tass--2020-03-20--Kremlin believes ruble rate will stabilize after unpleasant volatility

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
The ruble exchange rate leaps are unpleasant , but macroeconomic indicators suggest that volatility will give way to stability , Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
Commenting on the remark that the Russian ruble has become one of the weakest currencies in the world since the beginning of the year , the Kremlin official warned against `` labeling on the basis of three-four-day dynamics , '' noting that it is `` unprofessional , to say the least . ''
`` This daily volatility , these leaps , all this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed .
`` Despite all the difficulties , the macroeconomic indicators make it possible to say with confidence that volatility will be followed by stability , '' he said .
According to him , the current leaps of the ruble rate were caused by `` an unfavorable situation in the world , '' and that very `` ideal storm '' in the global economy , as well as by `` emotional consequences . ''
`` Unfortunately , this is a reality , but intensive measures are being taken by both the government and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] .
Such volatility occurs sometimes .
It happened a few years ago , but it is always followed by a period of stability , '' the spokesman added .

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The ruble exchange rate leaps are unpleasant, but macroeconomic indicators suggest that volatility will give way to stability, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
Commenting on the remark that the Russian ruble has become one of the weakest currencies in the world since the beginning of the year, the Kremlin official warned against "labeling on the basis of three-four-day dynamics," noting that it is "unprofessional, to say the least."
"This daily volatility, these leaps, all this is unpleasant, of course," Peskov agreed.
"Despite all the difficulties, the macroeconomic indicators make it possible to say with confidence that volatility will be followed by stability," he said.
According to him, the current leaps of the ruble rate were caused by "an unfavorable situation in the world," and that very "ideal storm" in the global economy, as well as by "emotional consequences."
"Unfortunately, this is a reality, but intensive measures are being taken by both the government and our regulator [the Bank of Russia]. Such volatility occurs sometimes. It happened a few years ago, but it is always followed by a period of stability," the spokesman added.


tass--2020-03-20--Kremlin commends US national security adviser’s planned visit to Moscow on May 9

He added that so far , he had not seen an official note sent to the Russian Foreign Ministry by the US in this regard .
`` However , we have heard statements .
These are positive statements , and naturally , we have a positive reaction to them , '' the spokesman added .
MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin commends US National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien ’ s confirmed attendance of the celebratory events in Moscow timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War on May 9 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters on Friday .
US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan said in a statement published by the US embassy on Thursday that the US delegation to the celebratory events in Moscow timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War would be headed by US National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien .
`` I am honored to announce that Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs , Ambassador Robert C. O ’ Brien , will lead the U.S. delegation to Moscow on May 9 to commemorate the 75th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Nazi Germany , '' Sullivan stated .
`` This high-level delegation underscores the commitment of the United States to honor the joint sacrifice of the allies , and the people of the United States and the Soviet Union who gave so much to ensure a safer world for all . ''
The celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War will take place on May 9 , 2020 in Moscow .
Russia has sent invitations to US President Donald Trump , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , as well as a number of European leaders .
Leaders of India , Cuba , France , the Czech Republic , Venezuela , Belarus , Armenia , Bulgaria , and Serbia are among those who confirmed their attendance .

He added that so far, he had not seen an official note sent to the Russian Foreign Ministry by the US in this regard. "However, we have heard statements. These are positive statements, and naturally, we have a positive reaction to them," the spokesman added.
MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Kremlin commends US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien’s confirmed attendance of the celebratory events in Moscow timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War on May 9, 2020, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan said in a statement published by the US embassy on Thursday that the US delegation to the celebratory events in Moscow timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War would be headed by US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien.
"I am honored to announce that Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, will lead the U.S. delegation to Moscow on May 9 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the war against Nazi Germany," Sullivan stated. "This high-level delegation underscores the commitment of the United States to honor the joint sacrifice of the allies, and the people of the United States and the Soviet Union who gave so much to ensure a safer world for all."
The celebratory events timed to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Second World War will take place on May 9, 2020 in Moscow. Russia has sent invitations to US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as well as a number of European leaders. Leaders of India, Cuba, France, the Czech Republic, Venezuela, Belarus, Armenia, Bulgaria, and Serbia are among those who confirmed their attendance.


tass--2020-03-20--Kremlin derides reports about US sanctions against Russia as ‘March madness’

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has criticized reports about the likely introduction of @ @ @ @ @ against Russia for the sake of stabilizing the oil market .
`` I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ this fake [ news ] about possible sanctions .
These [ reports ] are more @ @ @ @ @ March madness , those suffering from Russophobia have experienced given the backdrop of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the media on Friday .
On Thursday , the Wall Street Journal quoted sources as @ @ @ @ @ over the possibility of taking sanctions against Russia in an attempt to stabilize the situation @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has criticized reports about the likely introduction of sanctions by the United States against Russia for the sake of stabilizing the oil market.
"I’m not going to comment on this fake [news] about possible sanctions. These [reports] are more like a side effect of March madness, those suffering from Russophobia have experienced given the backdrop of the coronavirus issue," Peskov told the media on Friday.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal quoted sources as saying US officials were mulling over the possibility of taking sanctions against Russia in an attempt to stabilize the situation on the oil market.


tass--2020-03-20--Trina Solar announces mass production of 500W+ Duomax V& Tallmax V modules

CHANGZHOU , China , March 20 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 18 , 2020 , Trina Solar Co. , Ltd ( `` Trina Solar '' or the `` Company '' ) , a global leading provider of integrated PV modules and smart energy solutions , announced the pilot line for the mass production of the 500W+ Duomax V and Tallmax V ( `` V series '' ) modules .
The event marks another milestone achieved by the company this year after the global launch of the V series on February 27 .
The 500W+ V series modules , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boast a power output exceeding over 500W .
Incorporating 210mm cells , the 500W+V series modules come in two versions - the Duomax V bifacial double-glass modules and Tallmax V back sheet modulesand can be seamlessly connected to existing mainstream photovoltaic system designs , including tracking solutions .
Based on Trina Solar 's superior multi-busbar technology , the modules incorporate an innovative design that integrates advanced three-piece , non-destructive cutting and high-density packaging technologies , eliminating the potential risks associated with ultra-high power modules : voltage , current and thermal overload as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new challenges , Initiated by Trina Solar , the company and its partners jointly developed several industry firsts : a high-speed non-destructive cutting technology , uniform welding for multi-busbar solar modules made of 210mm cells , a new methodology for automated layout of solar panels as well as laminated welding equipment capable of handling mass production .
These firsts , when integrated into the production process , help to achieve steady production .
Trina Solar vice general manager and executive vice president Yin Rongfang said , `` the 500W+ V series modules are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the manufacturing process undertaken over the last 20+ years combined with our accumulated experience in many aspects of the end-to-end process , including product integration and downstream systems .
We are encouraged by the fact that the products have received wide attention and recognition from our industry colleagues , customers and media since their launch .
The 500W+ V series modules not only bring us to a new breakthrough point for customer value maximization , but also inject a new driving force for value growth into the whole photovoltaic industry chain .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 500W+ V series modules has laid a solid foundation for the capacity expansion to 5.5 GW this year , leading the global photovoltaic industry into the solar 5.0 era and a win-win market for ultra-high power modules . ''
The Duomax V bifacial double-glass modules has passed the TUV Rheinland photovoltaic module IEC test and been granted the IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 PV module performance standards certificates .
Trina Solar 's 500W+ V series modules are one of the first ultra-high power modules to be certified by authoritative testing institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a global leading provider of integrated PV modules and smart energy solutions , with its main business focused on PV products , PV systems and smart energy solutions .
Its business covers R & D , production and sales of PV modules , power stations and system equipment , PV power generation and operations services , smart microgrids , development and sales of multi-energy systems , as well as operation and management of energy cloud platforms .
In 2018 , the company took the lead in evolving into a brand in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things ) , established the Trina Solar IoT Industry Development Alliance and the New Energy IoT Industry Innovation Center in concert with the industry 's leading producers and research institutes both in and outside of China , built an innovative platform for research into energy IoT as well as an IoT ecosphere with numerous partners and is committed to becoming a global leader in the smart energy sector .
For more information , please visit www.trinasolar.com .

