tass--2020-04-21--OPEC+ capable to respond to low oil price situation, says Russian Energy Minister

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Countries participating in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement have all the capabilities @ @ @ @ @ the situation with the low oil prices , Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters @ @ @ @ @ keeping a close eye on the situation and have all the capabilities to respond if @ @ @ @ @ said .
Brent and WTI oil futures are also exposed to volatility because of the @ @ @ @ @ market , Novak added .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Countries participating in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement have all the capabilities to respond if necessary to the situation with the low oil prices, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.
"OPEC+ countries are keeping a close eye on the situation and have all the capabilities to respond if required," the Minister said.
Brent and WTI oil futures are also exposed to volatility because of the overall negative mood on the market, Novak added.


tass--2020-04-21--WTI oil futures down 66.23%

WTI oil futures down 66.23%

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
WTI oil futures with delivery in June 2020 plummeted by 66.23 % or @ @ @ @ @ $ 6.9 a barrel during the trading session on Tuesday .
according to data of @ @ @ @ @ .
June 2020 Brent oil futures dropped by 30 % on the London ’ s @ @ @ @ @ barrel at the same time .
WTI oil futures for the first time reached negative @ @ @ @ @ Mercantile Exchange on Monday in the light of concerns regarding the potential shortage of space @ @ @ @ @ positive values on Tuesday .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. WTI oil futures with delivery in June 2020 plummeted by 66.23% or by $13.53 down to $6.9 a barrel during the trading session on Tuesday. according to data of the New York Mercantile Exchange.
June 2020 Brent oil futures dropped by 30% on the London’s ICE to $17.92 per barrel at the same time.
WTI oil futures for the first time reached negative values on the New York Mercantile Exchange on Monday in the light of concerns regarding the potential shortage of space in storages but returned to positive values on Tuesday.


tass--2020-04-21--Brent oil prices falling below $18/bbl

Brent oil prices falling below $18/bbl

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures with delivery in June 2020 dropped by 30 % on @ @ @ @ @ to $ 17.92 per barrel on Tuesday .
Brent was traded below $ 18 a @ @ @ @ @ 2002 .
The dollar at the same time adds 2.8 % against the ruble to @ @ @ @ @ grows by 2.7 % to 84.18 rubles .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Brent oil futures with delivery in June 2020 dropped by 30% on the London’s ICE to $17.92 per barrel on Tuesday.
Brent was traded below $18 a barrel last time in January 2002.
The dollar at the same time adds 2.8% against the ruble to 77.65 rubles. The euro grows by 2.7% to 84.18 rubles.


tass--2020-04-21--Turkey records 4,600 new coronavirus cases

ANKARA , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey has increased by more than 4,600 in a single day , while the total approaches 95,000 , Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Tuesday .
`` In the past 24 hours , 39,429 tests were conducted , 4,611 new [ coronavirus ] cases were registered , while 119 patients died .
The total number of deaths reached 2,259 , while the total number of cases hit 95,591 , '' the minister said via his Twitter page .
According to Koca , 14,918 people recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country said 126 people had died from the coronavirus-related causes , the biggest number of fatalities in Turkey since the outbreak began .
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case identified after a local who recently returned from Europe tested positive for COVID-19 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

ANKARA, April 21. /TASS/. The number of newly confirmed coronavirus cases in Turkey has increased by more than 4,600 in a single day, while the total approaches 95,000, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Tuesday.
"In the past 24 hours, 39,429 tests were conducted, 4,611 new [coronavirus] cases were registered, while 119 patients died. The total number of deaths reached 2,259, while the total number of cases hit 95,591," the minister said via his Twitter page. According to Koca, 14,918 people recovered in total.
On April 17, the country said 126 people had died from the coronavirus-related causes, the biggest number of fatalities in Turkey since the outbreak began.
Turkey reported its first coronavirus case identified after a local who recently returned from Europe tested positive for COVID-19.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-21--Italy records 534 more coronavirus deaths and 2,723 more recoveries

ROME , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus related deaths in Italy has reached 24,648 , which @ @ @ @ @ yesterday , the Italian Civil Protection Department informed on Tuesday .
The statement underlines that @ @ @ @ @ was identified ( 2,723 ) as well as the lowest number of patients in ICU @ @ @ @ @ total number of infections reached 183,957 since the outbreak hit the country .

ROME, April 21. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus related deaths in Italy has reached 24,648, which is 534 fatalities more than yesterday, the Italian Civil Protection Department informed on Tuesday.
The statement underlines that a record number of recoveries was identified (2,723) as well as the lowest number of patients in ICU (2,471). The total number of infections reached 183,957 since the outbreak hit the country.


tass--2020-04-21--Intensive Unit in an army tent. An airmobile hospital in Murmansk Region

