tass--2020-05-06--Coronavirus cases in Poland exceeds 14,600

WARSAW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with a new type of coronavirus in Poland @ @ @ @ @ people , increasing by 407 over the past day the Ministry of Health said on @ @ @ @ @ , since the first coronavirus case was detected in the country on March 4 , @ @ @ @ @ per day are detected .
In recent days , about 300 patients recover daily .
@ @ @ @ @ 723 patients in Poland died , 4,655 people recovered .
According to Minister of Health @ @ @ @ @ at the moment the situation with the spread of infection can be controlled .
There @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus in Poland ’ s hospitals currently , about 100,000 people are in home @ @ @ @ @ under epidemiological surveillance .
Over the past weeks , over 400,000 tests for coronavirus have @ @ @

WARSAW, May 6. /TASS/. The number of people infected with a new type of coronavirus in Poland on Wednesday amounted to 14,647 people, increasing by 407 over the past day the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
According to statistics, since the first coronavirus case was detected in the country on March 4, an average of 300-350 infected per day are detected. In recent days, about 300 patients recover daily.
At the same time, 723 patients in Poland died, 4,655 people recovered.
According to Minister of Health of Poland Lukasz Szumowski, at the moment the situation with the spread of infection can be controlled.
There are more than 2,700 patients with coronavirus in Poland’s hospitals currently, about 100,000 people are in home quarantine, about 17,000 remain under epidemiological surveillance. Over the past weeks, over 400,000 tests for coronavirus have been done.


tass--2020-05-06--Putin to hold several events on May 9 to mark 75th Victory anniversary, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will lay flowers to the Eternal Flame in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ Russians and then hold a range of other events marking the 75th anniversary of Victory @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` We expect that on May 9 @ @ @ @ @ to the Eternal Flame and address Russians at around 10 a.m. '' Peskov said .
@ @ @ @ @ also held , which will be detailed later , he added .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will lay flowers to the Eternal Flame in Moscow on May 9 and address Russians and then hold a range of other events marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"We expect that on May 9 the president will lay flowers to the Eternal Flame and address Russians at around 10 a.m." Peskov said.
Several other events will be also held, which will be detailed later, he added.


tass--2020-05-06--Opening borders to foreigners has not been discussed yet — Kremlin

No plans to introduce exit visas for Russians after borders are reopened — top diplomat MOSCOW , May 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ opening Russian borders , closed over the coronavirus pandemic , to foreigners has not been @ @ @ @ @ , Dmitry Peskov told journalists .
`` There has been no such discussion yet , @ @ @ @ @ raised yet , '' he said .
The Kremlin spokesman recalled that on May 6 @ @ @ @ @ to hash over the details of a gradual withdrawal of restrictions , imposed over the @ @ @ @ @ the draft plan was presented to the head of state on time .
Peskov did @ @ @ @ @ document would be amended after discussion with Putin .
`` Of course , that is @ @ @ @ @ for , '' he said , adding that the plan `` has yet to be @ @ @ @ @ discussed today . ''

No plans to introduce exit visas for Russians after borders are reopened — top diplomat
MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. The issue of opening Russian borders, closed over the coronavirus pandemic, to foreigners has not been discussed yet, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
"There has been no such discussion yet, this issue has not been raised yet," he said.
The Kremlin spokesman recalled that on May 6 Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to hash over the details of a gradual withdrawal of restrictions, imposed over the pandemic, pointing out that the draft plan was presented to the head of state on time.
Peskov did not rule out that the document would be amended after discussion with Putin.
"Of course, that is what the meeting is held for," he said, adding that the plan "has yet to be discussed and it will be discussed today."


tass--2020-05-06--Russia furnishes over 120,000 beds nationwide to treat COVID-19 patients

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
More than 120,000 beds have been furnished in Russia to treat coronavirus patients , some 10 % of all hospital beds in the country , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told an online meeting of the State Duma ’ s Healthcare Committee .
`` Today there are some 126,000 beds in the country to provide medical assistance to patients with the coronavirus infection .
< ... > In terms of all beds , which are included in state statistics , this is 10 % of the total number of beds in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed that 95,000 beds were provided by April 28 as planned and the rest are reserve beds .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 21,327 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,537 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. More than 120,000 beds have been furnished in Russia to treat coronavirus patients, some 10% of all hospital beds in the country, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told an online meeting of the State Duma’s Healthcare Committee.
"Today there are some 126,000 beds in the country to provide medical assistance to patients with the coronavirus infection. <...> In terms of all beds, which are included in state statistics, this is 10% of the total number of beds in Russia," Murashko said.
The health minister stressed that 95,000 beds had been provided by April 28 as planned and the rest were reserve beds.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 21,327 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,537 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-06--Some 4,000 COVID-19 patients in Russia are in serious state

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
About 4,000 COVID-19 patients in Russia are in serious medical state , some 1,200 to 1,500 of them are in intensive care beds , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a State Duma healthcare committee meeting Wednesday .
`` There are 1,200 to 1,500 people in intensive care beds across the country .
Everyone is treated in cooperation with the federal consulting center , and we have created a system , in which we see all patients ( both ambulatory and in hospitals ) , and in which bed they stay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds .
There are 80,000 such patients today - not only the covid infection , but also with unspecified diagnoses and non-hospital pneumonias of all etiologies .
We have a total of about 4,000 severe cases , '' he said .
To date , a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 21,327 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,537 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus @ @

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. About 4,000 COVID-19 patients in Russia are in serious medical state, some 1,200 to 1,500 of them are in intensive care beds, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said during a State Duma healthcare committee meeting Wednesday.
"There are 1,200 to 1,500 people in intensive care beds across the country. Everyone is treated in cooperation with the federal consulting center, and we have created a system, in which we see all patients (both ambulatory and in hospitals), and in which bed they stay. So we can see all patients in beds. There are 80,000 such patients today - not only the covid infection, but also with unspecified diagnoses and non-hospital pneumonias of all etiologies. We have a total of about 4,000 severe cases," he said.
To date, a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 21,327 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,537 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-06--Oil production in US may drop from 2 to 3 mln barrels/day — Russian Energy Ministry

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
Crude oil production in the United States may contract by 2-3 mln barrels @ @ @ @ @ Minister of Russia Pavel Sorokin said in an online interview with the Roscongress Foundation .
@ @ @ @ @ production drop in the United States may range from 2 to 3 mln barrels daily @ @ @ @ @ of storage capacities filling or merely because it is not possible for certain companies to @ @ @ @ @ the price being $ 30-35 [ per barrel ] , to say nothing of $ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the official said .
Oil production cuts in Canada can be above 800,000 @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` These two countries alone may provide for the reduction from 2.8 to @ @ @ @ @ in total , '' the official noted .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. Crude oil production in the United States may contract by 2-3 mln barrels per day, Deputy Energy Minister of Russia Pavel Sorokin said in an online interview with the Roscongress Foundation.
"We see that the production drop in the United States may range from 2 to 3 mln barrels daily this year either on account of storage capacities filling or merely because it is not possible for certain companies to work in the conditions of the price being $30-35 [per barrel], to say nothing of $20 [per barrel]," the official said.
Oil production cuts in Canada can be above 800,000 barrels per day, Sorokin added. "These two countries alone may provide for the reduction from 2.8 to 4 mln barrels per day in total," the official noted.


tass--2020-05-06--COVID-19 to encourage formation of new healthcare pattern in Russia — Accounts Chamber

Russia ranked fifth in the world for confirmed COVID-19 cases MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ to form a new pattern of healthcare system and main social and economic institutions , @ @ @ @ @ Chamber Galina Izotova told TASS .
`` Overall , the situation around the pandemic should @ @ @ @ @ a new sustainable pattern of healthcare and main social and economic institutions , '' she @ @

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic should encourage the Russian leadership to form a new pattern of healthcare system and main social and economic institutions, Deputy Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Galina Izotova told TASS.
"Overall, the situation around the pandemic should encourage the state to form a new sustainable pattern of healthcare and main social and economic institutions," she said.
"It is also important to provide and entrench obligatory measures of social distancing at the early stages of easing restrictions, encourage companies to further move employees to remote work, whereas in the fields where it is impossible it is necessary to ensure strict occupational health and safety compliance. Meanwhile the most vulnerable social groups should be protected within a longer period. Citizens with confirmed coronavirus should be quarantined after easing restrictions as well, receiving adequate treatment," Deputy Chairman of the Accounts Chamber noted.