CHANGZHOU, China, March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 18, 2020, Trina Solar Co., Ltd ("Trina Solar" or the "Company"), a global leading provider of integrated PV modules and smart energy solutions, announced the pilot line for the mass production of the 500W+ Duomax V and Tallmax V ("V series") modules. The event marks another milestone achieved by the company this year after the global launch of the V series on February 27.
The 500W+ V series modules, with a conversion efficiency reaching 21%, boast a power output exceeding over 500W. Incorporating 210mm cells, the 500W+V series modules come in two versions - the Duomax V bifacial double-glass modules and Tallmax V back sheet modulesand can be seamlessly connected to existing mainstream photovoltaic system designs, including tracking solutions. Based on Trina Solar's superior multi-busbar technology, the modules incorporate an innovative design that integrates advanced three-piece, non-destructive cutting and high-density packaging technologies, eliminating the potential risks associated with ultra-high power modules: voltage, current and thermal overload as well as micro cracks. To address the new challenges, Initiated by Trina Solar, the company and its partners jointly developed several industry firsts: a high-speed non-destructive cutting technology, uniform welding for multi-busbar solar modules made of 210mm cells, a new methodology for automated layout of solar panels as well as laminated welding equipment capable of handling mass production. These firsts, when integrated into the production process, help to achieve steady production.
Trina Solar vice general manager and executive vice president Yin Rongfang said, "the 500W+ V series modules are the result of many technological improvements to the manufacturing process undertaken over the last 20+ years combined with our accumulated experience in many aspects of the end-to-end process, including product integration and downstream systems. We are encouraged by the fact that the products have received wide attention and recognition from our industry colleagues, customers and media since their launch. The 500W+ V series modules not only bring us to a new breakthrough point for customer value maximization, but also inject a new driving force for value growth into the whole photovoltaic industry chain. The successful pilot line for the mass production of the 500W+ V series modules has laid a solid foundation for the capacity expansion to 5.5 GW this year, leading the global photovoltaic industry into the solar 5.0 era and a win-win market for ultra-high power modules."
The Duomax V bifacial double-glass modules has passed the TUV Rheinland photovoltaic module IEC test and been granted the IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 PV module performance standards certificates. Trina Solar's 500W+ V series modules are one of the first ultra-high power modules to be certified by authoritative testing institutions.
Photo: https://mgr.trinasolar.com/sites/default/files/Vertex_v_dual.png
Caption: Trina Solar's Duomax V bifacial double-glass modules
About Trina Solar
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar is a global leading provider of integrated PV modules and smart energy solutions, with its main business focused on PV products, PV systems and smart energy solutions. Its business covers R&D, production and sales of PV modules, power stations and system equipment, PV power generation and operations services, smart microgrids, development and sales of multi-energy systems, as well as operation and management of energy cloud platforms. In 2018, the company took the lead in evolving into a brand in the world of energy IoT (internet of things), established the Trina Solar IoT Industry Development Alliance and the New Energy IoT Industry Innovation Center in concert with the industry's leading producers and research institutes both in and outside of China, built an innovative platform for research into energy IoT as well as an IoT ecosphere with numerous partners and is committed to becoming a global leader in the smart energy sector. For more information, please visit www.trinasolar.com.
CONTACT: Ching Wang, +86-21-6057-5302, qing.wang04@trinasolar.com


tass--2020-03-21--Oil prices should reach about $35-40 per barrel - Russia’s first deputy PM

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Oil prices should reach about $ 35-40 per barrel , Russian First Deputy @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with the ‘ Vesti v Subbotu ’ ( News on Saturday ) @ @ @ @ @ channel .
`` My estimation is that [ the prices ] will adjust at the @ @ @ @ @ .
There are other estimations , namely by the Russian Ministry of Energy , that @ @ @ @ @ over $ 40 .
We shall see who is right , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ of Energy predicted that after the current drop in oil prices , the prices will @ @ @ @ @ per barrel in the second half of the year .
Next year , the prices @ @ @ @ @ of $ 40-45 , the ministry said .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Oil prices should reach about $35-40 per barrel, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov said in an interview with the ‘Vesti v Subbotu’ (News on Saturday) program on the Rossiya-1 TV channel.
"My estimation is that [the prices] will adjust at the level of about $35-40. There are other estimations, namely by the Russian Ministry of Energy, that it will be higher, over $40. We shall see who is right," he said.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Energy predicted that after the current drop in oil prices, the prices will rise to about $45-55 per barrel in the second half of the year. Next year, the prices should remain at the level of $40-45, the ministry said.


tass--2020-03-21--Russia delivers over 100,000 COVID-19 test kits to 13 states - officials

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare has delivered over 100,000 COVID-19 test kits to 13 states , the watchdog ’ s press service informed on Saturday , adding that delivery to three more states is planned .
`` The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare has handed over the test systems developed by the Vector research center that allow to hold over 100,000 tests for COVID-19 to 13 states , including member states of the Eurasian Economic Union , the Commonwealth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the DPRK .
Delivery [ of test systems ] to Egypt , Serbia and Venezuela is planned , '' the message informs .
The press service notes that Russian test kits helped detect first cases of the novel coronavirus in Armenia , Belarus , Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan .
`` The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare will continue to provide material , technical and methodical aid to foreign partners in order to avoid the global spread of the novel coronavirus , '' the federal service added .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has over 250 cases .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000 , with more than 10,000 deaths .
WHO has officially described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare has delivered over 100,000 COVID-19 test kits to 13 states, the watchdog’s press service informed on Saturday, adding that delivery to three more states is planned.
"The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare has handed over the test systems developed by the Vector research center that allow to hold over 100,000 tests for COVID-19 to 13 states, including member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Iran, Mongolia, the DPRK. Delivery [of test systems] to Egypt, Serbia and Venezuela is planned," the message informs.
The press service notes that Russian test kits helped detect first cases of the novel coronavirus in Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
"The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare will continue to provide material, technical and methodical aid to foreign partners in order to avoid the global spread of the novel coronavirus," the federal service added.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has over 250 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000, with more than 10,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Over 36,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Over 36,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , the press service of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare informed on Saturday .
`` So far in 2020 , 82,439 people were under medical supervision in Russia .
As of March 20 , 2020 , there are 36,540 people remaining under supervision , '' the message informs .
The federal service established medical supervision for all citizens returning from foreign countries .
People are told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an acute viral respiratory disease .
The federal watchdog also notes that since December 31 , about 4.7 mln people have been checked at Russian borders to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare has introduced double control measures for people arriving from unfavorable regions with the use of stationary and portable thermal imaging equipment .
Since December 31 , 2019 and as of March 20 , 2020 , 4 million 679 thousand people have been checked , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the message notes .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has over 250 cases .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Over 36,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the press service of the Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare informed on Saturday.
"So far in 2020, 82,439 people were under medical supervision in Russia. As of March 20, 2020, there are 36,540 people remaining under supervision," the message informs.
The federal service established medical supervision for all citizens returning from foreign countries. People are told to self-isolate and report any symptoms of an acute viral respiratory disease.
The federal watchdog also notes that since December 31, about 4.7 mln people have been checked at Russian borders to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus. "The Russian Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare has introduced double control measures for people arriving from unfavorable regions with the use of stationary and portable thermal imaging equipment. Since December 31, 2019 and as of March 20, 2020, 4 million 679 thousand people have been checked, including 398,071 people arriving from China," the message notes.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has over 250 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 240,000, with more than 10,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Thailand reports 89 new COVID-19 cases