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Many workers near Belokamenka have been registered as infected with the coronavirus infection ( CIVID-19 ) .
Mayor Andrei Chibis addressed the federal authorities for help .
Two Ilyushin Il-76 brought equipment and personnel - about 130 people and 20 vehicles .
TASS tells about a field medical town in the Murmansk Region .
Before taking a turn to Belokamenka , we drive backwards and then take a side road .
In about 300 meters we approach a cordon .
Major General Ruslan Nazarov , chief of the local emergencies ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He wears a mask .
He has been on feet for a few days .
With not much sleep .
He welcomes us , adding he ’ ll answer any questions .
The ice-cold wind pushes us forward .
We cross a signal-tape line and walk to the sanitary station .
This is an obligatory procedure .
Nuclear , biological and chemical units ( NBC Protection ) are organized both in the armed forces and in the emergency situations ministry ’ s divisions .
Those units are called double-purpose troops , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasks .
The emergency situations ’ NBC Protection units first of all work to clean territories in cases of natural and industrial disasters .
The team has driven a KAMAZ truck from the emergency situations ministry ’ s Neva Center .
They have brought equipment for disinfection of people and transport .
`` There ’ s no passing us !
No way , '' a hazmat emergency response specialist shouts through the gas mask .
The rescuers are busy , spraying every coming vehicle .
At first , on one pad , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then on another , `` clean '' pad .
We cross the signal tape .
Two zones - clean for the technical personnel , and contaminated for patients , who undergo COVID-19 tests and , if needed , who would be treated here .
The complex is a town of 25 blow-up tents to accommodate patients , four beds in each , and a similarly blow-up intensive care unit , as well as a canteen , showers , support facilities and a mobile disinfection station .
`` Every tent is independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a sink , ventilation , means of communication , and every patient , when needed , may address a doctor , '' the region ’ s chief rescuer Ruslan Nazarov said .
`` Individual heating comes from heat cannons .
Every tent is maintained by a designated specialist . ''
This airmobile hospital in the polar region is organized next to Novatek ’ s construction site .
The company is building in Belokamenka a center for construction of high-tonnage marine facilities to liquefy and load natural gas .
In 2016 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global Emergency Medical Team Registry of the World Health Organization .
The infection ’ s outbreak occurred at the site of the company ’ s contractor Velesstroy , where about 11,000 people work .
The workers , taking shifts here , come from other regions and even countries .
According to the Murmansk Region ’ s Governor Andrei Chibis , who came to the mobile hospital together with the reporters , the first infected patients were foreign citizens .
`` Why was it important to have a modern , quickly deployable , mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We realize the hazard .
At a safe distance from the city , without extra patients at the city hospitals , we here have all necessary equipment and specialists to diagnose patients , to monitor what happens and to distribute such patients depending on situations . ''
The Murmansk Region reports 403 infected , where 290 are here , in Belokamenka .
The governor forecasts the peak is not here yet , and thus we understand , why on the road to this hospital we drove not to Belokamenka , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Away from curious eyes .
Reasonable isolation is reasonable also for the medics and for the rescuers .
Russia does not have the experience of fighting the coronavirus infection in field hospitals .
The rescuers will have it soon .
The mobile personnel at the hospital is 15 people : five doctors , five female nurses and five male nurses .
We feel freezing .
Through blow-up doors we break into the intensive unit .
`` Here we are at a unit where you ’ d rather not be , '' Igor Yakirevich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor , said with a smile .
He points to the equipment , and then in a very military-type mode reports the situation .
`` We arrive , within two days we deploy the hospital .
We have forces , specialists and we are in contact with the region ’ s authorities , '' he reported distinctly .
`` Here are the lung ventilation systems , all of them , ten .
We have three intensive care teams , a sonographer , a surgeon , a radiologist and nurses . ''
The air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but here , indoors , it is plus 30 degrees !
The heat cannons receive electricity by a cable , laid here .
The rescuers also have reserved electricity generators .
This is extremely important in the `` fields , '' when doctors have to fight for patients ’ lives .
In the neighboring tent we meet radiologist Svetlana Isakova .
She has been working at the rescue center for 20 years .
`` We have big experience , beginning with Sri Lanka in 2005 , there was a quake and then a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a quake in 2006 , it was tough there , and also in 2005 we were in Indonesia .
Then , in 2008 , we went to China .
69,000 died there… My colleagues went to Syria .
My family ’ s got used to it , though they worry about me , but anyway they understand it ’ s my job and this is what I do , '' she said .
As for the tent , she continued , she ’ s got used to working in a tent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her where to take images-at a hospital or in the field .
`` We have just everything we may need .
We have the equipment .
Today , we ’ ve tested it , have screened ourselves .
We have everything for disinfection , here is a couch , though patients usually stand when we take images of lungs .
In the field conditions , a doctor does everything .
It ’ s a matter of habit and practice , '' she added .
Presently , the mobile hospital can treat 100 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be extend to additional 40 beds for critical patients .
In the `` clean '' zone works a mobile group from the emergency ministry ’ s center in Noginsk ( near Moscow ) .
They are mostly engineers and technicians .
They assure the town ’ s smooth work : they look after showers , the canteen , generators and so forth .
A contractor company collects , packs and processes the waste .
`` Very many issues are related to hygiene , waste processing , processing of the patients ’ waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The hospital has special means .
We shall use a special company , which will specifically pack , collect , transport and then process those products . ''
Major-General Vladislav Gadeyev of the Emergency Situations Ministry joins us briefly .
He came to Murmansk from Moscow .
`` In February , the Ministry jointly with Rospotrebnadzor ( consumer watchdog ) organized exercises in fighting the coronavirus .
This work in the field is unique .
It will be our first experience of the kind .
This experience could be good for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We realize the roadmap , where to move , what to equip , how to organize the work… '' The ministry has been in close contact with Rospotrebnadzor .