tass--2020-05-06--Russia’s Sputnix company negotiates satellite launches with clients from six nations

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Sputnix company , which specialized in small satellite production , @ @ @ @ @ on launching satellites in their interest , the company press service told TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ negotiations on satellite projects with clients from six countries already , '' the press service @ @ @ @ @ countries .
With some of them , a cooperation agreement has already been signed , @ @ @ @ @ `` We negotiate launches in 2021 and 2022 , '' the company said , adding @ @ @ @ @ probing , technology and education satellites .
In 2020 , the company plans to launch @ @ @ @ @ them will be launched in interest of foreign clients - Tunisia ( internet of things @ @ @ @ @ education ) .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. Russia’s Sputnix company, which specialized in small satellite production, conducts negotiations with six countries on launching satellites in their interest, the company press service told TASS.
"Currently, we are in negotiations on satellite projects with clients from six countries already," the press service said, without naming the countries.
With some of them, a cooperation agreement has already been signed, the press service said.
"We negotiate launches in 2021 and 2022," the company said, adding that the projects include remote probing, technology and education satellites.
In 2020, the company plans to launch five satellites. Two of them will be launched in interest of foreign clients - Tunisia (internet of things) and Saudi Arabia (education).


tass--2020-05-06--Russia to start pullout of military personnel who helped Italy fight coronavirus on May 7

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian radiation , chemical and biological protection units will start on May 7 their pullout from Italy where they helped fight the coronavirus pandemic , Russia ’ s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s conference call on Wednesday .
The defense minister instructed Chief of Russia ’ s General Staff Valery Gerasimov to organize the welcome ceremony for the military personnel upon their return .
`` Tomorrow , we will begin the pullout of radiation , chemical and biological protection units from Italy , '' Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to submit proposals to me on rewarding distinguished servicemen , doctors and all those who were engaged in the disinfection effort in cities and at facilities in Italy , '' Shoigu added .
Between March 22 and 25 , 15 Russian planes delivered almost 100 Russian virologists and epidemiologists , eight medical brigades , as well as diagnostics and disinfection equipment to Italy .
Russian specialists worked in one of the most affected areas of Italy — the city of Bergamo and its surroundings .
By May 5 , the Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out complete disinfection at boarding houses for elderly people in more than 90 populated areas in Lombardy .
In particular , they decontaminated 114 buildings and structures , over 1.1 million square meters of internal premises and more than 400,000 square meters of paved roads .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. The Russian radiation, chemical and biological protection units will start on May 7 their pullout from Italy where they helped fight the coronavirus pandemic, Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s conference call on Wednesday.
The defense minister instructed Chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov to organize the welcome ceremony for the military personnel upon their return.
"Tomorrow, we will begin the pullout of radiation, chemical and biological protection units from Italy," Russia’s defense chief said.
"I request you to submit proposals to me on rewarding distinguished servicemen, doctors and all those who were engaged in the disinfection effort in cities and at facilities in Italy," Shoigu added.
Between March 22 and 25, 15 Russian planes delivered almost 100 Russian virologists and epidemiologists, eight medical brigades, as well as diagnostics and disinfection equipment to Italy. Russian specialists worked in one of the most affected areas of Italy — the city of Bergamo and its surroundings.
By May 5, the Russian military specialists jointly with the Italian military had carried out complete disinfection at nursing homes in more than 90 populated areas in Lombardy. In particular, they decontaminated 114 buildings and structures, over 1.1 million square meters of internal premises and more than 400,000 square meters of paved roads.


tass--2020-05-06--Russian researchers develop nanofibers that can stop coronavirus-sized particles

KRASNODAR , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
A group of scientists from Russia ’ s Krasnodar Region invented a nanofiber @ @ @ @ @ masks and respirator disposable filters that is more effective for prevention of the coronavirus spread @ @ @ @ @ Lopatin , a team representative , told TASS Wednesday .
`` We have begun our @ @ @ @ @ kerosene soot particles have the same size as the coronavirus .
We tested both the @ @ @ @ @ production and our nanofibers for absorption .
Currently , we look into two possible applications @ @ @ @ @ prevention : production of medical masks - we already negotiate with two mask makers - @ @ @ @ @ used in the disposable respirator filters , '' Lopatin said .

KRASNODAR, May 6. /TASS/. A group of scientists from Russia’s Krasnodar Region invented a nanofiber material for production of medical masks and respirator disposable filters that is more effective for prevention of the coronavirus spread than normal cloth, Dmitry Lopatin, a team representative, told TASS Wednesday.
"We have begun our research in late March: kerosene soot particles have the same size as the coronavirus. We tested both the normal cloth used in mask production and our nanofibers for absorption. Currently, we look into two possible applications of our nanofibers for coronavirus prevention: production of medical masks - we already negotiate with two mask makers - or they could also be used in the disposable respirator filters," Lopatin said.


tass--2020-05-06--Xinhua Silk Road: Seraphim releases new 158 high efficiency module

BEIJING , May 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. , Ltd. ( Seraphim ) , a world-class solar products manufacturer , rolled out its latest product , the 158 high efficiency shingled module on May 6 .
According to Seraphim , the new 158 shingled module can generate more power with higher efficiency ratings .
By cutting the 158.75mm cells into 6 pieces and replacing the traditional ribbon with electrical conductive adhesive , the new 158 shingled module can have a maximum efficiency of 20.81 percent , with its module power reaching up to 440W .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sun 's energy a certain panel can convert into usable electricity .
The energy is converted by capturing the electrical current generated when sunshine interacts with silicon or thin film cells inside a solar panel .
In addition to the high efficiency , the new product has increased reliability and durability , with its attenuation rate 1.7 percent lower than conventional modules .
`` As a fully upgraded shingled module , the new product represents a breakthrough made by Seraphim in the shingled module technology .
If innovation is our internal strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is our weapon to win the market .
Seraphim is one of the first companies in the industry to start mass production of shingled modules .
Over the years , we have continuously strengthened research and development , and been striving for excellence .
I believe that the new 158 shingled module will bring customers a superior product experience , '' said Polaris Li , president of Seraphim .
In recent years , shingled modules have captured the interest of more and more manufacturers .
Shingled modules are expected to see rapid growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Seraphim forecasts that the shingled module will become the mainstream module in the PV market in the long run .
Since its foundation in 2011 , Seraphim has been specializing in research , development , production , innovation and sales of PV products .
So far , more than 8GW Seraphim 's products have been installed in over 40 countries worldwide .

BEIJING, May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co., Ltd. (Seraphim), a world-class solar products manufacturer, rolled out its latest product, the 158 high efficiency shingled module on May 6.
According to Seraphim, the new 158 shingled module can generate more power with higher efficiency ratings. By cutting the 158.75mm cells into 6 pieces and replacing the traditional ribbon with electrical conductive adhesive, the new 158 shingled module can have a maximum efficiency of 20.81 percent, with its module power reaching up to 440W.
Solar panel efficiency measures how much of the sun's energy a certain panel can convert into usable electricity. The energy is converted by capturing the electrical current generated when sunshine interacts with silicon or thin film cells inside a solar panel.
In addition to the high efficiency, the new product has increased reliability and durability, with its attenuation rate 1.7 percent lower than conventional modules.
"As a fully upgraded shingled module, the new product represents a breakthrough made by Seraphim in the shingled module technology. If innovation is our internal strength, then this new 158 shingled module is our weapon to win the market. Seraphim is one of the first companies in the industry to start mass production of shingled modules. Over the years, we have continuously strengthened research and development, and been striving for excellence. I believe that the new 158 shingled module will bring customers a superior product experience," said Polaris Li, president of Seraphim.
In recent years, shingled modules have captured the interest of more and more manufacturers. Shingled modules are expected to see rapid growth in production capacity in the coming years and Seraphim forecasts that the shingled module will become the mainstream module in the PV market in the long run.
Since its foundation in 2011, Seraphim has been specializing in research, development, production, innovation and sales of PV products. So far, more than 8GW Seraphim's products have been installed in over 40 countries worldwide.
Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/313196.html
CONTACT: Silvia, +86-15117925061


tass--2020-05-06--Press review: Trump picks envoy for New START talks and Covid-19 lockdown triggers scams