Thailand reports 89 new COVID-19 cases

BANGKOK , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Thai officials have documented 89 new cases of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the past 24 hours , the Thai Health Ministry informed on Saturday .
So far , this is the highest daily increase of infected persons in the country .
According to the ministry , the majority of those infected ( 32 people ) attended a Thai boxing match .
Eleven people were in close contact with those infected with the virus , six attended a religious ceremony in Malaysia and two visited public places .
Twelve infected people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection for other 20 people is under investigation .
The total number of those infected has reached 411 , with one recorded death .
44 people are reported to have recovered from the disease .
The first case of COVID-19 was documented in Thailand on January 13 , when a 74-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan was diagnozed with the virus .
On January 24 , she was discharged from the hospital after testing negative for the virus , after which she returned to China .
On March 19 , Thailand informed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to enter the country need to have a medical certificate proving that they have tested negative for COVID-19 , as well as medical insurance to the tune of $ 100,000 .
This measures essentially bans entry to the country to foreigners , as countries usually do not conduct COVID-19 tests if a person does not exhibit symptoms of the disease .
Thailand will also close all land borders starting March 21 .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 253 cases .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

BANGKOK, March 21. /TASS/. Thai officials have documented 89 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours, the Thai Health Ministry informed on Saturday. So far, this is the highest daily increase of infected persons in the country.
According to the ministry, the majority of those infected (32 people) attended a Thai boxing match. Eleven people were in close contact with those infected with the virus, six attended a religious ceremony in Malaysia and two visited public places. Twelve infected people arrived from abroad. The source of the infection for other 20 people is under investigation.
The total number of those infected has reached 411, with one recorded death. 44 people are reported to have recovered from the disease.
The first case of COVID-19 was documented in Thailand on January 13, when a 74-year-old Chinese woman from Wuhan was diagnozed with the virus. On January 24, she was discharged from the hospital after testing negative for the virus, after which she returned to China.
On March 19, Thailand informed that starting March 22, all foreign citizens planning to enter the country need to have a medical certificate proving that they have tested negative for COVID-19, as well as medical insurance to the tune of $100,000. This measures essentially bans entry to the country to foreigners, as countries usually do not conduct COVID-19 tests if a person does not exhibit symptoms of the disease. Thailand will also close all land borders starting March 21.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Number of COVID-19 cases in India surpasses 250 - ministry

NEW DELHI , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in India has risen by 63 in the past 24 hours , reaching 258 , the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on its website .
On Friday morning , the ministry informed of 195 people infected .
There are 39 foreigners among the people who tested positive for COVID-19 in India , including 17 Italians .
Citizens of the UK , Indonesia , Canada , Singapore and the Philippines are also among the infected .
The state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases ( 52 people infected ) , followed by Kerala ( 40 people ) and New Delhi ( 26 people ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 253 cases .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

NEW DELHI, March 21. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in India has risen by 63 in the past 24 hours, reaching 258, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on its website. On Friday morning, the ministry informed of 195 people infected.
There are 39 foreigners among the people who tested positive for COVID-19 in India, including 17 Italians. Citizens of the UK, Indonesia, Canada, Singapore and the Philippines are also among the infected. The state of Maharashtra has reported the highest amount of cases (52 people infected), followed by Kerala (40 people) and New Delhi (26 people).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Coronavirus to have serious, but temporary impact on global economy - IMF

WASHINGTON , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The consequences of the current novel coronavirus pandemic will be serious , but the global economy will manage to cope with them , said Martin Muhleisen , who heads the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) Strategy , Policy , and Review Department .
In an interview published on the organization ’ s website , the expert said that `` we 've gone into this crisis , although the economy has since slowed down a little , with a very long expansion and high employment rates . ''
`` And you would hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very weak activity for the next months , '' he continued .
`` So , in that sense , the crisis has come at a time where hopefully we are prepared for this kind of shock and where we can deal with it .
Although the effects would probably be quite severe . ''
`` I hope that we will get well through that crisis .
I think the international community has the tools , countries have the tools , to ensure that we to emerge from it .
There will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the IMF official said .
According to Muhleisen , the core of fighting the crisis has is in helping to limit the spread of the virus .
`` And also to do it in a way that provides , at some point , confidence that this will be a temporary shock , and that the effects will not last for many months , '' he said .
Muhleisen went on to say that national governments and central banks all over the world have taken a series of unprecedented measures to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that markets continue to function .
He stressed the need for a coordinated effort `` to amplify the actions of each individual government or central bank . ''
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

WASHINGTON, March 21. /TASS/. The consequences of the current novel coronavirus pandemic will be serious, but the global economy will manage to cope with them, said Martin Muhleisen, who heads the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Strategy, Policy, and Review Department.
In an interview published on the organization’s website, the expert said that "we've gone into this crisis, although the economy has since slowed down a little, with a very long expansion and high employment rates."
"And you would hope that that creates some buffers against the very weak activity for the next months," he continued. "So, in that sense, the crisis has come at a time where hopefully we are prepared for this kind of shock and where we can deal with it. Although the effects would probably be quite severe."
"I hope that we will get well through that crisis. I think the international community has the tools, countries have the tools, to ensure that we to emerge from it. There will be a recovery. It is a temporary crisis," the IMF official said.
According to Muhleisen, the core of fighting the crisis has is in helping to limit the spread of the virus.
"And also to do it in a way that provides, at some point, confidence that this will be a temporary shock, and that the effects will not last for many months," he said.
Muhleisen went on to say that national governments and central banks all over the world have taken a series of unprecedented measures to provide liquidity to the markets and make sure that markets continue to function.
He stressed the need for a coordinated effort "to amplify the actions of each individual government or central bank."
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--US, Canada temporarily close border for non-essential travel

OTTAWA , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The US-Canadian border has closed at midnight on Saturday Ottawa time ( 07:00 Moscow time ) for all non-essential travel , namely for the purposes of tourism , due to the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed that these restrictions would be in place until the sides are confident that regular travel of citizens is safe .
Reuters news agency informed that the border might be closed until April 20 .
On Wednesday , Trudeau and US President Donald Trump first announced this decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not affect trade turnover between both states , which reaches about $ 2 bln every day , as well as the travel of diplomats , medical professionals , emergency workers , plane crews and urgent trips of Canadians and Americans .
Before the restrictions , about 200,000 people crossed the US-Canadian border every day .
Last week , the US banned entry to the country for citizens of the Schengen zone , as well as the UK and Ireland .
Earlier , the US introduced similar measures banning Chinese and Iranian citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be closing its borders due to the coronavirus , noting that the border with the US would remain open , but only for Canadian and American citizens .
Trudeau stressed that Canadians wishing to return home from abroad would be able to do so .
Ottawa has allocated $ 58 bln to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic , he added .
The first case of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) was documented in Canada on January 15 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected , 12 have died and 13 recovered .
The first infected persons arrived in the country from China , Iran and Egypt .
Over 14,000 people have contracted the virus in the USA , with at least 205 people dead .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Russia , which by now has 253 cases .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