Only after the mobile hospital passes an inspection , it will be ready to take first patients .
Nobody can say for sure when this may happen .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Many workers near Belokamenka have been registered as infected with the coronavirus infection (CIVID-19). Mayor Andrei Chibis addressed the federal authorities for help. Two Ilyushin Il-76 brought equipment and personnel - about 130 people and 20 vehicles. TASS tells about a field medical town in the Murmansk Region.
Emergency Situations Ministry’s team
Before taking a turn to Belokamenka, we drive backwards and then take a side road. In about 300 meters we approach a cordon. Major General Ruslan Nazarov, chief of the local emergencies ministry’s branch, meets our group of reporters. He wears a mask. He has been on feet for a few days. With not much sleep. He welcomes us, adding he’ll answer any questions.
The ice-cold wind pushes us forward. We cross a signal-tape line and walk to the sanitary station. This is an obligatory procedure.
NBC Protection unit
Nuclear, biological and chemical units (NBC Protection) are organized both in the armed forces and in the emergency situations ministry’s divisions. Those units are called double-purpose troops, as they carry out both military and civil tasks. The emergency situations’ NBC Protection units first of all work to clean territories in cases of natural and industrial disasters.
The team has driven a KAMAZ truck from the emergency situations ministry’s Neva Center. They have brought equipment for disinfection of people and transport.
"There’s no passing us! No way," a hazmat emergency response specialist shouts through the gas mask.
The rescuers are busy, spraying every coming vehicle. At first, on one pad, which looks line a flat blow-up rubber pool, and then on another, "clean" pad. We cross the signal tape.
Away from curious eyes
Two zones - clean for the technical personnel, and contaminated for patients, who undergo COVID-19 tests and, if needed, who would be treated here.
The complex is a town of 25 blow-up tents to accommodate patients, four beds in each, and a similarly blow-up intensive care unit, as well as a canteen, showers, support facilities and a mobile disinfection station.
"Every tent is independent, it has a shower and toilet, a sink, ventilation, means of communication, and every patient, when needed, may address a doctor," the region’s chief rescuer Ruslan Nazarov said. "Individual heating comes from heat cannons. Every tent is maintained by a designated specialist."
This airmobile hospital in the polar region is organized next to Novatek’s construction site. The company is building in Belokamenka a center for construction of high-tonnage marine facilities to liquefy and load natural gas. In 2016, the Russian airmobile hospital was included into the Global Emergency Medical Team Registry of the World Health Organization.
The infection’s outbreak occurred at the site of the company’s contractor Velesstroy, where about 11,000 people work. The workers, taking shifts here, come from other regions and even countries. According to the Murmansk Region’s Governor Andrei Chibis, who came to the mobile hospital together with the reporters, the first infected patients were foreign citizens.
"Why was it important to have a modern, quickly deployable, mobile complex near Belokamenka?" the governor said. "We realize the hazard. At a safe distance from the city, without extra patients at the city hospitals, we here have all necessary equipment and specialists to diagnose patients, to monitor what happens and to distribute such patients depending on situations."
The Murmansk Region reports 403 infected, where 290 are here, in Belokamenka. The governor forecasts the peak is not here yet, and thus we understand, why on the road to this hospital we drove not to Belokamenka, but right in the opposite direction. Away from curious eyes. Reasonable isolation is reasonable also for the medics and for the rescuers.
"Flying" rescuers
Russia does not have the experience of fighting the coronavirus infection in field hospitals. The rescuers will have it soon. The mobile personnel at the hospital is 15 people: five doctors, five female nurses and five male nurses.
We feel freezing. Through blow-up doors we break into the intensive unit.
"Here we are at a unit where you’d rather not be," Igor Yakirevich, the mobile hospital’s chief doctor, said with a smile. He points to the equipment, and then in a very military-type mode reports the situation.
"We arrive, within two days we deploy the hospital. We have forces, specialists and we are in contact with the region’s authorities," he reported distinctly. "Here are the lung ventilation systems, all of them, ten. We have three intensive care teams, a sonographer, a surgeon, a radiologist and nurses."
The air temperature outdoors is minus one degree, but here, indoors, it is plus 30 degrees! The heat cannons receive electricity by a cable, laid here. The rescuers also have reserved electricity generators. This is extremely important in the "fields," when doctors have to fight for patients’ lives.
In the neighboring tent we meet radiologist Svetlana Isakova. She has been working at the rescue center for 20 years.
"We have big experience, beginning with Sri Lanka in 2005, there was a quake and then a tsunami, then we went to Pakistan after a quake in 2006, it was tough there, and also in 2005 we were in Indonesia. Then, in 2008, we went to China. 69,000 died there… My colleagues went to Syria. My family’s got used to it, though they worry about me, but anyway they understand it’s my job and this is what I do," she said.
As for the tent, she continued, she’s got used to working in a tent, and now it does not matter to her where to take images-at a hospital or in the field.
"We have just everything we may need. We have the equipment. Today, we’ve tested it, have screened ourselves. We have everything for disinfection, here is a couch, though patients usually stand when we take images of lungs. In the field conditions, a doctor does everything. It’s a matter of habit and practice," she added.
Presently, the mobile hospital can treat 100 patients at a time, but the number may be extend to additional 40 beds for critical patients.
Experience for scientific research
In the "clean" zone works a mobile group from the emergency ministry’s center in Noginsk (near Moscow). They are mostly engineers and technicians. They assure the town’s smooth work: they look after showers, the canteen, generators and so forth. A contractor company collects, packs and processes the waste.
"Very many issues are related to hygiene, waste processing, processing of the patients’ waste products," Ruslan Nazarov said. "The hospital has special means. We shall use a special company, which will specifically pack, collect, transport and then process those products."
Major-General Vladislav Gadeyev of the Emergency Situations Ministry joins us briefly. He came to Murmansk from Moscow.
"In February, the Ministry jointly with Rospotrebnadzor (consumer watchdog) organized exercises in fighting the coronavirus. This work in the field is unique. It will be our first experience of the kind. This experience could be good for a scientific publication later on," he said. "We realize the roadmap, where to move, what to equip, how to organize the work…"
The ministry has been in close contact with Rospotrebnadzor. Only after the mobile hospital passes an inspection, it will be ready to take first patients. Nobody can say for sure when this may happen.