US President Donald Trump has nominated a candidate for Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security .
This position is important for Russia since this person will hold talks with Moscow on the fate of New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) that is due to expire in 2021 .
However , the candidate tapped for this position , Marshall Billingslea , could be rejected by the Senate .
Earlier , US Senators denied him another senior position as a special envoy for nuclear talks blaming his remark in favor of using harsh interrogation techniques against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State for Arms Control and International Security has been vacant for more than six months , Kommersant business daily writes .
This field is crucial for Russian-US relations .
Moscow and Washington don ’ t have many topics and interests in common , but arms control has until recently remained an area where the sides continued cooperating despite sharp differences on other issues .
However , soon this area of cooperation could be left without a legal basis .
In February 2021 , New START will expire and it can be extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for extending the treaty , Washington has backpedaled on the decision .
The date of the Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been announced , however it is clear now that this procedure won ’ t be easy , the paper says .
Meanwhile , US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan hoped that Billingslea ’ s appointment could help advance arms control talks between Moscow and Washington .
According to retired Lieutenant General Evgeny Buzhinsky , an expert at the PIR Center , who cooperated with Billingslea in the early 2000s , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he is not ready to reach a compromise , but would rather strictly follow instructions .
However , regardless of his negotiating skills , it ’ s unreal to draw up an agreement on arms control between the US , Russia and China by February 2021 , he noted .
Meanwhile , the New START deal still could have a chance to be extended if Billingslea convinced Trump to shelve plans on involving China and just come to terms with Russia .
Izvestia : Scam websites on the rise in Russia amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of attacks on Russians through scam resources ( websites used by fraudsters to rake in money ) soared 10-fold to 15 mln .
The number of these pages doubled to 10,000 in the first quarter of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019 , research carried out by Kaspersky Lab revealed , says Izvestia .
The potential damage due to such schemes in the first quarter of 2020 could surpass 3 bln rubles ( $ 40.7 mln ) , according to this research .
This surge is explained by the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profitable given that Russians are spending more time online during the coronavirus pandemic .
Fraudsters have been actively exploiting the COVID-19 situation , using false promises ranging from paying social benefits to selling individual protection gear , representatives of leading Russian banks said .
`` Scams have become one of the most popular schemes used by online fraudsters .
Very often they exploit the brands of major companies and famous persons to undermine [ people ’ s ] vigilance .
The most popular categories for scammers are banks , pension funds , celebrities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tatyana Sidorina , a senior content analyst at Kaspersky Lab , said .
Deputy Director at Otkritie Bank ’ s Information Security Department Ilya Suloyev attributed the rise in such fraud to the fact that scammers find it easier to reach new audiences through ads on social networks , search engines and video hosting sites .
Once the quarantine measures in Russia end , scammers could come up with new fraudulent schemes involving tourism to Russian resorts and drugs that restore immunity and mental health , analyst at InfoWatch Andrei Arsentyev told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in his interview with Vedomosti that he would prefer to call the current situation a challenge rather than a crisis .
`` Crisis ?
This word even hurt my ears , '' the finance chief said .
According to Siluanov , the real crisis was five years ago when Urals oil was cheaper than $ 15 per barrel .
`` Now , we don ’ t pay much attention to oil because we have created the necessary financial buffers and we will survive even at a price of $ 10 .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have prepped for it , so today we are facing a challenge of an absolutely new scale , '' he noted .
The current situation could be probably described in history textbooks , Siluanov said , stressing that the most important task now is to protect public health and human lives .
The finance minister expects that the average oil price in 2020 would be $ 30 per barrel .
Turning to the OPEC+ deal on cutting oil output , he said that the advantage of this agreement is that the talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the United States .
`` This is the guarantee of more successful steps on the oil market . ''
Siluanov also predicted that Russia ’ s budget deficit would be nearly 4 % of the GDP this year , yet the GDP could drop 5 % .
`` We are not cutting spending , on the contrary , we are increasing it and that ’ s why we will be using the money from the National Welfare Fund and loans to provide funding for the current commitments and anti-crisis programs . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to spend a large amount of money from the National Welfare Fund during these two years , he noted , saying that this would be wrong .
The minister also rejected the idea of borrowing more money from abroad noting the current high interest rates .
Speaking on Russia ’ s major infrastructure projects , Siluanov said the deadline for implementing them would be moved up , but nevertheless they would be fulfilled .
Izvestia : Russian business activity to return to normal within two years One in five Russian companies will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business if the restrictions are lifted no later than mid-June .
In general , Russian enterprises will rebound within two years , Head of the Center of Strategic Research Alexander Sinitsyn told Izvestia .
Businesses are bracing for a new round of state support , he said .
If entrepreneurs ’ hopes are not fulfilled , a wave of bankruptcies will be on the horizon , with a third of companies , possibly facing this risk .
Experts believe that businesses won ’ t be able to return to the pre-coronavirus way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 14 % of organizations will restore normal operations within three or four weeks .
In three or six months , 50 % of businesses will bounce back .
A year later , nearly 80 % of companies will be back to normal .
Others will need more than two years to fully rebound .
`` Business is very sensitive to the timeframe and procedures of cancelling the restrictions .
On condition that they are lifted at least by mid-June , every fifth Russian company will restore activity in more than a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies will face a number of hurdles along this path .
The think tank believes that 50 % of enterprises will have to cut salaries , 45 % expect to lose clients and brace for higher purchasing prices .
Some 43 % will be forced to lay off staff .
According to Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dmitry Kurochkin , 80 % of companies are not working normally , though formally they continue operations .
Therefore , no full restoration of their activity is expected , he noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ new markets , new suppliers , new channels and formats of sales .
In view of this , they won ’ t be able to rebound .
The change of the paradigm is an irreversible process , '' he emphasized .
Nearly half of Russians ( 47 % ) would vote in favor of the constitutional amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin , while one-third ( 31 % ) would not back them if the nationwide vote on this issue were held `` in the coming months . ''
Another 22 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey conducted in April by the Levada Center .
In late March , some 40 % of Russians were ready to endorse the amendments and 34 % were against them , Vedomosti writes .
A total of 65 % Russians ( 54 % in March ) are ready to take part in this vote , while 19 % others are not going to cast their ballots ( 27 % in March ) and another 15 % have not yet decided whether they will come to the polling stations .
Those who are sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote support the proposed constitutional amendments , while those who would rather vote against them are not planning to go to the ballot boxes .
The nationwide vote was originally scheduled for April 22 , but was delayed over the coronavirus pandemic .
The president will set a new date in his decree .
Now , it is expected that the vote will take place in early July and preliminarily on July 8 , a source close to the Kremlin said .
`` There is no exact date now because it is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will unfold , '' he said .
Another backup option is September , but then Unified Election Day will have to be postponed , he noted .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: Trump picks envoy to negotiate key arms control deal with Russia
Read also Russia urges US to promptly prolong New START
US President Donald Trump has nominated a candidate for Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. This position is important for Russia since this person will hold talks with Moscow on the fate of New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) that is due to expire in 2021. However, the candidate tapped for this position, Marshall Billingslea, could be rejected by the Senate. Earlier, US Senators denied him another senior position as a special envoy for nuclear talks blaming his remark in favor of using harsh interrogation techniques against terrorists. The position of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security has been vacant for more than six months, Kommersant business daily writes. This field is crucial for Russian-US relations. Moscow and Washington don’t have many topics and interests in common, but arms control has until recently remained an area where the sides continued cooperating despite sharp differences on other issues. However, soon this area of cooperation could be left without a legal basis. In February 2021, New START will expire and it can be extended for five years. Although Moscow has called for extending the treaty, Washington has backpedaled on the decision. The date of the Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been announced, however it is clear now that this procedure won’t be easy, the paper says. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan hoped that Billingslea’s appointment could help advance arms control talks between Moscow and Washington. According to retired Lieutenant General Evgeny Buzhinsky, an expert at the PIR Center, who cooperated with Billingslea in the early 2000s, this candidate is not a flexible negotiator and he is not ready to reach a compromise, but would rather strictly follow instructions. However, regardless of his negotiating skills, it’s unreal to draw up an agreement on arms control between the US, Russia and China by February 2021, he noted. Meanwhile, the New START deal still could have a chance to be extended if Billingslea convinced Trump to shelve plans on involving China and just come to terms with Russia. Izvestia: Scam websites on the rise in Russia amid coronavirus pandemic
Read also Hacker attack on website issuing permits for Moscow residents detected
In early 2020, the number of attacks on Russians through scam resources (websites used by fraudsters to rake in money) soared 10-fold to 15 mln. The number of these pages doubled to 10,000 in the first quarter of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, research carried out by Kaspersky Lab revealed, says Izvestia. The potential damage due to such schemes in the first quarter of 2020 could surpass 3 bln rubles ($40.7 mln), according to this research. This surge is explained by the fact that these schemes are easy and very profitable given that Russians are spending more time online during the coronavirus pandemic. Fraudsters have been actively exploiting the COVID-19 situation, using false promises ranging from paying social benefits to selling individual protection gear, representatives of leading Russian banks said. "Scams have become one of the most popular schemes used by online fraudsters. Very often they exploit the brands of major companies and famous persons to undermine [people’s] vigilance. The most popular categories for scammers are banks, pension funds, celebrities as well as state lotteries," Tatyana Sidorina, a senior content analyst at Kaspersky Lab, said. Deputy Director at Otkritie Bank’s Information Security Department Ilya Suloyev attributed the rise in such fraud to the fact that scammers find it easier to reach new audiences through ads on social networks, search engines and video hosting sites. Once the quarantine measures in Russia end, scammers could come up with new fraudulent schemes involving tourism to Russian resorts and drugs that restore immunity and mental health, analyst at InfoWatch Andrei Arsentyev told the paper. Vedomosti: Russian economy will survive at $10 oil price, vows finance minister
Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said in his interview with Vedomosti that he would prefer to call the current situation a challenge rather than a crisis. "Crisis? This word even hurt my ears," the finance chief said. According to Siluanov, the real crisis was five years ago when Urals oil was cheaper than $15 per barrel. "Now, we don’t pay much attention to oil because we have created the necessary financial buffers and we will survive even at a price of $10. This is the war of the past and we have prepped for it, so today we are facing a challenge of an absolutely new scale," he noted. The current situation could be probably described in history textbooks, Siluanov said, stressing that the most important task now is to protect public health and human lives. The finance minister expects that the average oil price in 2020 would be $30 per barrel. Turning to the OPEC+ deal on cutting oil output, he said that the advantage of this agreement is that the talks now involve all oil producing countries, including the United States. "This is the guarantee of more successful steps on the oil market." Siluanov also predicted that Russia’s budget deficit would be nearly 4% of the GDP this year, yet the GDP could drop 5%. "We are not cutting spending, on the contrary, we are increasing it and that’s why we will be using the money from the National Welfare Fund and loans to provide funding for the current commitments and anti-crisis programs." However, the Finance Ministry is not planning to spend a large amount of money from the National Welfare Fund during these two years, he noted, saying that this would be wrong. The minister also rejected the idea of borrowing more money from abroad noting the current high interest rates. Speaking on Russia’s major infrastructure projects, Siluanov said the deadline for implementing them would be moved up, but nevertheless they would be fulfilled. Izvestia: Russian business activity to return to normal within two years
Read also Banks issue $51.61 mln of loans to Russian businesses to pay salaries
One in five Russian companies will need more than a year to restore business if the restrictions are lifted no later than mid-June. In general, Russian enterprises will rebound within two years, Head of the Center of Strategic Research Alexander Sinitsyn told Izvestia. Businesses are bracing for a new round of state support, he said. If entrepreneurs’ hopes are not fulfilled, a wave of bankruptcies will be on the horizon, with a third of companies, possibly facing this risk. Experts believe that businesses won’t be able to return to the pre-coronavirus way of life. According to the think tank, 14% of organizations will restore normal operations within three or four weeks. In three or six months, 50% of businesses will bounce back. A year later, nearly 80% of companies will be back to normal. Others will need more than two years to fully rebound. "Business is very sensitive to the timeframe and procedures of cancelling the restrictions. On condition that they are lifted at least by mid-June, every fifth Russian company will restore activity in more than a year," Sinitsyn stated. Still, companies will face a number of hurdles along this path. The think tank believes that 50% of enterprises will have to cut salaries, 45% expect to lose clients and brace for higher purchasing prices. Some 43% will be forced to lay off staff. According to Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dmitry Kurochkin, 80% of companies are not working normally, though formally they continue operations. Therefore, no full restoration of their activity is expected, he noted. "Most companies have to look for new markets, new suppliers, new channels and formats of sales. In view of this, they won’t be able to rebound. The change of the paradigm is an irreversible process," he emphasized. Vedomosti: Half of Russians ready to back constitutional amendments
Read also Poll shows Russians consider constitutional amendments on sovereignty extremely vital