OTTAWA, March 21. /TASS/. The US-Canadian border has closed at midnight on Saturday Ottawa time (07:00 Moscow time) for all non-essential travel, namely for the purposes of tourism, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau informed that these restrictions would be in place until the sides are confident that regular travel of citizens is safe. Reuters news agency informed that the border might be closed until April 20.
On Wednesday, Trudeau and US President Donald Trump first announced this decision. The leaders stressed that the restrictions would not affect trade turnover between both states, which reaches about $2 bln every day, as well as the travel of diplomats, medical professionals, emergency workers, plane crews and urgent trips of Canadians and Americans. Before the restrictions, about 200,000 people crossed the US-Canadian border every day.
Last week, the US banned entry to the country for citizens of the Schengen zone, as well as the UK and Ireland. Earlier, the US introduced similar measures banning Chinese and Iranian citizens from travelling to the USA.
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would be closing its borders due to the coronavirus, noting that the border with the US would remain open, but only for Canadian and American citizens. Trudeau stressed that Canadians wishing to return home from abroad would be able to do so. Ottawa has allocated $58 bln to overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, he added.
The first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was documented in Canada on January 15. Currently, over 970 people have been infected, 12 have died and 13 recovered. The first infected persons arrived in the country from China, Iran and Egypt. Over 14,000 people have contracted the virus in the USA, with at least 205 people dead.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Russia to help Venezuela tackle novel coronavirus — Maduro

CARACAS , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Russia was ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela amid the novel coronavirus outbreak .
`` Russia informed us about sending special humanitarian assistance , which is expected to arrive to the country next week , '' the president said during a phone conversation with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez , aired by the country ’ s state television .
Maduro also said that a team of 130 Cuban doctors has just arrived to the country .
He also called upon citizens to observe the quarantine .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending humanitarian assistance to Venezuela .
Earlier , Venezuela requested $ 5 billion for fighting novel coronavirus from the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) .
`` The IMF spokesperson declared that the Fund was unable to consider the request because there is ‘ no clarity ’ on recognition of Venezuela 's government among its members . ''
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said , describing the move as `` typical hypocrisy . ''
On Thursday , Maduro said the United Nations said it was ready to assist the Venezuelan government in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the country has already received several thousands of coronavirus diagnostic tests from China .
According to latest official reports , Venezuela currently has 42 confirmed cases of the disease .

CARACAS, March 21. /TASS/. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Russia was ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
"Russia informed us about sending special humanitarian assistance, which is expected to arrive to the country next week," the president said during a phone conversation with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, aired by the country’s state television.
Maduro also said that a team of 130 Cuban doctors has just arrived to the country.
He also called upon citizens to observe the quarantine.
The Russian government has not yet officially commented on sending humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.
Earlier, Venezuela requested $5 billion for fighting novel coronavirus from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "The IMF spokesperson declared that the Fund was unable to consider the request because there is ‘no clarity’ on recognition of Venezuela's government among its members." Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, describing the move as "typical hypocrisy."
On Thursday, Maduro said the United Nations said it was ready to assist the Venezuelan government in containing the virus. In his words, the country has already received several thousands of coronavirus diagnostic tests from China.
According to latest official reports, Venezuela currently has 42 confirmed cases of the disease.


tass--2020-03-21--Up to 150 million coronavirus tests may be required worldwide — WHO official

GENEVA , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has distributed some 1.5 million novel coronavirus diagnostic tests worldwide , but may require 80 to 100 times as much in the future to meet the demand , Mike Ryan , executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme told reporters .
`` The WHO distributed one and a half million lab tests around the world , '' he said .
`` We need to scale that up approximately 80 to 100 times . ''
`` That ’ s an extreme analysis but that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryan added .
According to the official , the WHO is facing increasing difficulties in moving its personnel and materials , including coronavirus tests and personal protection equipment ( PPE ) , around the world .
`` It ’ s safe to say that the supply chain is under huge pressure , '' he said .
`` It is getting increasingly difficult for us to move the material around . ''
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 253 cases .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

GENEVA, March 21. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has distributed some 1.5 million novel coronavirus diagnostic tests worldwide, but may require 80 to 100 times as much in the future to meet the demand, Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme told reporters.
"The WHO distributed one and a half million lab tests around the world," he said. "We need to scale that up approximately 80 to 100 times."
"That’s an extreme analysis but that’s what we need to infer," Ryan added.
According to the official, the WHO is facing increasing difficulties in moving its personnel and materials, including coronavirus tests and personal protection equipment (PPE), around the world.
"It’s safe to say that the supply chain is under huge pressure," he said. "It is getting increasingly difficult for us to move the material around."
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--About 20 novel coronavirus vaccines in development worldwide — WHO

GENEVA , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
About 20 vaccines against the novel coronavirus are currently being developed worldwide , said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove , the technical lead for WHO ’ s emergencies program .
`` At least 20 vaccines are in development for COVID-19 .
Their first clinic trials are already starting , '' she said .
`` We are still some time away before we would have a vaccine that could be used , and they still need to go through the trials for efficacy , but this work is under way , and we are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to get these clinical trials under way , '' Van Kerkhove added .
Dr. Mike Ryan , executive director of WHO ’ s emergencies program , said that all the necessary tests should be carried out with due precautions .
`` There is only one thing more dangerous that a bad virus , and that ’ s a bad vaccine , '' he said .
`` We have to be very , very careful in developing any product that we are going to inject into potentially most of the world ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks into a major event of a new disease and have a vaccine going into the arm of a volunteer this week is just unprecedented in its speed , and that would never have happened had countries not put the genetic sequences up in public , '' he added .
However , Ryan said that the WHO will face another challenge once the vaccine is developed , and that is making it available to everyone .
`` Even if we get a vaccine that ’ s effective , we have to have that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There has to be fair and equitable access to that vaccine for everybody , '' Ryan said .
He added that the world won ’ t be completely protected from the disease unless everybody is vaccinated .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which by now has 253 cases .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

GENEVA, March 21. /TASS/. About 20 vaccines against the novel coronavirus are currently being developed worldwide, said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead for WHO’s emergencies program.
"At least 20 vaccines are in development for COVID-19. Their first clinic trials are already starting," she said.
"We are still some time away before we would have a vaccine that could be used, and they still need to go through the trials for efficacy, but this work is under way, and we are very grateful to all the partners who are working to get these clinical trials under way," Van Kerkhove added.
Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO’s emergencies program, said that all the necessary tests should be carried out with due precautions.
"There is only one thing more dangerous that a bad virus, and that’s a bad vaccine," he said. "We have to be very, very careful in developing any product that we are going to inject into potentially most of the world’s population."
"To be eight weeks into a major event of a new disease and have a vaccine going into the arm of a volunteer this week is just unprecedented in its speed, and that would never have happened had countries not put the genetic sequences up in public," he added.
However, Ryan said that the WHO will face another challenge once the vaccine is developed, and that is making it available to everyone.
"Even if we get a vaccine that’s effective, we have to have that vaccine that’s available for everybody. There has to be fair and equitable access to that vaccine for everybody," Ryan said.
He added that the world won’t be completely protected from the disease unless everybody is vaccinated.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--Iranian president urges US public to press for removal of sanctions