tass--2020-04-21--Kamchatka prepares new tourist programs for autumn

`` For this year , we have planned to receive at least 28 cruise tours in the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky port .
Companies have prepared new cruise programs , including a unique route in the Arctic zone .
But now the cruise season is at risk : we have cancelled all spring programs , and our hope now is for programs in autumn .
The regional government supports the industry , the current list of incentives is not closed , and the government has been working on additional measures in response to requests from the businesses , '' she said .
Presently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces tough times .
In the coronavirus pandemic , hotels accommodate only business visitors , and all tourist programs are terminated .
Visitors , who planned summer holidays on Kamchatka , now cancel the bookings .
The local authorities explain the upsurge of visitors in 2019 by additional cruise programs .
`` Almost 20,000 foreigners came here by cruise vessels : 20 cruise ships called on Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in 2019 .
This is a record of recent five years , '' the official continued .
`` We can not say what the upcoming summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are working on promoting autumn holidays on Kamchatka , '' the regional official said .
`` Jointly with businesses we have launched online expositions to present autumn tours .
Autumn is not as popular as summer , but on the peninsula autumn is marvelous , and our operators have good offers for Russians .
Trips to Kamchatka can not be compared with anything else . ''
In 2019 , Kamchatka welcomed more than 240,000 tourists ( a growth by 26,000 year-on-year ) .
The number of foreign tourists almost doubled to 36,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kamchatka Peninsula are the Valley of Geisers and the Nalychevo Nature Park with a chain of volcanoes .
Earlier , Russia ’ s Deputy Prime Minister , the president ’ s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District , Yuri Trutnev said the region should boost competitiveness of its tourism industry .
PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Kamchatka prepares new tourist programs and routes to attract visitors not only in summer , but also in autumn , the region ’ s head of the tourism agency Elena Tratonova told TASS .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 tourist operators and 200 agents , more than 200 catering facilities and 150 hotels .
Hotels , hostels , motels and guest houses may accommodate at a time about 7,000 guests .
The best possible scenario for the business , she added , could be bigger numbers of visitors when the epidemic situation improves .
On the other hand , experts fear tourists may ruin the peninsula ’ s fragile ecology balance .
An organizer of photo tours to Kamchatka , Vladimir Ishchenko , told TASS big flows of tourists must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nature .
About a dozen years ago , he continued , only wealthy people could afford coming to Kamchatka .
Nowadays , he said , even though a 10-day trip may cost 150,000 rubles ( $ 2,000 ) , the interest to the peninsula only grows .
`` Kamchatka is a mass destination , trips to the edge of the world are rather specific .
You can ’ t compare them to walking along a pavement to make a photo .
But if tours are organized professionally , the number of visitors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; like it is done in well-known foreign and Russian national parks .
The sector is ready for it , and wants it , '' he said .
`` People living in the country ’ s west think visiting Kamchatka is top expensive .
But every year , the number of affordable tours only grows .
Leisure programs may satisfy any demand : from exclusive tours by VIP helicopters to affordable accommodation in sleeping bags or at hostels .
People will get tired of being locked at home , and as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including to Kamchatka , '' said Igor Semenikhin , who organizes off-road tours across the peninsula .
`` We only wish the virus ceased , and we shall - no doubt - manage to entertain the guests . ''
Less optimistic were representatives of leading tourist companies , which suffer greatly in the pandemic .
According to head of Kamchatka ’ s Association of Tourism Industry Irina Sedova , big players are in a more vulnerable situation , even despite the support from local authorities .
`` I really would not say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unlike our ‘ junior ’ players , have to keep the staff , pay rent , keep locked all the accommodation .
Even if the forecast is favorable , we can not expect many tourists in summer - where can they come from ?
Last year , we welcomed about 36,000 foreigners , and it is unreasonable to hope the number of Russian visitors would be the same , '' she said .
The incentives should not be about `` postponing '' : in her opinion , it will not be effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses should be allowed to stay free from financial obligations until the number of visitors could be compared with last year ’ s figures .
`` We will not be able to pay the income tax even later , as most probably we won ’ t have any income for quite a time , '' she said in conclusion .

"For this year, we have planned to receive at least 28 cruise tours in the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky port. Companies have prepared new cruise programs, including a unique route in the Arctic zone. But now the cruise season is at risk: we have cancelled all spring programs, and our hope now is for programs in autumn. The regional government supports the industry, the current list of incentives is not closed, and the government has been working on additional measures in response to requests from the businesses," she said.
Presently, the region’s tourism industry faces tough times. In the coronavirus pandemic, hotels accommodate only business visitors, and all tourist programs are terminated. Visitors, who planned summer holidays on Kamchatka, now cancel the bookings.
The local authorities explain the upsurge of visitors in 2019 by additional cruise programs. "Almost 20,000 foreigners came here by cruise vessels: 20 cruise ships called on Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in 2019. This is a record of recent five years," the official continued.
"We cannot say what the upcoming summer season will be like, and thus we are working on promoting autumn holidays on Kamchatka," the regional official said. "Jointly with businesses we have launched online expositions to present autumn tours. Autumn is not as popular as summer, but on the peninsula autumn is marvelous, and our operators have good offers for Russians. Trips to Kamchatka cannot be compared with anything else."
In 2019, Kamchatka welcomed more than 240,000 tourists (a growth by 26,000 year-on-year). The number of foreign tourists almost doubled to 36,000. The most popular destinations on the Kamchatka Peninsula are the Valley of Geisers and the Nalychevo Nature Park with a chain of volcanoes. Earlier, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, the president’s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Yuri Trutnev said the region should boost competitiveness of its tourism industry.
PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, April 21. /TASS/. Kamchatka prepares new tourist programs and routes to attract visitors not only in summer, but also in autumn, the region’s head of the tourism agency Elena Tratonova told TASS.
Kamchatka’s tourism industry is about 90 tourist operators and 200 agents, more than 200 catering facilities and 150 hotels. Hotels, hostels, motels and guest houses may accommodate at a time about 7,000 guests. The best possible scenario for the business, she added, could be bigger numbers of visitors when the epidemic situation improves.
Keeping Kamchatka’s nature
On the other hand, experts fear tourists may ruin the peninsula’s fragile ecology balance. An organizer of photo tours to Kamchatka, Vladimir Ishchenko, told TASS big flows of tourists must be organized so that they do not damage the nature.
About a dozen years ago, he continued, only wealthy people could afford coming to Kamchatka. Nowadays, he said, even though a 10-day trip may cost 150,000 rubles ($2,000), the interest to the peninsula only grows. "Kamchatka is a mass destination, trips to the edge of the world are rather specific. You can’t compare them to walking along a pavement to make a photo. But if tours are organized professionally, the number of visitors may increase without damage to the ecology; like it is done in well-known foreign and Russian national parks. The sector is ready for it, and wants it," he said.
Without guests
"People living in the country’s west think visiting Kamchatka is top expensive. But every year, the number of affordable tours only grows. Leisure programs may satisfy any demand: from exclusive tours by VIP helicopters to affordable accommodation in sleeping bags or at hostels. People will get tired of being locked at home, and as soon as it is allowed, they will travel, including to Kamchatka," said Igor Semenikhin, who organizes off-road tours across the peninsula. "We only wish the virus ceased, and we shall - no doubt - manage to entertain the guests."
Less optimistic were representatives of leading tourist companies, which suffer greatly in the pandemic. According to head of Kamchatka’s Association of Tourism Industry Irina Sedova, big players are in a more vulnerable situation, even despite the support from local authorities.
"I really would not say who will survive by autumn: we, unlike our ‘junior’ players, have to keep the staff, pay rent, keep locked all the accommodation. Even if the forecast is favorable, we cannot expect many tourists in summer - where can they come from? Last year, we welcomed about 36,000 foreigners, and it is unreasonable to hope the number of Russian visitors would be the same," she said.
The incentives should not be about "postponing": in her opinion, it will not be effective to postpone taxes and duties, as businesses should be allowed to stay free from financial obligations until the number of visitors could be compared with last year’s figures. "We will not be able to pay the income tax even later, as most probably we won’t have any income for quite a time," she said in conclusion.