tass--2020-05-06--Russia, China were first to meet Moldova’s request to tackle coronavirus — Dodon

`` We should acknowledge that this pandemic has shown ‘ who is who , ’ who is a real friend and who will be always by our side in need , even if they also face hard time , '' Dodon said .
`` I will cite as an example Russia and China here because these were the first countries that responded to our request .
Switzerland was the first European country that immediately made a decision to help us . ''
The Moldovan president noted that Russia provided an An-124 Ruslan cargo plane free of charge to deliver medicines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for which Chisinau was very grateful to the Russian leadership .
`` Amid this challenge — and we understand that Russia is also facing a very difficult time — they made a decision on granting a loan under an earlier reached agreement , '' the Moldovan leader said .
`` So , this pandemic will certainly turn the tide .
I will repeat : we have seen who is who and who is ready to offer a helping hand in a difficult situation . ''
Moldova may within days ease the restrictions it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , President Igor Dodon stated .
`` The odds are we will make a decision to lift some restrictions within days , '' he said .
`` Our state of emergency is expiring in a week from now , on May 15 .
We ’ ve held consultations with government members .
Most likely we will not ask parliament to prolong the state of emergency . ''
The Moldovan leader explained that on April 27 Moldova canceled restrictions on trade in non-food items and on services .
`` We will resume other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dodon vowed .
According to the president , the Moldovan leadership provided a prompt and timely response to the emergence of infection in the country and took a number of restrictive measures as soon as the first case was identified on March 7 .
`` On March 13-14 we closed schools and pre-schools .
On March 15 , literally a week after the first case , when just five or six patients were identified , we introduced a state of emergency . ''
Dodon is certain that the Moldovan authorities ’ measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their effect and made it far easier for the country to live through this period .
`` Even in contrast to many European Union countries , although we have a very large diaspora in the EU , we have one of the lowest mortality rates in the whole region , '' he said , adding that the coronavirus-related diseases accounted for no more than 3 % of deaths , while Europe ’ s average is 7 % .
In neighboring Romania the rate of mortality was 5.7 % .
Moldova ’ s Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday that 115 new cases had been registered in the country over the past day to take the total number to 4,363 , with 1,544 recoveries and 136 deaths .
A 60-day state of emergency is in effect in Moldova .
The function of decision-making is in the hands of the National Board for Emergencies .
The country has suspended air links with all countries and closed ground borders .
Mass entertainment and religious events are outlawed .
School classes are suspended .
The world will emerge completely different from the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standpoint , as well as geopolitics-wise , the Moldovan president told TASS .
`` What will the world be like after all this ?
I think it will be a completely different world , including from the economic standpoint .
We see that the electronic commerce volumes in Moldova increased tens of times .
There will be a completely different situation in the social sphere as the priorities have shifted .
This is now medicines and everything related to fighting the pandemic , '' the president said .
`` I think that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we could witness , even within the European Union , there were many cases when lots with medicines were snatched from each other , borders were closed , humanitarian cargo transport was forbidden to go in or out . ''
According to Dodon , Moldova knows about it firsthand , because this situation impacted the country .
`` In late March , the goods that we have paid for were simply not allowed for transportation through some countries of the European Union , '' he explained .
`` This is why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standpoint , '' the president added .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
A strategic dialogue between Russian and Moldova is no longer restricted to presidents ; over the last year , it was extended to the level of the prime ministers and parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
He noted a significant improvement in the Russian-Moldovan relations which has become particularly apparent over the last year .
`` We enjoy strategic partnership and strategic dialogue at the levels of presidents , prime ministers , and parliament speakers .
Something we did not have before .
You remember the situation before June 2019 , when we effectively had dialogue only on the presidential level , '' the Moldovan leader noted .
Russia and Moldova have `` a large number of joint events '' planned for this year , Dodon stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialists , who support Dodon , united with the Acum bloc against the Democratic Party , led by oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc , who advocated a policy against Russia and towards closer relations with the EU , the US and NATO .
The Democrats refused to become an opposition , declared the new parliament and the new cabinet illegitimate and staged demonstrations of supporters who blocked state buildings .
After the new cabinet was backed by Russia , the EU and the US , Plahotniuc fled the country and announced that he leaves both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Moldova , criminal proceedings were initiated against him , and the US included the oligarch in a sanctions list .
The coalition of the socialists and the Acum stayed for only five months : in November last year , the government of Maia Sandu was dismissed .
After that , the socialists , who voted in favor of Sandu ’ s dismissal , formed a minority cabinet of technocrats under Ion Chicu , with the support of the Democrats .
Moldovan President Igor Dodon said in an exclusive interview with TASS First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again run for president in the election scheduled for this autumn .
Dodon noted that the past three years and a half during his term in office had been challenging .
`` I think one of the major achievements is that we have got rid of the oligarch regime , '' he said .
`` An important result is that we started carrying out a balanced foreign policy .
Even against the background of those deals signed with the European Union , we managed to obtain an observer status in the Eurasian Economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chisinau needs a consolidated Moldovan society that is still divided as well as more progress on the Transnistria settlement .
`` I believe that Moldova will be a generally stronger state if we solve this problem and if we unite , '' Dodon emphasized .
`` For this , it ’ s worth participating in the presidential election once again and winning in order to move forward in this direction . ''
The Moldovan president also recalled that the elections in the republic were scheduled between October 23 and November 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ official decision [ on participating in the elections ] , there is still time left , '' he said .
`` Our main goal now is to deal with the pandemic and tackle the economic crisis .
We ’ ll decide closer to the elections . ''