TEHRAN , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called upon the US public to influence their government ’ s policies and press for the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic amid the novel coronavirus outbreak .
`` In the name of justice and humanity , I address your conscience and Godly souls , and call upon you to make your Administration and Congress see that the path of sanctions and pressure has never been successful and will never be so in the future , '' Rouhani said in an open letter to the people of America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The victims of the virus and the sanctions are ordinary Iranians from all walks of life and not the political elite , '' he continued .
In Rouhani ’ s words , `` under a ‘ pandemic ’ situation , Tehran , Paris , London and Washington are not far apart . ''
`` Any hostile actor seeking to undermine Iran ’ s health system and restricting the needed financial resources to tackle the crisis , will undermine the fight against the 'pandemic ' all over the world , '' he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mohammad Javad Zarif said the policy of maximum pressure hampers the country ’ s efforts to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak and de-facto kills citizens of the country .
`` US administration gleefully takes pride in killing Iranians citizens on Nowruz - our New Year , '' the Iranian top diplomat said on Twitter .
`` The White House takes its ‘ maximum pressure ’ to a new level of inhumanity with its utter contempt for human life . ''
`` Iran to US : Your policy will live in infamy .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
According to Zarif ’ s website , the Iranian top diplomat had a phone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres , in which the UN chief reaffirmed the need to have US sanctions on Iran lifted .
`` In the conversation , United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity and sympathy with the Iranian nation , and stressed the need for the removal of the US sanctions against the Iranian nation for the fight against coronavirus , '' the foreign ministry statement says .
`` Foreign Minister Zarif , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the assistance provided by the institutions affiliated with the United Nations , and highlighted the need to abolish the inhumane , cruel , illegal and unilateral sanctions the US has imposed against people of Iran , '' it says .
On March 12 , Zarif told Guterres that the United Nations should lift all sanctions from Tehran because they hamper the fight against the novel coronavirus .
In response , Guterres called on all countries to provide support to Iran in the fight against the coronavirus .
In the past week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran-related sanctions , blacklisting five Iranian nuclear physicists and several companies from Hong Kong , UAE , China and South Africa for allegedly cooperating with Iran in the oil sphere .
Iranian authorities have repeatedly said that US restrictions against Tehran complicate the country ’ s fight against the disease .
On March 16 , Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang claimed that unilateral sanctions of the US against Iran amid coronavirus spread would only exacerbate the situation .
Meanwhile , Russian Foreign Ministry said that the US deliberately takes actions that thwart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 150 countries and territories .
According to the latest data , over 260,000 people have contracted the virus ; about 11,000 of them have died .
Iran has been among the worst affected countries , with at least 19,644 confirmed cases and 1,433 deaths .

TEHRAN, March 21. /TASS/. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called upon the US public to influence their government’s policies and press for the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
"In the name of justice and humanity, I address your conscience and Godly souls, and call upon you to make your Administration and Congress see that the path of sanctions and pressure has never been successful and will never be so in the future," Rouhani said in an open letter to the people of America, posted on his official website.
"The victims of the virus and the sanctions are ordinary Iranians from all walks of life and not the political elite," he continued.
In Rouhani’s words, "under a ‘pandemic’ situation, Tehran, Paris, London and Washington are not far apart."
"Any hostile actor seeking to undermine Iran’s health system and restricting the needed financial resources to tackle the crisis, will undermine the fight against the 'pandemic' all over the world," he added.
In turn, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the policy of maximum pressure hampers the country’s efforts to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak and de-facto kills citizens of the country.
"US administration gleefully takes pride in killing Iranians citizens on Nowruz - our New Year," the Iranian top diplomat said on Twitter. "The White House takes its ‘maximum pressure’ to a new level of inhumanity with its utter contempt for human life."
"Iran to US: Your policy will live in infamy. But Iran won't break," he added.
According to Zarif’s website, the Iranian top diplomat had a phone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in which the UN chief reaffirmed the need to have US sanctions on Iran lifted.
"In the conversation, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed solidarity and sympathy with the Iranian nation, and stressed the need for the removal of the US sanctions against the Iranian nation for the fight against coronavirus," the foreign ministry statement says.
"Foreign Minister Zarif, for his part, appreciated the stances adopted and the assistance provided by the institutions affiliated with the United Nations, and highlighted the need to abolish the inhumane, cruel, illegal and unilateral sanctions the US has imposed against people of Iran," it says.
On March 12, Zarif told Guterres that the United Nations should lift all sanctions from Tehran because they hamper the fight against the novel coronavirus. In response, Guterres called on all countries to provide support to Iran in the fight against the coronavirus.
In the past week, the United States announced several rounds of Iran-related sanctions, blacklisting five Iranian nuclear physicists and several companies from Hong Kong, UAE, China and South Africa for allegedly cooperating with Iran in the oil sphere.
Iranian authorities have repeatedly said that US restrictions against Tehran complicate the country’s fight against the disease. On March 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang claimed that unilateral sanctions of the US against Iran amid coronavirus spread would only exacerbate the situation.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry said that the US deliberately takes actions that thwart Iran’s fight against the infection.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 150 countries and territories. According to the latest data, over 260,000 people have contracted the virus; about 11,000 of them have died. Iran has been among the worst affected countries, with at least 19,644 confirmed cases and 1,433 deaths.


tass--2020-03-21--Seven novel coronavirus fatalities reported in China in past day

BEIJING , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of fatalities from the novel coronavirus in China has risen by seven in the past 24 hours , China ’ s National Health Commission said on Saturday .
A total of 590 patients recovered in the reported period .
Some 5,500 people remain in hospitals in the Hubei province , where the disease broke out in late 2019 .
No new cases have been registered in mainland China for the third consecutive day .
According to the authorities , the overall number of novel coronavirus cases in the country is about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have already recovered .
The infection ’ s official mortality rate in China is 4 % .
Over 9,300 people who closely contacted with those infected remain under medical supervision in China .
The virus is suspected in about 100 people , who have been quarantined .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 253 cases .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000 , with more than 11,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

BEIJING, March 21. /TASS/. The number of fatalities from the novel coronavirus in China has risen by seven in the past 24 hours, China’s National Health Commission said on Saturday.
A total of 590 patients recovered in the reported period. Some 5,500 people remain in hospitals in the Hubei province, where the disease broke out in late 2019.
No new cases have been registered in mainland China for the third consecutive day.
According to the authorities, the overall number of novel coronavirus cases in the country is about 81,000. Nearly 88.5% of patients have already recovered.
The infection’s official mortality rate in China is 4%.
Over 9,300 people who closely contacted with those infected remain under medical supervision in China. The virus is suspected in about 100 people, who have been quarantined.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 260,000, with more than 11,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-21--At least 24 UN staff members test positive for coronavirus

UN , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
At least 24 UN staff members have so far tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ 's spokesman Stephane Dujarric has told reporters .
`` The total number of UN cases @ @ @ @ @ but of UN cases , is 24 , '' he said .
In his words @ @ @ @ @ World Food Programme David Beasley remains the only top-level UN official diagnosed with the novel @ @ @ @ @ working from home in South Carolina , and he ’ s doing fine , '' @ @ @ @ @ the Johns Hopkins University , which aggregates novel coronavirus statistics provided by federal and state @ @ @ @ @ confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States has risen to 14,250 .
At least 205 @ @ @ @