tass--2020-04-21--Russian authorities can pay $120 mln to airlines to compensate February-March losses

`` Additional measures of support to airlines are being considered - 7.6 billion rubles ( $ 98 mln ) for the reimbursement of lost revenues for March ( later - on monthly basis ) , '' the government said .
MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government can compensate lost revenues of the national airlines for February and March in the amount of 9.3 billion rubles ( $ 120 mln ) , the Cabinet said on its website .
During the year , the authorities are ready to provide such assistance to the airlines on monthly basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion rubles ( $ 22 mln ) to compensate the revenues they lost in February.Russian airports can receive state support in the amount of 2.1 bln rubles ( $ 27.6 mln ) is a compensation for the termination of international flights .
Earlier , President Vladimir Putin said that airlines would receive more than 23 billion rubles ( $ 297 mln ) as the state support during the coronavirus pandemic .
The airlines should use these funds to pay for leasing of aircraft , parking costs for idle aircraft and salaries to employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the government allocated 1.5 billion rubles ( $ 19.3 mln ) from the reserve fund to compensate carriers for the costs of transporting Russians from countries in which the situation was unfavorable due to the coronavirus epidemic .

"Additional measures of support to airlines are being considered - 7.6 billion rubles ($98 mln) for the reimbursement of lost revenues for March (later - on monthly basis)," the government said.
MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The Russian government can compensate lost revenues of the national airlines for February and March in the amount of 9.3 billion rubles ($120 mln), the Cabinet said on its website. During the year, the authorities are ready to provide such assistance to the airlines on monthly basis.
Air carriers can get another 1.7 billion rubles ($22 mln) to compensate the revenues they lost in February.Russian airports can receive state support in the amount of 2.1 bln rubles ($27.6 mln) is a compensation for the termination of international flights.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin said that airlines would receive more than 23 billion rubles ($297 mln) as the state support during the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines should use these funds to pay for leasing of aircraft, parking costs for idle aircraft and salaries to employees.
In addition, in late March, the government allocated 1.5 billion rubles ($19.3 mln) from the reserve fund to compensate carriers for the costs of transporting Russians from countries in which the situation was unfavorable due to the coronavirus epidemic.


tass--2020-04-21--Coronavirus in Russia: cases top 50,000 but peak approaches

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia has exceeded 50,000 on Tuesday , the anti-coronavirus crisis center data shows .
Over the past 24 hours , 5,642 more infections were identified .
The increase stands at 12 % which is higher than that on Monday ( slightly less than 10 % ) but lower than the average increase in the past weeks .
The overall number of cases reached 52,763 .
Per every 100,000 people , Russia has almost 36 infections , ranking it 24th among 30 states with the biggest number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted 2.14 million tests , putting it in the second place after the US ( more than 4 million tests conducted , according to the Johns Hopkins University .
Almost 2.5 % of the coronavirus tests came back positive , the share has been steadily increasing lately .
Authorities and specialists are more increasingly saying that the outbreak peak is approaching which will mean that the infection rate will start to plateau , meaning that the daily confirmed cases will no longer rise and will start to stabilize .
Head of the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the peak can be reached either late this week or early next week .
The epidemiological research center of Russia ’ s consumer watchdog mentions early May but concede that the infection rate can possibly plateau in April .
The crisis center underlined that 45.5 % of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours do not show any symptoms ( Monday ’ s figures showed 43.5 % of such patients ) .
Skvortsova noted that despite the increase in total number of infections the number of critical cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed that such a dynamic shows that coronavirus is detected better , while the dropping share of critical cases she lauded as `` a good prognosis sign . ''
The relatively low death rate indirectly confirms this .
As of Tuesday morning , 456 people ( 0.86 % of the infected ) died in Russia due to coronavirus-related causes .
Over the past 24 hours , 51 more fatalities were reported .
Other countries with comparable infection rates have their death rates much higher than in Russia .
The number of recoveries in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were declared healthy over the past 24 hours .
Moscow in particular registered more than 200 recoveries ( 219 ) , while the total number hit 2,057 .
Overall , Russia has 3,873 recoveries ( 7.34 % of the infected ) .
Moscow confirmed 3,083 infections in a single day .
Their overall number increased by 11.7 % to reach 29,433 .
Moscow ’ s share in the statistics across Russia decreased slightly ( from 55.9 % to 55.8 % ) .
The Moscow Region , meanwhile , identified 718 more cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number in a single day .
All regions that top the list of the number of infections experienced relatively slight increases .
According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova , Russian regions are generally two or three weeks behind Moscow and the Moscow Region when it comes to coronavirus spread .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia has exceeded 50,000 on Tuesday, the anti-coronavirus crisis center data shows. Over the past 24 hours, 5,642 more infections were identified. The increase stands at 12% which is higher than that on Monday (slightly less than 10%) but lower than the average increase in the past weeks. The overall number of cases reached 52,763. Per every 100,000 people, Russia has almost 36 infections, ranking it 24th among 30 states with the biggest number of cases after Romania.
Russia has conducted 2.14 million tests, putting it in the second place after the US (more than 4 million tests conducted, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Almost 2.5% of the coronavirus tests came back positive, the share has been steadily increasing lately. Authorities and specialists are more increasingly saying that the outbreak peak is approaching which will mean that the infection rate will start to plateau, meaning that the daily confirmed cases will no longer rise and will start to stabilize. Head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova believes that the peak can be reached either late this week or early next week. The epidemiological research center of Russia’s consumer watchdog mentions early May but concede that the infection rate can possibly plateau in April. More cases, fewer symptoms The crisis center underlined that 45.5% of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours do not show any symptoms (Monday’s figures showed 43.5% of such patients). Skvortsova noted that despite the increase in total number of infections the number of critical cases is not going up. She also stressed that such a dynamic shows that coronavirus is detected better, while the dropping share of critical cases she lauded as "a good prognosis sign."
Read also Over 400 people die of coronavirus in Spain over past day


tass--2020-04-21--Global coronavirus case count exceeds 2.5 million, reports Johns Hopkins University