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. Russia and China were the first countries to meet Moldova’s request to help it combat the coronavirus pandemic, Moldovan President Igor Dodon said in an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
Read also Russian military plane to deliver medical equipment from China to Moldova
"We should acknowledge that this pandemic has shown ‘who is who,’ who is a real friend and who will be always by our side in need, even if they also face hard time," Dodon said. "I will cite as an example Russia and China here because these were the first countries that responded to our request. Switzerland was the first European country that immediately made a decision to help us." The Moldovan president noted that Russia provided an An-124 Ruslan cargo plane free of charge to deliver medicines and individual protection gear from China, for which Chisinau was very grateful to the Russian leadership. "Amid this challenge — and we understand that Russia is also facing a very difficult time — they made a decision on granting a loan under an earlier reached agreement," the Moldovan leader said. "So, this pandemic will certainly turn the tide. I will repeat: we have seen who is who and who is ready to offer a helping hand in a difficult situation." Easing restrictions in Moldova
Read also Russia suspends trains to and from Ukraine, Moldova over coronavirus
Moldova may within days ease the restrictions it introduced in the light of the coronavirus pandemic, President Igor Dodon stated. "The odds are we will make a decision to lift some restrictions within days," he said. "Our state of emergency is expiring in a week from now, on May 15. We’ve held consultations with government members. Most likely we will not ask parliament to prolong the state of emergency." The Moldovan leader explained that on April 27 Moldova canceled restrictions on trade in non-food items and on services. "We will resume other activities in Moldova step by step," Dodon vowed. According to the president, the Moldovan leadership provided a prompt and timely response to the emergence of infection in the country and took a number of restrictive measures as soon as the first case was identified on March 7. "On March 13-14 we closed schools and pre-schools. On March 15, literally a week after the first case, when just five or six patients were identified, we introduced a state of emergency." Dodon is certain that the Moldovan authorities’ measures to fight against the coronavirus have had their effect and made it far easier for the country to live through this period. "Even in contrast to many European Union countries, although we have a very large diaspora in the EU, we have one of the lowest mortality rates in the whole region," he said, adding that the coronavirus-related diseases accounted for no more than 3% of deaths, while Europe’s average is 7%. In neighboring Romania the rate of mortality was 5.7%. Coronavirus situation in Moldova Moldova’s Health Minister Veroica Dumbraveanu told a news briefing on Tuesday that 115 new cases had been registered in the country over the past day to take the total number to 4,363, with 1,544 recoveries and 136 deaths. A 60-day state of emergency is in effect in Moldova. The function of decision-making is in the hands of the National Board for Emergencies. The country has suspended air links with all countries and closed ground borders. Mass entertainment and religious events are outlawed. School classes are suspended. Post-pandemic world
Read also Pandemic will bring down demand for all energy sources except renewable in 2020 — IEA
The world will emerge completely different from the pandemic, both from the economic and social standpoint, as well as geopolitics-wise, the Moldovan president told TASS. "What will the world be like after all this? I think it will be a completely different world, including from the economic standpoint. We see that the electronic commerce volumes in Moldova increased tens of times. There will be a completely different situation in the social sphere as the priorities have shifted. This is now medicines and everything related to fighting the pandemic," the president said. "I think that the geopolitical situation will be different, because as we could witness, even within the European Union, there were many cases when lots with medicines were snatched from each other, borders were closed, humanitarian cargo transport was forbidden to go in or out." According to Dodon, Moldova knows about it firsthand, because this situation impacted the country. "In late March, the goods that we have paid for were simply not allowed for transportation through some countries of the European Union," he explained. "This is why the situation will be different from a geopolitical standpoint," the president added. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe. Russia-Moldova dialogue A strategic dialogue between Russian and Moldova is no longer restricted to presidents; over the last year, it was extended to the level of the prime ministers and parliament speakers, Moldovan President Igor Dodon told TASS.
Read also US gave shelter to oligarch Plahotniuc to influence Moldovan policy — President Dodon
He noted a significant improvement in the Russian-Moldovan relations which has become particularly apparent over the last year. "We enjoy strategic partnership and strategic dialogue at the levels of presidents, prime ministers, and parliament speakers. Something we did not have before. You remember the situation before June 2019, when we effectively had dialogue only on the presidential level," the Moldovan leader noted. Russia and Moldova have "a large number of joint events" planned for this year, Dodon stated. In June 2019, the Moldovan socialists, who support Dodon, united with the Acum bloc against the Democratic Party, led by oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, who advocated a policy against Russia and towards closer relations with the EU, the US and NATO. The Democrats refused to become an opposition, declared the new parliament and the new cabinet illegitimate and staged demonstrations of supporters who blocked state buildings. After the new cabinet was backed by Russia, the EU and the US, Plahotniuc fled the country and announced that he leaves both the party and politics in general. In Moldova, criminal proceedings were initiated against him, and the US included the oligarch in a sanctions list. The coalition of the socialists and the Acum stayed for only five months: in November last year, the government of Maia Sandu was dismissed. After that, the socialists, who voted in favor of Sandu’s dismissal, formed a minority cabinet of technocrats under Ion Chicu, with the support of the Democrats. Dodon's plans for running for presidency Moldovan President Igor Dodon said in an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman he could again run for president in the election scheduled for this autumn.
Read also Moldovan President Dodon invites int’l mediators to help settle political crisis


tass--2020-05-06--European Commission predicts a 5% drop in Russia's GDP in 2020 due to pandemic

BRUSSELS , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
The European Commission expects Russia 's GDP to decline 5 % in 2020 due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic , which is more than double the 2.3 % decline in 2015 caused by falling oil prices and Western sanctions .
This assessment is contained in the European Commission 's spring economic forecast published on Wednesday .
In this outlook the EC revised its previous expectations for all countries downwards .
The EC expects Russia 's economic growth to resume as early as 2021 , at 1.5 % , despite expectations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures are approximately in line with global trends - the European Commission expects the global GDP to fall by about 3 % this year , with the economies of the EU ( 7.4 % ) and the United States ( 6.5 % ) suffering the most losses .
The European Commission notes that the situation in Russia was mitigated by large state investments in national , mainly infrastructure projects , which stimulate growth and economic activity .
`` The economic activity slowed down to 1.3 % in 2019 , as investments and external @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investments into national projects , a major programme of mostly infrastructure spending to stimulate potential growth , accelerated towards the end of 2019 resulting in a gradual pick up of economic activity , '' the EC notes .
The real GDP in Russia fell due to the collapse of oil prices to `` 18-year lows '' amidst `` a 25 % plunge in global oil demand '' and deterioration of demand due to the pandemic .
`` The lockdown measures were originally less severe than in other countries , but were sharpened with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a significant negative effect on consumption that is expected to decline sharply , as most outside activity is curtailed , '' according to the document .
`` However , fiscal measures are likely to cushion part of the slump as automatic stabilizers start to work and social spending is expected to rise .
At the same time , corporate and household incomes are set to dwindle , '' the EC says .
The European Commission believes that `` private investment is set to be subdued in 2020 , as the situation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector is unlikely to spend in the current circumstances . ''
The EC also predicts a decline in exports and imports , which will begin to recover only in 2021 .
As for oil prices , the European Commission expects them to remain low in at $ 38.4 per barrel in 2020 and at $ 40.2 per barrel in 2021 .
In February 2020 , in its winter forecast , the European Commission assumed that the coronavirus epidemic will have a limited impact on the global economy , and its consequences will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since the start of the pandemic , more than 3.6 mln people have been infected with coronavirus in the world , over 250,000 have died .