UN, March 21. /TASS/. At least 24 UN staff members have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus, UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric has told reporters.
"The total number of UN cases, not just at Headquarters but of UN cases, is 24," he said.
In his words, Executive Director of the World Food Programme David Beasley remains the only top-level UN official diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
"He is working from home in South Carolina, and he’s doing fine," Dujarric added.
According to the Johns Hopkins University, which aggregates novel coronavirus statistics provided by federal and state authorities, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States has risen to 14,250. At least 205 people have died.


tass--2020-03-21--North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan — Yonhap

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday from its North Pyongan @ @ @ @ @ Japan , the Yonhap news agency reported citing South Korea ’ s Joint Chiefs of @ @ @ @ @ reported citing Japanese coast guards that a projectile fell outside Japan ’ s exclusive economic @ @ @ @ @ , North Korea ’ s KCNA news agency reported that the country ’ s leader @ @ @ @ @ exercises `` in a bid to check the capability of the long-range artillery units to @ @ @ @ @ . ''
South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that , early on March 9 @ @ @ @ @ fired three projectiles seaward from Sondok , North Hamgyong Province .
The projectiles travelled 200 @ @ @ @ @ altitude of 50 km , the South Korean military said .
This is the second @ @ @ @ @ since the beginning of 2020 .
In December last year , Kim Jong-un announced that @ @ @ @ @ out new strategic weaponry .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles on Saturday from its North Pyongan Province toward the Sea of Japan, the Yonhap news agency reported citing South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported citing Japanese coast guards that a projectile fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
On March 9, North Korea’s KCNA news agency reported that the country’s leader Kim Jong-un led long-range artillery exercises "in a bid to check the capability of the long-range artillery units to conduct a surprise military counter-strike."
South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that, early on March 9, the North Korean military fired three projectiles seaward from Sondok, North Hamgyong Province. The projectiles travelled 200 km and reached the maximum altitude of 50 km, the South Korean military said.
This is the second military exercise of this kind since the beginning of 2020. In December last year, Kim Jong-un announced that North Korea would soon roll out new strategic weaponry.


tass--2020-03-21--Over 24,000 people contract novel coronavirus worldwide in past day — WHO

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
At least 24,247 cases of the novel coronavirus infection have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 1,061 people have died , the World Health Organization said in @ @ @ @ @ night .
The overall number of confirmed cases worldwide currently stands at 234,073 , including @ @ @ @ @ overall death toll now stands at 9,840 , with Europe accounting for more than half @ @ @ @ @ overall ( including 816 in the past 24 hours ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused @ @ @ @ @ previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of @ @ @ @ @ been reported from more than 140 countries and territories , including Russia , which by @ @ @ @ @ The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. At least 24,247 cases of the novel coronavirus infection have been confirmed in the past 24 hours worldwide, a total of 1,061 people have died, the World Health Organization said in its daily report on Friday night.
The overall number of confirmed cases worldwide currently stands at 234,073, including 104,591 in Europe.
The overall death toll now stands at 9,840, with Europe accounting for more than half of all fatalities - 4,899 overall (including 816 in the past 24 hours).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 140 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-20--Over 21,000 coronavirus cases confirmed in world, death toll exceeds 9,000, reports WHO

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
At least 210,000 people across the globe have contracted the novel coronavirus infection , more than 9,000 have died , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said on Friday citing its Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
`` Every day , # COVID19 seems to reach a new and tragic milestone .
More than 210,000 cases have now been reported to WHO , and more than 9,000 people have lost their lives , '' it wrote on its Twitter account .
`` Every loss of life is a tragedy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ down and do everything we can to stop transmission and save lives . ''
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 140 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 253 cases .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. /TASS/. At least 210,000 people across the globe have contracted the novel coronavirus infection, more than 9,000 have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday citing its Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
"Every day, #COVID19 seems to reach a new and tragic milestone. More than 210,000 cases have now been reported to WHO, and more than 9,000 people have lost their lives," it wrote on its Twitter account. "Every loss of life is a tragedy. It’s also motivation to double down and do everything we can to stop transmission and save lives."
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 140 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 253 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-22--Aeroflot suspends flights to 7 more countries over coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s largest carrier Aeroflot suspends regular flights to India , Finland @ @ @ @ @ Croatia , Bulgaria and Greece starting in late March in the wake of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
Flights to Delhi will be cancelled from March 22 until 28 , @ @ @ @ @ until April 2 , to Stockholm from March 23 until April 17 , to Baku @ @ @ @ @ 30 , to Zagreb from March 24 until April 19 , to Sofia from March @ @ @ @ @ and to Athens from March 24 until April 18 .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russia’s largest carrier Aeroflot suspends regular flights to India, Finland, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Bulgaria and Greece starting in late March in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the airline said on Saturday.
Flights to Delhi will be cancelled from March 22 until 28, to Helsinki from March 23 until April 2, to Stockholm from March 23 until April 17, to Baku from March 29 until April 30, to Zagreb from March 24 until April 19, to Sofia from March 27 until April 17, and to Athens from March 24 until April 18.


tass--2020-03-22--Italy shuts down all non-essential production

ROME , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced in a live address in Facebook Saturday that Italy shuts down all factories , which do not produce the basic necessities .
`` We decided to shut down all production , preserving only production of essential goods , '' Conte said .
`` The sanitary emergency turns to economic emergency , but we will endure , '' the Prime Minister said , adding that no restrictions will be imposed on groceries and pharmacies .
Strict quarantine and movement ban is in force in Italy since March 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bars , entertainment venues , sports clubs , pools are closed .
The authorities keep ramping up their restrictions in a bid to contain the disease .
Local authorities also introduce restrictive measures .
Earlier , Lombardy and Piedmont regions have announces shutdown of factories , construction sites and offices .
Parks are closed across the country ; walks and outdoor exercise is forbidden .
The public transport and railroads ’ operations have been reduced by 75 % .
According to the latest data , a total of 53,500 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .

ROME, March 22. /TASS/. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced in a live address in Facebook Saturday that Italy shuts down all factories, which do not produce the basic necessities.
"We decided to shut down all production, preserving only production of essential goods," Conte said.
"The sanitary emergency turns to economic emergency, but we will endure," the Prime Minister said, adding that no restrictions will be imposed on groceries and pharmacies.
Strict quarantine and movement ban is in force in Italy since March 10. Educational facilities, shops, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, sports clubs, pools are closed. The authorities keep ramping up their restrictions in a bid to contain the disease.
Local authorities also introduce restrictive measures. Earlier, Lombardy and Piedmont regions have announces shutdown of factories, construction sites and offices. Parks are closed across the country; walks and outdoor exercise is forbidden. The public transport and railroads’ operations have been reduced by 75%.
According to the latest data, a total of 53,500 coronavirus cases have been registered in Italy; 4825 people died.


tass--2020-03-22--Russia ready to deliver doctors, medical equipment to coronavirus-hit Italy

MOSCOW , March 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Aerospace Forces ’ aircraft are ready to carry teams of Russian virologists and medical equipment to coronavirus-affected Italy starting on Sunday , the Defense Ministry said on Saturday .
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s instruction , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave orders to set up an air group `` for urgent aid deliveries to the Italian Republic for anti-coronavirus efforts , starting on March 22 , '' the Defense Ministry said .
`` As soon as Italy is ready , the Russian Aerospace Forces ’ military transport aircraft will jet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and doctors , vehicles for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories , as well as medical equipment to the republic , '' the defense ministry said .
Italy has confirmed its readiness to accept Russian Aerospace Forces ’ planes .
On March 21 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed aid delivery in a phone call with his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini .
`` During the call , Italian Defense Minister has confirmed [ Italy ’ s ] readiness to accept Russian planes with specialists , vehicles and equipment , starting March 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also expressed his gratitude towards Russia for aid on fighting the pandemic , promptly provided in accordance with agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
Earlier in the day , Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
The Kremlin press office said that the Russian president reassured him of Moscow ’ s readiness to promptly provide necessary help and informed about its practical parameters .
In particular , supplies of means of protection and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered , while Russian specialists are to be dispatched to the country ’ s worst-hit regions for practical assistance .
According to the latest reports , the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy .
The country reports 42,681 people infected with the deadly virus , up 4,871 compared to Friday , yet over 6,000 people have recovered from the deadly disease .

MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/. The Russian Aerospace Forces are ready to fly teams of Russian virologists and medical equipment to coronavirus-stricken Italy starting Sunday, the Defense Ministry said on Saturday.
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s instruction, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu gave orders to set up an air group "for urgent aid deliveries to the Italian Republic for anti-coronavirus efforts, starting on March 22," the Defense Ministry said.
"As soon as Italy is ready, the Russian Aerospace Forces’ military transport aircraft will fly eight mobile teams of Russian military virologists and doctors, vehicles for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories, as well as medical equipment to the republic," the defense ministry said.
Italy has confirmed its readiness to accept Russian Aerospace Forces’ planes.
On March 21, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed aid delivery in a phone call with his Italian counterpart Lorenzo Guerini. "During the call, the Italian defense chief confirmed [Italy’s] readiness to accept Russian planes with specialists, vehicles and equipment, starting March 22," the Ministry said.
Guerini also thanked Russia for promptly providing aid to fight the pandemic in accordance with an agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.
Earlier in the day, President Putin phoned the Italian premier. The Kremlin’s press office said that the Russian president reassured him of Moscow’s readiness to promptly provide all necessary help and furnished information on its practical parameters. In particular, the supplies of protective means and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying disinfectants over transport and in the areas as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered. In addition, Russian specialists are going to be dispatched to the country’s worst-hit regions for practical assistance.
According to the latest reports, the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy. The country has reported that 42,681 people have been infected with the deadly virus, up 4,871 from Friday’s figures. That said, over 6,000 people have recovered from the deadly disease.


tass--2020-03-21--Soyuz-2.1b rocket launches OneWeb satellites from Baikonur space port

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with Fregat upper stage and 34 British OneWeb communication @ @ @ @ @ the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday .
The upper stage will deploy the satellites in 3.5 @ @ @ @ @ be placed into the proper orbit in nine stages : first , two spacecraft and @ @ @ @ @ the second launch of OneWeb modules from the Baikonur Cosmodrome .
Earlier , OneWeb company @ @ @ @ @ launch would mark the 55th anniversary of the first spacewalk by Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov @ @ @ @ @ .
The first six OneWeb satellites were launched on February 28 , 2019 from the @ @ @ @ @ by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket .
Another 34 satellites were sent to the orbit by @ @ @ @ @ Baikonur spaceport on February 7 .
In total , OneWeb plans to deploy about 600 @ @ @ @ @ .
By 2021 , the British company expects to ensure full-time communication for users around @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with Fregat upper stage and 34 British OneWeb communication satellites atop was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday.
The upper stage will deploy the satellites in 3.5 hours. The satellites will be placed into the proper orbit in nine stages: first, two spacecraft and then four. It is the second launch of OneWeb modules from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Earlier, OneWeb company told TASS that the Saturday launch would mark the 55th anniversary of the first spacewalk by Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov on March 18, 1965.
The first six OneWeb satellites were launched on February 28, 2019 from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket. Another 34 satellites were sent to the orbit by the Soyuz-2.1b rocket from the Baikonur spaceport on February 7. In total, OneWeb plans to deploy about 600 satellites on the near-earth orbit. By 2021, the British company expects to ensure full-time communication for users around the globe.


tass--2020-03-21--Russia to help Italy stem coronavirus spread for humanitarian reasons

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has offered to help Italy in its efforts aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus as the situation is very severe there , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday .
Earlier in the day , Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte .
The Kremlin press office said that the Russian president reassured him of Moscow ’ s readiness to promptly provide necessary help and informed about its practical parameters .
In particular , supplies of means of protection and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the areas as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered , while Russian specialists are to be dispatched to the country ’ s worst-hit regions for practical assistance .
`` As you know , Italy is facing a totally severe epidemiological situation .
When taking a decision to help the Italian Republic , Putin was primarily guided by humanitarian consideration , '' Peskov said .
`` At present , nearly all the nations are facing the serious threat of the coronavirus .
Efforts and capabilities should be joined to defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary stressed .
`` Only together will the nations be able to control the spread of this virus , '' he added .
According to the latest reports , the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy .
The country reports 42,681 people infected with the deadly virus , up 4,871 compared to Friday , yet over 6,000 people have recovered from the deadly disease .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China ’ s city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread across China and then throughout the world , affecting more than 150 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the latest reports , over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surged to over 10,000 .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russia has offered to help Italy in its efforts aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus as the situation is very severe there, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin phoned Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. The Kremlin press office said that the Russian president reassured him of Moscow’s readiness to promptly provide necessary help and informed about its practical parameters. In particular, supplies of means of protection and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying disinfectants over transport and in the areas as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered, while Russian specialists are to be dispatched to the country’s worst-hit regions for practical assistance.
"As you know, Italy is facing a totally severe epidemiological situation. When taking a decision to help the Italian Republic, Putin was primarily guided by humanitarian consideration," Peskov said.
"At present, nearly all the nations are facing the serious threat of the coronavirus. Efforts and capabilities should be joined to defeat it," the Russian presidential press secretary stressed. "Only together will the nations be able to control the spread of this virus," he added.
According to the latest reports, the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy. The country reports 42,681 people infected with the deadly virus, up 4,871 compared to Friday, yet over 6,000 people have recovered from the deadly disease.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then throughout the world, affecting more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. According to the latest reports, over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surged to over 10,000.


tass--2020-03-21--Russian, Belarusian prime ministers discuss oil agreements by phone

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian-Belarusian agreements will help ensure deliveries of Russian oil to the Belarusian oil refineries `` in full and on agreed terms , '' the Russian government said on Saturday after a phone call between the two Prime Ministers , Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas .
`` The heads of government hailed the principal agreements on parameters of collaboration in the oil sector with regard to the sides ’ mutual interests , '' the statement said .
The supplies of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries were stopped on January 1 , 2020 because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an agreement on this year ’ s supplies .
Later , deliveries were partially resumed by Safmar Group .
On February 26 , Belneftekhim said that starting March , five new Russian suppliers , which did not deliver oil to Belarus previously , would start supplying crude to Belarusian refineries at the market price without premium in addition to companies of Safmar Group .
Belarus plans to deliver about one million tonnes of oil to its refineries in March , including from alternative sources .
On March 11 , Rumas said after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 11 that Belarus would monthly purchase about two tankers of oil from alternative suppliers even in case new deals with major Russian oil companies were struck to resume oil supplies to Belarus .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The Russian-Belarusian agreements will help ensure deliveries of Russian oil to the Belarusian oil refineries "in full and on agreed terms," the Russian government said on Saturday after a phone call between the two Prime Ministers, Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas.
"The heads of government hailed the principal agreements on parameters of collaboration in the oil sector with regard to the sides’ mutual interests," the statement said.
The supplies of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries were stopped on January 1, 2020 because Moscow and Minsk had failed to come to an agreement on this year’s supplies. Later, deliveries were partially resumed by Safmar Group. On February 26, Belneftekhim said that starting March, five new Russian suppliers, which did not deliver oil to Belarus previously, would start supplying crude to Belarusian refineries at the market price without premium in addition to companies of Safmar Group. Belarus plans to deliver about one million tonnes of oil to its refineries in March, including from alternative sources.
On March 11, Rumas said after his talks with Mishustin in Moscow on March 11 that Belarus would monthly purchase about two tankers of oil from alternative suppliers even in case new deals with major Russian oil companies were struck to resume oil supplies to Belarus.