According to the University data , 2,501,156 people are currently infected around the world .
The majority of cases were @ @ @ @ @ 788,000 ) , Italy ( 181,000 ) , France ( 156,000 ) and Germany ( @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus-related fatalities has exceeded 171,000 .
The majority of deaths were registered in the @ @ @ @ @ Italy ( 24,000 ) , Spain ( 21,000 ) and France ( 20,000 ) .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Coronavirus case tally across the globe exceeded 2.5 million cases Tuesday, Johns Hopkins University reported, citing world authorities.
According to the University data, 2,501,156 people are currently infected around the world. The majority of cases were revealed in the US (788,000), Italy (181,000), France (156,000) and Germany (147,000).
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities has exceeded 171,000. The majority of deaths were registered in the US (42,000), Italy (24,000), Spain (21,000) and France (20,000).


tass--2020-04-21--Presidents of Russia and Iran agree on joint action to fight coronavirus - Kremlin

The presidents discussed `` the battle against the spread of coronavirus infection .
In this context , Rouhani expressed gratitude for Russia ’ s assistance to Iran , '' the press service said .
The presidents agreed `` to boost cooperation between the relevant agencies , including direct contacts between the ministries of health , '' it added .
MOSCOW , April 21./TASS/ .
The presidents of Russia and Iran , Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani , have agreed on direct contacts between the countries ’ ministries of health to fight the novel coronavirus , the Kremlin press service said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin and Rouhani also emphasized `` the importance of pooling efforts of the global community with an aim to jointly fight the coronavirus pandemic , and the importance of the Russian initiative to create ‘ green corridors ’ at the time of the crisis for unimpeded supplies of medicines , equipment and technologies , as well as to impose a moratorium on any restrictions targeting exports of essential goods , '' the press service stressed .
Earlier , Iran ’ s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said that Iran , which had declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and test systems , already received aid from several nations , including from Russia .
Iran ’ s Embassy in Moscow said on April 11 that Russia had sent 500 test kits as humanitarian assistance to Iran , which can be used for 50,000 people .
It said that apart from medical aid to Iran , Russia also took a friendly stance , saying the US should lift sanctions , in particular against the background of spreading coronavirus .
Another 1,297 novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in Iran over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people has amounted to almost 85,000 , Spokesman for Iran ’ s Ministry of Health and Medical Education Kiyanush Jahanpur said on Tuesday .
`` The number of new coronavirus cases in the country has amounted to 1,297 , while the total number of infected people has reached 84,802 , '' ISNA News Agency quotes him as saying .
According to Jahanpur , 88 people have died over the past 24 hours , the total number of fatalities stands at 5,297 .
A total of 60,960 people have recovered by now , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been conducted in the country .

The presidents discussed "the battle against the spread of coronavirus infection. In this context, Rouhani expressed gratitude for Russia’s assistance to Iran," the press service said. The presidents agreed "to boost cooperation between the relevant agencies, including direct contacts between the ministries of health," it added.
MOSCOW, April 21./TASS/. The presidents of Russia and Iran, Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani, have agreed on direct contacts between the countries’ ministries of health to fight the novel coronavirus, the Kremlin press service said after their phone call on Tuesday.
Putin and Rouhani also emphasized "the importance of pooling efforts of the global community with an aim to jointly fight the coronavirus pandemic, and the importance of the Russian initiative to create ‘green corridors’ at the time of the crisis for unimpeded supplies of medicines, equipment and technologies, as well as to impose a moratorium on any restrictions targeting exports of essential goods," the press service stressed.
Earlier, Iran’s Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said that Iran, which had declared a dire need for facemasks, ventilators and test systems, already received aid from several nations, including from Russia.
Iran’s Embassy in Moscow said on April 11 that Russia had sent 500 test kits as humanitarian assistance to Iran, which can be used for 50,000 people. It said that apart from medical aid to Iran, Russia also took a friendly stance, saying the US should lift sanctions, in particular against the background of spreading coronavirus.
Another 1,297 novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in Iran over the past 24 hours, the total number of infected people has amounted to almost 85,000, Spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education Kiyanush Jahanpur said on Tuesday.
"The number of new coronavirus cases in the country has amounted to 1,297, while the total number of infected people has reached 84,802," ISNA News Agency quotes him as saying.
According to Jahanpur, 88 people have died over the past 24 hours, the total number of fatalities stands at 5,297.
A total of 60,960 people have recovered by now, he noted, adding that 365,723 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country.


tass--2020-04-21--Euro rate rises above 84 rubles at Moscow Exchange, first time since April 3

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The euro-to-ruble rate grew by 2.5 % compared to the previous session closing @ @ @ @ @ in the course of trading on the Moscow Exchange , according to trading data as @ @ @ @ @ .
The last time the euro exceeded 84 rubles on April 3 .
At 6:55 @ @ @ @ @ euro was already trading at 84.11 rubles .
( + 2.6 % ) , and @ @ @ @ @ 77.45 rubles .
( +2.5 % ) .
The Russian ruble is weakening amid the @ @ @ @ @ The cost of a June futures for Brent crude oil on the ICE Exchange in @ @ @ @ @ to $ 19 per barrel , while WTI crude price plunged by almost 39 % @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The euro-to-ruble rate grew by 2.5% compared to the previous session closing level and reached 84.01 rubles in the course of trading on the Moscow Exchange, according to trading data as of 6:41 pm Moscow time.
The last time the euro exceeded 84 rubles on April 3.
At 6:55 pm Moscow time, the euro was already trading at 84.11 rubles. (+ 2.6%), and the dollar exchange rate was 77.45 rubles. (+2.5%).
The Russian ruble is weakening amid the decline in oil prices.
The cost of a June futures for Brent crude oil on the ICE Exchange in London plummeted by 25.7% to $19 per barrel, while WTI crude price plunged by almost 39% to $ 12.47 per barrel.