BRUSSELS, May 6. /TASS/. The European Commission expects Russia's GDP to decline 5% in 2020 due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, which is more than double the 2.3 % decline in 2015 caused by falling oil prices and Western sanctions. This assessment is contained in the European Commission's spring economic forecast published on Wednesday. In this outlook the EC revised its previous expectations for all countries downwards.
The EC expects Russia's economic growth to resume as early as 2021, at 1.5%, despite expectations that oil prices will remain low.
These figures are approximately in line with global trends - the European Commission expects the global GDP to fall by about 3% this year, with the economies of the EU (7.4%) and the United States (6.5%) suffering the most losses.
The European Commission notes that the situation in Russia was mitigated by large state investments in national, mainly infrastructure projects, which stimulate growth and economic activity.
"The economic activity slowed down to 1.3% in 2019, as investments and external demand were sluggish. Still, public investments into national projects, a major programme of mostly infrastructure spending to stimulate potential growth, accelerated towards the end of 2019 resulting in a gradual pick up of economic activity," the EC notes.
The real GDP in Russia fell due to the collapse of oil prices to "18-year lows" amidst "a 25% plunge in global oil demand" and deterioration of demand due to the pandemic.
"The lockdown measures were originally less severe than in other countries, but were sharpened with accelerating infections in April. These measures have a significant negative effect on consumption that is expected to decline sharply, as most outside activity is curtailed," according to the document.
"However, fiscal measures are likely to cushion part of the slump as automatic stabilizers start to work and social spending is expected to rise. At the same time, corporate and household incomes are set to dwindle," the EC says.
The European Commission believes that "private investment is set to be subdued in 2020, as the situation of SMEs is deteriorating rapidly and the energy sector is unlikely to spend in the current circumstances."
The EC also predicts a decline in exports and imports, which will begin to recover only in 2021.
As for oil prices, the European Commission expects them to remain low in at $38.4 per barrel in 2020 and at $40.2 per barrel in 2021.
In February 2020, in its winter forecast, the European Commission assumed that the coronavirus epidemic will have a limited impact on the global economy, and its consequences will be overcome in the first quarter of 2020. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 3.6 mln people have been infected with coronavirus in the world, over 250,000 have died.


tass--2020-05-06--Russia’s increased Covid-19 testing shows more carriers, but severe cases remain unchanged

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
The total increase in coronavirus infection cases in Russia has not affected the average number of patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms , the Russian Health Ministry ’ s Chief Infectious Disease Specialist Elena Malinnikova says .
`` Daily case increases across Russia total 7.9 % .
If we talk about patients with respiratory and pneumonia symptoms , this figure remains stable , with 51 % of them as light cases , 38 % that are of medium severity and 11 % of them as severe cases .
Therefore , the general case count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with severe symptoms , although they are extremely crucial to national healthcare , '' the Health Ministry ’ s press service quotes her as saying .
The recent ramped-up testing for coronavirus in Russia has also contributed to the rise in cases , Malinnikova notes .
`` If we don ’ t test , then we are only going to see obvious infection cases ( medium and severe ones ) .
Light cases and those with no symptoms will not get into the statistics at all .
And they will exacerbate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become more widespread across Russia , not just in the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg , '' she added .
The health specialist urged people to be more responsible and adhere to the quarantine in order to stop the spread of the virus as soon as possible .
`` It is important to understand that if we hold out just a little bit more , we will be able to disrupt the active circulation of the virus in our country , the SARS-CoV-2 will begin to lose its virulence - meaning its toxicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only then will a decline in the case count be possible .
We will be able to come out of the quarantine faster and with less losses and return to our normal life again , '' Malinnikova concluded .
To date , a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 21,327 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,537 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation @

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. The total increase in coronavirus infection cases in Russia has not affected the average number of patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms, the Russian Health Ministry’s Chief Infectious Disease Specialist Elena Malinnikova says.
"Daily case increases across Russia total 7.9%. If we talk about patients with respiratory and pneumonia symptoms, this figure remains stable, with 51% of them as light cases, 38% that are of medium severity and 11% of them as severe cases. Therefore, the general case count has not affected the average share of patients with severe symptoms, although they are extremely crucial to national healthcare," the Health Ministry’s press service quotes her as saying.
The recent ramped-up testing for coronavirus in Russia has also contributed to the rise in cases, Malinnikova notes.
"If we don’t test, then we are only going to see obvious infection cases (medium and severe ones). Light cases and those with no symptoms will not get into the statistics at all. And they will exacerbate the infection’s spread. Testing has become more widespread across Russia, not just in the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg," she added.
The health specialist urged people to be more responsible and adhere to the quarantine in order to stop the spread of the virus as soon as possible.
"It is important to understand that if we hold out just a little bit more, we will be able to disrupt the active circulation of the virus in our country, the SARS-CoV-2 will begin to lose its virulence - meaning its toxicity - and it will become less contagious. Only then will a decline in the case count be possible. We will be able to come out of the quarantine faster and with less losses and return to our normal life again," Malinnikova concluded.
To date, a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 21,327 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,537 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-06--Record number of coronavirus patients recover in Georgia over past day

TBILISI , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
At least 29 coronavirus patients have recovered in Georgia over the past twenty-four hours , a record figure since the start of the pandemic in the South Caucasus republic , the Georgian government reported on its website focused on keeping the public updated on the coronavirus situation .
The updated data show that over 5,000 people in Georgia are under quarantine while 505 individuals are staying at inpatient clinics .
A total of 610 people have contracted the disease and nine patients have died .
Three Georgian citizens infected with the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from abroad .
The Georgian medics achieved the previous record of recoveries from the illness on April 24 when 22 patients were discharged from hospitals in 24 hours .
Georgia declared a state of emergency over the pandemic from March 21 to May 22 .
From April 27 , the Georgian authorities started to gradually ease the restrictions introduced to fight the coronavirus .
The taxi service , agrarian marketplaces and car repair shops have resumed their operation and online sales and delivery services are now available .
People have also been allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TBILISI, May 6. /TASS/. At least 29 coronavirus patients have recovered in Georgia over the past twenty-four hours, a record figure since the start of the pandemic in the South Caucasus republic, the Georgian government reported on its website focused on keeping the public updated on the coronavirus situation.
The updated data show that over 5,000 people in Georgia are under quarantine while 505 individuals are staying at inpatient clinics. A total of 610 people have contracted the disease and nine patients have died. Three Georgian citizens infected with the novel coronavirus have been delivered to their home country from abroad.
The Georgian medics achieved the previous record of recoveries from the illness on April 24 when 22 patients were discharged from hospitals in 24 hours.
Georgia declared a state of emergency over the pandemic from March 21 to May 22. From April 27, the Georgian authorities started to gradually ease the restrictions introduced to fight the coronavirus. The taxi service, agrarian marketplaces and car repair shops have resumed their operation and online sales and delivery services are now available. People have also been allowed to move in cars.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-06--Russia ranked fifth in the world for confirmed COVID-19 cases

Russia has confirmed a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday .
Germany has recorded 164,807 cases , according to the Robert Koch Institute .
MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia overtook Germany on Wednesday for the number of officially confirmed COVID-19 cases , moving to the fifth place in the world , according to data analyzed by TASS correspondents .
France is ranked seventh with 132,967 cases , according to official reports .
However , AFP news agency reported that some 170,551 cases have been registered in the republic since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not included in the official statistics .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,700,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Russia has confirmed a total of 165,929 coronavirus cases, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday. Germany has recorded 164,807 cases, according to the Robert Koch Institute.
MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. Russia overtook Germany on Wednesday for the number of officially confirmed COVID-19 cases, moving to the fifth place in the world, according to data analyzed by TASS correspondents.
France is ranked seventh with 132,967 cases, according to official reports. However, AFP news agency reported that some 170,551 cases have been registered in the republic since the start of the pandemic, which were not included in the official statistics.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 258,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,200,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-06--Russia’s coronavirus cases rise by 10,559 over past day

