKOU, April 20. /TASS/. Over 36,800 new market entities were registered in the southern Chinese province of Hainan in the first quarter of 2020, according to www.hinews.cn.
Overall, at least 955,000 market entities are currently workingin the province, where the process of building a pilot free trade zone and a free port is currently underway. Over 320,000 of those are enterprises, the rest — entrepreneurs.
The local authorities over the recent years have made significant progress in improving the business registration system. In particular, business registration is now available online, as is the approval process by the relevant authorities (which is more simple now as well). Applicants can provide documents online and choose a convenient window from one of the local market control institutions to obtain a license in any part of the province.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province.
By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-04-20--178 Russian tourists repatriated from Vietnam

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
An S7 flight with 178 Russian tourists has arrived at Russia @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Cam Ranh , as follows from the Flightradar portal report .
The flight @ @ @ @ @ at 10:48 a.m. local time ( 06:48 a.m. Moscow time ) .
Onboard are tourists @ @ @ @ @ Tomsk , Kemerovo regions , and the Altai territory .
According to earlier reports , @ @ @ @ @ drafted a preliminary schedule of flights to repatriate Russian nationals from foreign countries for a @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
Along with the flight from Cam Ranh , it includes flights from Bangkok @ @ @ @ @ Novosibirsk , and a flight from Bangkok to Kemerovo .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. /TASS/. An S7 flight with 178 Russian tourists has arrived at Russia’s Novosibirsk from Vietnam’s Cam Ranh, as follows from the Flightradar portal report.
The flight took off from Cam Ranh at 10:48 a.m. local time (06:48 a.m. Moscow time). Onboard are tourists from Russia’s Siberian Tomsk, Kemerovo regions, and the Altai territory.
According to earlier reports, Russia’ Air Transport Agency drafted a preliminary schedule of flights to repatriate Russian nationals from foreign countries for a period of up to April 20. Along with the flight from Cam Ranh, it includes flights from Bangkok to Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk, and a flight from Bangkok to Kemerovo.


tass--2020-04-20--Putin asks healthcare minister to expedite coronavirus vaccine registration

Putin says coronavirus epidemic keeps spreading , but Russia managed to contain it NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko is asked to consider acceleration of coronavirus vaccine registration procedure and import of drug manufacturing equipment , President Vladimir Putin said on Monday at the meeting on the sanitary-epidemiological situation .
The minister was requested by the head of state to systematize all the proposals made at the meeting by Alexander Gintsburg , director of the Gamaleya National Epidemiology and Microbiology Research Center .
`` This also pertains to the speedup of permitting procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service — TASS ] and to all other administrative [ procedures ] , including the customs ones , when importing required equipment , '' Putin noted .
The president added that his assignment also covers the need for allocating extra funds and resources to start producing the vaccine .
Authorities will provide all the required support , Putin said .
`` We will endeavor to expedite all the required administrative procedures and if required , and as I understand , such a need exists — to increase extra resources , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea to vaccinate medics against the coronavirus infection in the first place as soon as a vaccine is developed .
The idea was voiced by Elena Tsyganova , a specialist for infectious diseases at Moscow ’ s Healthcare Department , at a meeting on the epidemic situation in the country .
`` I think it goes without saying .
First of all , it is necessary to protect medical personnel because these people are on the frontline , '' Putin said .

Putin says coronavirus epidemic keeps spreading, but Russia managed to contain it
NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 20. /TASS/. Russian Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko is asked to consider acceleration of coronavirus vaccine registration procedure and import of drug manufacturing equipment, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday at the meeting on the sanitary-epidemiological situation.
The minister was requested by the head of state to systematize all the proposals made at the meeting by Alexander Gintsburg, director of the Gamaleya National Epidemiology and Microbiology Research Center. "This also pertains to the speedup of permitting procedures, through Roszdrav [Russian healthcare surveillance service — TASS] and to all other administrative [procedures], including the customs ones, when importing required equipment," Putin noted.
The president added that his assignment also covers the need for allocating extra funds and resources to start producing the vaccine. Authorities will provide all the required support, Putin said. "We will endeavor to expedite all the required administrative procedures and if required, and as I understand, such a need exists — to increase extra resources," he added.
Vaccination of medics
Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the idea to vaccinate medics against the coronavirus infection in the first place as soon as a vaccine is developed.
The idea was voiced by Elena Tsyganova, a specialist for infectious diseases at Moscow’s Healthcare Department, at a meeting on the epidemic situation in the country.
"I think it goes without saying. First of all, it is necessary to protect medical personnel because these people are on the frontline," Putin said.


tass--2020-04-20--Embassy in Czech Republic refutes allegations about Russia’s involvement in cyberattacks

PRAGUE , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s embassy in the Czech Republic has slammed as provocation Czech media reports alleging that the recent hacker attack on medical institutions in that country were allegedly engineered by Russia .
`` A number of Czech media outlets cited unnamed sources in the Czech security agencies to claim that Russia was allegedly behind the series of recent cyberattacks on medical establishments in the Czech Republic , '' the embassy said in a statement posted on its Facebook account .
`` This is nothing but yet another portion of fake news .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only goal of such publications is to create a hostile image of our country . ''
The embassy noted that it is general practice of the local media to circulate ungrounded anti-Russian materials .
`` But capitalizing on the topic of our common disaster — the coronavirus epidemic , when people ’ s lives are at stake — goes beyond any possible moral and ethical frames .
It is also alarming that the pretext for the current scandalous and revolting accusations against Russia comes from the Czech authorities that are rushing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be behind the cyberattacks in the country , '' it wrote .

PRAGUE, April 20. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy in the Czech Republic has slammed as provocation Czech media reports alleging that the recent hacker attack on medical institutions in that country were allegedly engineered by Russia.
"A number of Czech media outlets cited unnamed sources in the Czech security agencies to claim that Russia was allegedly behind the series of recent cyberattacks on medical establishments in the Czech Republic," the embassy said in a statement posted on its Facebook account.
"This is nothing but yet another portion of fake news. The Russian embassy wants to stress that the only goal of such publications is to create a hostile image of our country."
The embassy noted that it is general practice of the local media to circulate ungrounded anti-Russian materials. "But capitalizing on the topic of our common disaster — the coronavirus epidemic, when people’s lives are at stake — goes beyond any possible moral and ethical frames. It is also alarming that the pretext for the current scandalous and revolting accusations against Russia comes from the Czech authorities that are rushing to say that a "foreign state" might be behind the cyberattacks in the country," it wrote.