tass--2020-03-21--Putin assures Conte of Russia’s readiness to help Italy battle coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
In a phone call with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte , Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Moscow ’ s readiness to provide any assistance needed to stem the coronavirus outbreak and informed him that Moscow plans to send medical teams and equipment along with means of protection from coronavirus to Italy , the Kremlin said on Saturday .
`` They focused on the coronavirus pandemic and the two countries ’ efforts aimed at stemming the spread of the infection .
Vladimir Putin voiced his support to the leadership and people of Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiological situation in the Italian Republic , '' the statement says .
`` In response to Italy ’ s request , the president of Russia confirmed readiness to promptly provide the required assistance and informed about its practical parameters .
In particular , supplies of means of protection and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying disinfectants over transport and in the areas as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered , while Russian specialists are to be dispatched to the country ’ s worst-hit regions for practical assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deliveries will be carried out by the Defense Ministry on aircraft of the Aerospace Force of the Russian Federation , '' the statement said .
For his part , Conte `` sincerely thanked [ the Russian president ] for the steps taken by Moscow to support Italy during those difficult times . ''
The phone call was made at Russia ’ s request .
According to the latest reports , the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy .
The country reports 42,681 people infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , yet over 6,000 people have made a full recovery .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread across China and then throughout the world , affecting more than 150 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surged to over 10,000 .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. In a phone call with the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Moscow’s readiness to provide any assistance needed to stem the coronavirus outbreak and informed him that Moscow plans to send medical teams and equipment along with means of protection from coronavirus to Italy, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
"They focused on the coronavirus pandemic and the two countries’ efforts aimed at stemming the spread of the infection. Vladimir Putin voiced his support to the leadership and people of Italy in the wake of the most severe epidemiological situation in the Italian Republic," the statement says.
"In response to Italy’s request, the president of Russia confirmed readiness to promptly provide the required assistance and informed about its practical parameters. In particular, supplies of means of protection and mobile vehicles mounted on Kamaz trucks for spraying disinfectants over transport and in the areas as well as medical and other equipment are to be delivered, while Russian specialists are to be dispatched to the country’s worst-hit regions for practical assistance," the Kremlin said. "The deliveries will be carried out by the Defense Ministry on aircraft of the Aerospace Force of the Russian Federation," the statement said.
For his part, Conte "sincerely thanked [the Russian president] for the steps taken by Moscow to support Italy during those difficult times."
The phone call was made at Russia’s request.
According to the latest reports, the death toll from the novel coronavirus has jumped to 793 in Italy. The country reports 42,681 people infected with the deadly virus, up 4,871 compared to Friday, yet over 6,000 people have made a full recovery.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then throughout the world, affecting more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. According to the latest reports, over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surged to over 10,000.


tass--2020-03-21--Putin awards Hero of Labor of Russian Federation medal to Sergey Lavrov

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree awarding the Hero of Labor @ @ @ @ @ to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , says the decree posted on the Kremlin site on @ @ @ @ @ labor services to the state and the people , the Hero of Labor of the @ @ @ @ @ bestowed upon Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov , the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree awarding the Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation star to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, says the decree posted on the Kremlin site on Saturday.
"For laudable labor services to the state and the people, the Hero of Labor of the Russian Federation award shall be bestowed upon Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation," the decree says.


tass--2020-03-21--Moscow, Minsk agree on construction of NPP in Belarus as planned

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Belarusian prime ministers , Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas , @ @ @ @ @ call on the construction of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant on Belarus , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
`` Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas underlined the significance of successful implementation @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian nuclear power plant designed by Russia , '' the statement said .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ ensuring the progress of work in accordance with the schedule .
`` .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. The Russian and Belarusian prime ministers, Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas, have focused in a phone call on the construction of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant on Belarus, the Russian government said in a statement on Saturday.
"Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas underlined the significance of successful implementation of joint construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant designed by Russia," the statement said. "They took operational decisions aimed at ensuring the progress of work in accordance with the schedule.".


tass--2020-03-21--Russian air carriers repatriate nearly 4,000 Russians from 9 countries

MOSCOW , March 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian airlines have jetted 3,889 Russian nationals back from nine countries in the past day , the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement on Saturday after a meeting of the working group on repatriation of compatriots .
`` The participants reported on the current state of affairs concerning repatriation of Russians .
Yesterday , Russian air carriers transported 3,889 people from the worst affected countries , namely Bulgaria , Hungary , Indonesia , Spain , Cyprus , Portugal , Serbia , France and Montenegro , '' the statement said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova said that about 9,000 Russians were hoping amid the coronavirus pandemic that their return home would be worked out .
According to the carriers , Aeroflot will make six flights from Budapest , one flight from Cairo , two flights from Chisinau , two flights from Lisbon and two flights from Larnaca on March 21-23 .
S7 is to make one flight from Tenerife .
According to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency , S7 carried also foreign nationals on its flights on Friday .
Of those , 160 passengers arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Today and tomorrow Ural Airlines is to conduct two flights to Osh , carrying 361 citizens of Kyrgyzstan there , while 110 Russians will be flown back , '' the agency added .
Along with this , Russian air carriers continue regular flights to the counties exempt from flight restrictions , the statement says .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread across China and then throughout the world , affecting more than 150 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the latest reports , over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surged to over 10,000 .

MOSCOW, March 21. /TASS/. Russian airlines have jetted 3,889 Russian nationals back from nine countries in the past day, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement on Saturday after a meeting of the working group on repatriation of compatriots.
"The participants reported on the current state of affairs concerning repatriation of Russians. Yesterday, Russian air carriers transported 3,889 people from the worst affected countries, namely Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Serbia, France and Montenegro," the statement said.
On Friday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that about 9,000 Russians were hoping amid the coronavirus pandemic that their return home would be worked out.
According to the carriers, Aeroflot will make six flights from Budapest, one flight from Cairo, two flights from Chisinau, two flights from Lisbon and two flights from Larnaca on March 21-23. S7 is to make one flight from Tenerife.
According to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, S7 carried also foreign nationals on its flights on Friday. Of those, 160 passengers arrived in Bishkek and 42 in Bulgaria.
"Today and tomorrow Ural Airlines is to conduct two flights to Osh, carrying 361 citizens of Kyrgyzstan there, while 110 Russians will be flown back," the agency added.
Along with this, Russian air carriers continue regular flights to the counties exempt from flight restrictions, the statement says.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus was reported in central China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus denoted as COVID-19 broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then throughout the world, affecting more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. According to the latest reports, over 240,000 cases of patients infected with the new coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surged to over 10,000.