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has confirmed 10,559 new COVID-19 cases over the past day , taking the case tally to 165,929 in all regions , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday .
Some 21,327 people have recovered and 1,537 others have died of the coronavirus .
According to the crisis center , the daily growth in cases stood at 6.8 % against 7 % on Tuesday .
Some 4,314 new patients ( 40.9 % ) have not shown any symptoms of the disease .
Moscow has confirmed 5,858 new COVID-19 cases over the past day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capital to 85,973 .
The daily growth rate in the cases in the capital is 7.3 % .
Other coronavirus cases have been recorded in 81 regions , mostly in the Moscow Region ( 829 ) , St. Petersburg ( 312 ) , the Nizhny Novgorod Region ( 272 ) , the Republic of Dagestan ( 181 ) , the Murmansk Region ( 136 ) , Kabardino-Balkaria ( 105 ) and Tatarstan ( 102 ) .
Some 1,462 people have been discharged from hospitals in 67 regions , including 588 in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Bryansk Region , 42 in the Kursk Region , 36 in the Lipetsk Region and 35 in the Moscow Region .
Fifty fatalities have been registered in Moscow , 14 in the Moscow Region , six in the Yaroslavl Region , three in St. Petersburg , two in the Stavropol , Sverdlovsk and Novosibirsk Regions .
One death has been confirmed in the Ivanovo , Vologda , Novgorod , Rostov Regions , the Republics of Dagestan , Ingushetia and the Primorky Region .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. Russia has confirmed 10,559 new COVID-19 cases over the past day, taking the case tally to 165,929 in all regions, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.
Some 21,327 people have recovered and 1,537 others have died of the coronavirus.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth in cases stood at 6.8% against 7% on Tuesday. Some 4,314 new patients (40.9%) have not shown any symptoms of the disease.
Moscow has confirmed 5,858 new COVID-19 cases over the past day, bringing the total case tally in the capital to 85,973. The daily growth rate in the cases in the capital is 7.3%.
Other coronavirus cases have been recorded in 81 regions, mostly in the Moscow Region (829), St. Petersburg (312), the Nizhny Novgorod Region (272), the Republic of Dagestan (181), the Murmansk Region (136), Kabardino-Balkaria (105) and Tatarstan (102).
Some 1,462 people have been discharged from hospitals in 67 regions, including 588 in Moscow, 64 in St. Petersburg, 56 in the Bryansk Region, 42 in the Kursk Region, 36 in the Lipetsk Region and 35 in the Moscow Region.
Fifty fatalities have been registered in Moscow, 14 in the Moscow Region, six in the Yaroslavl Region, three in St. Petersburg, two in the Stavropol, Sverdlovsk and Novosibirsk Regions. One death has been confirmed in the Ivanovo, Vologda, Novgorod, Rostov Regions, the Republics of Dagestan, Ingushetia and the Primorky Region.


tass--2020-05-06--Another 588 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 8,458 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow , another 588 @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours after undergoing treatment , Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova @ @ @ @ @ Another 588 people have recovered in Moscow over the past 24 hours after treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ who had recovered from the infection has reached 8,458 , '' she said .
According @ @ @ @ @ treatment depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease .
She cautioned against self-treatment @ @ @ @ @ total of 155,370 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,451 fatalities recorded @ @ @ @ @ Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus @ @

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. A total of 8,458 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow, another 588 patients have recovered over the past 24 hours after undergoing treatment, Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova said on Wednesday.
"Another 588 people have recovered in Moscow over the past 24 hours after treatment. The total number of people who had recovered from the infection has reached 8,458," she said.
According to Rakova, doctors prescribe treatment depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease. She cautioned against self-treatment.
To date, a total of 155,370 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,451 fatalities recorded nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-06--Watchdog says 227,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia

MOSCOW , May 6 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 227,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia due to @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus , the press service of the Russian sanitary watchdog reported on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ of ] 227,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia , '' the press service @ @ @ @ @ watchdog , more than 4.6 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country , @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in @ @ @ @ @ , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been @ @ @ @ @ the globe , including Russia .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet @ @ @ @ @ updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 6. /TASS/. A total of 227,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia due to being suspected of having contracted the novel coronavirus, the press service of the Russian sanitary watchdog reported on Wednesday.
"[A total of] 227,000 people remain under medical surveillance in Russia," the press service said.
According to the watchdog, more than 4.6 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country, with 173,000 tests conducted over the past 24 hours.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-06--Innodisk Supports Healthcare Industry with Capable Medical-grade Solutions

TAIPEI , May 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The ongoing global health crisis is putting enormous strains on healthcare providers around the world , and has sent the demand for medical-grade equipment skyrocketing .
With organizations scrambling to procure the right components , Innodisk recently provided its technical and medical sector expertise for ventilator production in China , Europe and Brazil , and doubled-down on its support of innovation in global health .
Solutions to Unique Challenges : Data Security , Endurance , ESD protection , and More Innodisk is proud to deliver solutions used in innovative and life-saving healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems , medical all-in-one and panel PCs , nurses ' stations , and MRI machines .
These medical applications put considerable demands on components that must be addressed in full by any products and solutions -- making a focus on personal data security , reliability , stability , and longevity an absolute must .
Innodisk 's flash storage solutions deliver unwavering stability and exceptional endurance with SLC and iSLC storage solutions -- combined with excellent security guaranteed by AES-256 encryption and TCG Opal-compliance .
Further , Innodisk 's DRAM modules meet all performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longevity with full legacy support for SDRAM , DDR1 , and DDR2 DRAM -- alongside the cutting-edge DDR3 and DDR4 series .
Lastly , Innodisk 's embedded peripherals -- for example , RAID cards , isolated serial cards , and USB 3.0 modules -- come with features such as wide temperature design , electrostatic discharge protection ( air 15 kV , contact 8 kV ) and high potential isolation design ( 2.5 kV ) .
Innodisk also provides extensive customization to meet special requirements , for example by designing components that can withstand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment .
With medical-optimized solutions from across its DRAM , flash storage , and embedded peripherals product lines , Innodisk 's solutions tackle these medical sector challenges with healthcare industry expertise and state-of-the-art technologies .
Innodisk is a service-driven provider of flash memory , DRAM modules , and embedded peripheral products for industrial and enterprise applications .
With satisfied customers across a range of demanding industries , we have set ourselves apart with a commitment to exceptional products and service .
For more information about Innodisk , please visit https : //www.innodisk.com

TAIPEI, May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The ongoing global health crisis is putting enormous strains on healthcare providers around the world, and has sent the demand for medical-grade equipment skyrocketing. With organizations scrambling to procure the right components, Innodisk recently provided its technical and medical sector expertise for ventilator production in China, Europe and Brazil, and doubled-down on its support of innovation in global health.
Solutions to Unique Challenges: Data Security, Endurance, ESD protection, and More
Innodisk is proud to deliver solutions used in innovative and life-saving healthcare applications such as mechanical ventilators, ultrasound systems, medical all-in-one and panel PCs, nurses' stations, and MRI machines. These medical applications put considerable demands on components that must be addressed in full by any products and solutions -- making a focus on personal data security, reliability, stability, and longevity an absolute must.
Industry Prowess and Technical Aptitude
Innodisk's flash storage solutions deliver unwavering stability and exceptional endurance with SLC and iSLC storage solutions -- combined with excellent security guaranteed by AES-256 encryption and TCG Opal-compliance. Further, Innodisk's DRAM modules meet all performance and form factors requirements while also guaranteeing longevity with full legacy support for SDRAM, DDR1, and DDR2 DRAM -- alongside the cutting-edge DDR3 and DDR4 series. Lastly, Innodisk's embedded peripherals -- for example, RAID cards, isolated serial cards, and USB 3.0 modules -- come with features such as wide temperature design, electrostatic discharge protection (air 15 kV, contact 8 kV) and high potential isolation design (2.5 kV).
Innodisk also provides extensive customization to meet special requirements, for example by designing components that can withstand the extreme electromagnetic interference in medical imaging equipment.
With medical-optimized solutions from across its DRAM, flash storage, and embedded peripherals product lines, Innodisk's solutions tackle these medical sector challenges with healthcare industry expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.
About Innodisk
Innodisk is a service-driven provider of flash memory, DRAM modules, and embedded peripheral products for industrial and enterprise applications. With satisfied customers across a range of demanding industries, we have set ourselves apart with a commitment to exceptional products and service.
For more information about Innodisk, please visit https://www.innodisk.com
CONTACT: Innodisk Corporation, Daniel Meesak, +886-277033000 ext. 1522, Daniel_Meesak@innodisk.com; Yvonne Liu, +886-277033000 ext. 1515, Yvonne_Liu@innodisk.com


tass--2020-05-06--Infortrend Optimizes Storage Solution for the Polish Museum

TAIPEI , May 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infortrend® Technology , Inc. ( TWSE : 2495 ) , the industry-leading enterprise storage provider , optimized the storage solution for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw , which has recently been implementing a project of massive digitizing of cultural objects .
In this application , Infortrend storage is deployed for storing the Museum 's multimedia materials , as well as for backing up its main IT systems and production infrared systems .
The Museum encountered the problem of insufficient storage capacity for data appearing from the implemented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of this data is multimedia materials , the project objective was to find storage that would provide large storage capacity for all these files as well as allow to easily expand infrastructure by several TB of free space for new materials .
The second challenge was the limited rack space in the IT server room .
So , the institution was in search of a storage to optimize the server room 's footprint by providing a high-density solution .
Thanks to previously selected EonStor DS 3060 , the capacity expansion task was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Infortrend 's high-density 4U 60-bay JBOD model .
Currently , the Museum 's infrastructure is able to provide the necessary storage space for archiving multimedia materials , backing up its main IT systems and production infrared systems .
`` As an institution , we are required to archive large amounts of data related to cultural heritage .
After analyzing the Storage market , our choice fell on the Infortrend solution because of the functionalities , capacity expandability offered at an affordable price , and 4U 60-bay form-factor for our limited rack space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw .
Learn more about EonStor DS Enterprise SAN Storage and JB Expansion Enclosures Learn more about the Polish Museum Success Story Infortrend ( TWSE : 2495 ) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993 .
With a strong emphasis on in-house design , testing , and manufacturing , Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards , user friendly data services , personal after-sales support , and unrivaled value .
For more information , please visit www.infortrend.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trademarks of Infortrend Technology , Inc. ; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

TAIPEI, May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infortrend® Technology, Inc. (TWSE: 2495), the industry-leading enterprise storage provider, optimized the storage solution for the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, which has recently been implementing a project of massive digitizing of cultural objects. In this application, Infortrend storage is deployed for storing the Museum's multimedia materials, as well as for backing up its main IT systems and production infrared systems.
The Museum encountered the problem of insufficient storage capacity for data appearing from the implemented projects of digitizing Museum collections. Since most of this data is multimedia materials, the project objective was to find storage that would provide large storage capacity for all these files as well as allow to easily expand infrastructure by several TB of free space for new materials. The second challenge was the limited rack space in the IT server room. So, the institution was in search of a storage to optimize the server room's footprint by providing a high-density solution.
Thanks to previously selected EonStor DS 3060, the capacity expansion task was quite easy to fulfil with JB 3060, Infortrend's high-density 4U 60-bay JBOD model. Currently, the Museum's infrastructure is able to provide the necessary storage space for archiving multimedia materials, backing up its main IT systems and production infrared systems.
"As an institution, we are required to archive large amounts of data related to cultural heritage. After analyzing the Storage market, our choice fell on the Infortrend solution because of the functionalities, capacity expandability offered at an affordable price, and 4U 60-bay form-factor for our limited rack space," said Tomasz Kuźma, IT Department of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw.
Learn more about EonStor DS Enterprise SAN Storage and JB Expansion Enclosures
Learn more about the Polish Museum Success Story
About Infortrend
Infortrend (TWSE: 2495) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993. With a strong emphasis on in-house design, testing, and manufacturing, Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards, user friendly data services, personal after-sales support, and unrivaled value. For more information, please visit www.infortrend.com
Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology, Inc.; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Winnie Tsai, +886-2-2226-0126 #8557, winnie.tsai@infortrend.com


tass--2020-05-06--Global Experts Urge in Economist Intelligence Unit Panel Sponsored by Qatar Foundation

DOHA , Qatar and WASHINGTON and ATLANTA and LONDON , May 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Students will have the power to bankrupt universities that do not meet their expectations in a post-COVID-19 world , a US educator has warned at the launch of a major new research report into the future of higher education , commissioned by the Qatar Foundation ( QF ) .
'New schools of thought : Innovative models for delivering higher education ' , produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit ( EIU ) , has outlined how higher education institutions must adapt to survive as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their value , and the challenges that technology and automation pose .
As the report was launched today , a EIU panel discussion sponsored by QF saw education experts from three continents explore its findings and share their views on the future of higher education , with Ben Nelson , Founder , Chairman and CEO of Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute , saying : `` Students have an extraordinary responsibility this year because , for the first time in living memory , they have the ability to bring institutions down to bankruptcy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feet in a way they have never been able to do before – opting to slip out of college for a year can literally shut down an institution .
For the first time , the student 's role is that of the determinant partner – determining what universities should be doing and which ones should have the right to serve them going forward .
`` When societies and students are interfacing with institutions and not getting what they are paying for , there is going to be a reckoning . ''
Dr. Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told the discussion that academic partnerships are `` extremely important in days like this '' , adding : `` Institutions have to stop being so precious and siloed and sequestered . ''
`` Everyone benefits from collaboration , but it takes a very different mindset to what we have now .
If we fall back into marketing and competition mode , we are not going to get anywhere . ''
And Francisco Marmolejo , QF 's Education Advisor , said higher education institutions must `` challenge their assumptions '' , saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and are willing to take risks , as soon as conditions return to some sort of normal , we may try to become the same as we were before .
This crisis is telling us we no longer have the luxury of assuming things will be as they used to be . ''
'New schools of thought : Innovative models for delivering higher education ' can be downloaded here .
A recording of the discussion is available here .
Qatar Foundation for Education , Science and Community Development ( QF ) is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy .
QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education , research and development , and community development .
QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani , the Father Amir , and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser , who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education .
Today , QF 's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation 's development .
QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar , where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges .
By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture , QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all .
For a complete list of QF 's initiatives and projects , please visit : www.qf.org.qa For any media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qf.org.qa This material is distributed by RF|Binder Partners Inc. on behalf of the Qatar Foundation .
Additional information is available at the Department of Justice , Washington , DC .

DOHA, Qatar and WASHINGTON and ATLANTA and LONDON, May 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Students will have the power to bankrupt universities that do not meet their expectations in a post-COVID-19 world, a US educator has warned at the launch of a major new research report into the future of higher education, commissioned by the Qatar Foundation (QF).
'New schools of thought: Innovative models for delivering higher education', produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), has outlined how higher education institutions must adapt to survive as they face dwindling public funding, questions over their value, and the challenges that technology and automation pose.
As the report was launched today, a EIU panel discussion sponsored by QF saw education experts from three continents explore its findings and share their views on the future of higher education, with Ben Nelson, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Minerva Schools at Keck Graduate Institute, saying: "Students have an extraordinary responsibility this year because, for the first time in living memory, they have the ability to bring institutions down to bankruptcy.
"They can vote with their feet in a way they have never been able to do before – opting to slip out of college for a year can literally shut down an institution. For the first time, the student's role is that of the determinant partner – determining what universities should be doing and which ones should have the right to serve them going forward.
"When societies and students are interfacing with institutions and not getting what they are paying for, there is going to be a reckoning."
Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College, told the discussion that academic partnerships are "extremely important in days like this", adding: "Institutions have to stop being so precious and siloed and sequestered."
"Everyone benefits from collaboration, but it takes a very different mindset to what we have now. If we fall back into marketing and competition mode, we are not going to get anywhere."
And Francisco Marmolejo, QF's Education Advisor, said higher education institutions must "challenge their assumptions", saying: "Unless we do that, disrupt, and are willing to take risks, as soon as conditions return to some sort of normal, we may try to become the same as we were before. This crisis is telling us we no longer have the luxury of assuming things will be as they used to be."
'New schools of thought: Innovative models for delivering higher education' can be downloaded here.
A recording of the discussion is available here.
Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.
QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation's development.
QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.
For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa
For any media inquiries, please contact: pressoffice@qf.org.qa
This material is distributed by RF|Binder Partners Inc. on behalf of the Qatar Foundation. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.