tass--2020-04-21--Russian, Jordanian top diplomats discuss situation in Syria, bilateral cooperation

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Syria and issues of bilateral cooperation were in focus of telephone talks between Russian Jordanian Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Ayman Al Safadi , the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday .
`` The sides exchanged views on key aspects of the regional agenda with a focus on the situation in Syria , including efforts to resolve problems of the civilian population in full compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law .
The two top diplomats expressed satisfaction over the accord reached by the Syrian parties on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee , '' the ministry said .
`` Al Safadi highly estimated the Russian side ’ s efforts in support to the implementation on the ground of the agreements reached within the Astana format . ''
The ministers also discussed issues of the Middle East settlement and stressed the inadmissibility of unilateral approaches and the necessity of the soonest creation of conditions for the resumption of direct Palestinian-Israeli dialogue on the basis of the United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative .
Apart from that , the sides touched upon issues of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow ’ s and Amman ’ s commitment to the high level of political cooperation and invigoration of bilateral Russian-Jordanian cooperation , '' the ministry said .
The telephone conversation was initiated by the Jordanian side .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The situation in Syria and issues of bilateral cooperation were in focus of telephone talks between Russian Jordanian Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Ayman Al Safadi, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
"The sides exchanged views on key aspects of the regional agenda with a focus on the situation in Syria, including efforts to resolve problems of the civilian population in full compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law. The two top diplomats expressed satisfaction over the accord reached by the Syrian parties on the organization of further work of the constitutional committee," the ministry said. "Al Safadi highly estimated the Russian side’s efforts in support to the implementation on the ground of the agreements reached within the Astana format."
The ministers also discussed issues of the Middle East settlement and stressed the inadmissibility of unilateral approaches and the necessity of the soonest creation of conditions for the resumption of direct Palestinian-Israeli dialogue on the basis of the United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Apart from that, the sides touched upon issues of bilateral cooperation. "The ministers reiterated Moscow’s and Amman’s commitment to the high level of political cooperation and invigoration of bilateral Russian-Jordanian cooperation," the ministry said.
The telephone conversation was initiated by the Jordanian side.


tass--2020-04-21--OPEC to convene extraordinary conference on Tuesday, reports say

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
OPEC is calling an extraordinary teleconference meeting of ministers on Tuesday to discuss @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg reports , citing sources .
Sources of the news agency did not detail countries @ @ @ @ @ meeting .
WTI oil futures with delivery in June dropped to less than $ 14 @ @ @ @ @ oil futures with June settlements fell 22.4 % on the London-based ICE to $ 19.85 @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. OPEC is calling an extraordinary teleconference meeting of ministers on Tuesday to discuss the oil market situation, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
Sources of the news agency did not detail countries to take part in the meeting.
WTI oil futures with delivery in June dropped to less than $14 a barrel today. Brent oil futures with June settlements fell 22.4% on the London-based ICE to $19.85 a barrel.


tass--2020-04-21--Africa’s coronavirus infections top 23,000, WHO reports

South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 3,300 ) and 58 deaths .
Algeria , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 384 ) and 2,718 infections .
Egypt reported 239 fatalities and 3,144 cases , while Morocco identified 2,990 and 143 deaths .
PRETORIA , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 23,029 , while 1,142 people have died , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Tuesday .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,163 coronavirus infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1,042 and 9 ) and Ivory Coast ( 879 and 9 ) .
On Monday , Ghana became the first African country to partially lift lockdown restrictions on two biggest cities of the country , including the capital of Accra .
Factories and shops are cleared to resume operation , people movement restrictions are lifted so that they can go back to work .
When announcing the easing of lockdown , President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo underlined that there is not a single blueprint to resolve all problems .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the globe .

South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (3,300) and 58 deaths. Algeria, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (384) and 2,718 infections. Egypt reported 239 fatalities and 3,144 cases, while Morocco identified 2,990 and 143 deaths.
PRETORIA, April 21. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Africa has reached 23,029, while 1,142 people have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Tuesday.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,163 coronavirus infections and 43 fatalities, followed by Ghana (1,042 and 9) and Ivory Coast (879 and 9).
On Monday, Ghana became the first African country to partially lift lockdown restrictions on two biggest cities of the country, including the capital of Accra. Factories and shops are cleared to resume operation, people movement restrictions are lifted so that they can go back to work. When announcing the easing of lockdown, President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo underlined that there is not a single blueprint to resolve all problems.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-21--Kremlin monitoring social mood on Internet, using it as yardstick for measures of support

However , he doesn ’ t see floods of different hashtags on various Internet resources as some sort of rally .
MOSCOW , April 21./TASS/ .
The Kremlin is closely observing the public ’ s mood on social networks , keeping it in mind when working on measures of support , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday .
`` We are monitoring very closely the emergence of different formats over the Internet , '' he said , adding that people ’ s complaints were considered during work on measures of support .
`` Of course , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where people detail the difficulties they are going through and the reasons behind these difficulties , '' he specified .
`` Whenever possible , this is taken into regard when drawing up further plans of support for different categories of citizens and participants in economic life , '' he added .
Peskov added that various new formats for expressing people ’ s opinion are emerging on a large scale .
`` I mean different formats , since a huge number of people are in self-isolation , '' he said .
However , Peskov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by referring to the opinions of different people confined to their homes , expressed via the services of the Yandex search engine as `` online rallies . ''
`` This is in no way a separate campaign , '' he stressed .
`` Nevertheless , nothing escapes our attention .
We are closely monitoring all this , '' he concluded .
Earlier , residents of different Russian cities in self-isolation used Yandex Maps and Navigator to tag city administrations , leaving comments with demands to lift restrictions .
To date , a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia , with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide .

However, he doesn’t see floods of different hashtags on various Internet resources as some sort of rally.
MOSCOW, April 21./TASS/. The Kremlin is closely observing the public’s mood on social networks, keeping it in mind when working on measures of support, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Tuesday.
"We are monitoring very closely the emergence of different formats over the Internet," he said, adding that people’s complaints were considered during work on measures of support. "Of course, we are keeping a close eye on those messages where people detail the difficulties they are going through and the reasons behind these difficulties," he specified. "Whenever possible, this is taken into regard when drawing up further plans of support for different categories of citizens and participants in economic life," he added.
Peskov added that various new formats for expressing people’s opinion are emerging on a large scale. "I mean different formats, since a huge number of people are in self-isolation," he said. However, Peskov warned against "exaggerating and generalizing" by referring to the opinions of different people confined to their homes, expressed via the services of the Yandex search engine as "online rallies." "This is in no way a separate campaign," he stressed.
"Nevertheless, nothing escapes our attention. We are closely monitoring all this," he concluded.
Earlier, residents of different Russian cities in self-isolation used Yandex Maps and Navigator to tag city administrations, leaving comments with demands to lift restrictions.
To date, a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-21--Shipbuilders to deliver latest patrol vessel to Russian Navy by yearend

`` Under the contract , the patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin will be delivered to the Russian Navy before the end @ @ @ @ @ of the trials , '' the spokesperson informed .
MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ vessel Pavel Derzhavin has arrived in Novorossiysk for trials , a Russian Navy spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ patrol vessels have been designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau ( part of the United @ @ @ @ @ are the first ships in Russia based on the modular design principle .
Project 22160 @ @ @ @ @ defend and protect the maritime economic zone .
The patrol ships are also capable of @ @ @ @ @ and carrying out search and rescue operations .
They are armed with a 76.2mm artillery @ @ @ @ @ system and machine-guns .
The Pavel Derzhavin is the Project 22160 third-built and second serial-produced @ @ @ @ @ first serial-produced ships were built at the Zelenodoslk Shipyard .
They entered service with Russia @ @ @ @ @ .

"Under the contract, the patrol ship Pavel Derzhavin will be delivered to the Russian Navy before the end of 2020 after the completion of the trials," the spokesperson informed.
MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The Project 22160 patrol vessel Pavel Derzhavin has arrived in Novorossiysk for trials, a Russian Navy spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Project 22160 patrol vessels have been designed by the Severnoye Design Bureau (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation). They are the first ships in Russia based on the modular design principle.
Project 22160 ships are primarily designated to defend and protect the maritime economic zone. The patrol ships are also capable of accomplishing escort and anti-piracy missions and carrying out search and rescue operations. They are armed with a 76.2mm artillery gun, an anti-aircraft missile system and machine-guns.
The Pavel Derzhavin is the Project 22160 third-built and second serial-produced ship. The lead and first serial-produced ships were built at the Zelenodoslk Shipyard. They entered service with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.


tass--2020-04-21--Putin, Rouhani determined to keep cooperating to find solution to Syria issue — Kremlin

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Hassan Rouhani of Iran are determined to continue cooperation in order to find a long-term solution to the Syrian issue , the Kremlin press service said on Tuesday following a telephone conversation between the two presidents .
`` When exchanging views on the situation in Syria , the parties reaffirmed their determination to continue cooperation in order to find a long-term solution for the country , particularly on the Astana platform , which has proved its effectiveness , '' the statement reads .
The two presidents also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bilateral cooperation .
According to the Kremlin press service , Putin and Rouhani particularly touched upon big mutual projects in the fields of energy , agriculture and transport .
The leaders also agreed on direct contacts between the countries ’ ministries of health to fight the novel coronavirus , according to the Kremlin press service .
The presidents discussed `` battle against the spread of coronavirus infection .
In this context , Rouhani thanked Russia for its assistance to Iran , '' the press service informed .
The presidents agreed `` to boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct contacts between the ministries of health , '' it added .
According to the Iranian president 's press service , Hassan Rouhani underscored the importance of collaboration in battling COVID-19 .
`` The Iranian president said it is vital to expand cooperation between Iran and Russia to counter coronavirus , '' the press service noted .
The Iranian leader also added , `` representatives of the two countries should make effort to carry on trading between the states , complying with medical instructions . ''
The service said that Putin , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of joint effort , cooperation and exchanging experience between the two countries . ''
Rouhani also said it is necessary to expand cooperation on regional issues and continue consultations between Iran , Russia and Turkey .
Iran has lately observed a downward trend in the number of coronavirus infections .
According to official statistics , the number of daily confirmed cases reached its peak on March 30 ( 3,186 ) and started to drop afterwards .
The country now has around 85,000 identified coronavirus cases and at least 5,297 fatalities .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Hassan Rouhani of Iran are determined to continue cooperation in order to find a long-term solution to the Syrian issue, the Kremlin press service said on Tuesday following a telephone conversation between the two presidents.
"When exchanging views on the situation in Syria, the parties reaffirmed their determination to continue cooperation in order to find a long-term solution for the country, particularly on the Astana platform, which has proved its effectiveness," the statement reads.
The two presidents also discussed a number of matters related to bilateral cooperation. According to the Kremlin press service, Putin and Rouhani particularly touched upon big mutual projects in the fields of energy, agriculture and transport.
The leaders also agreed on direct contacts between the countries’ ministries of health to fight the novel coronavirus, according to the Kremlin press service. The presidents discussed "battle against the spread of coronavirus infection. In this context, Rouhani thanked Russia for its assistance to Iran," the press service informed. The presidents agreed "to boost cooperation between the relevant agencies, including direct contacts between the ministries of health," it added.
According to the Iranian president's press service, Hassan Rouhani underscored the importance of collaboration in battling COVID-19. "The Iranian president said it is vital to expand cooperation between Iran and Russia to counter coronavirus," the press service noted. The Iranian leader also added, "representatives of the two countries should make effort to carry on trading between the states, complying with medical instructions."
The service said that Putin, in turn, "pointed out the significance of joint effort, cooperation and exchanging experience between the two countries."
Rouhani also said it is necessary to expand cooperation on regional issues and continue consultations between Iran, Russia and Turkey.
Iran has lately observed a downward trend in the number of coronavirus infections. According to official statistics, the number of daily confirmed cases reached its peak on March 30 (3,186) and started to drop afterwards. The country now has around 85,000 identified coronavirus cases and at least 5,297 fatalities.


tass--2020-04-21--Putin welcomes idea to boost domestic tourism industry once pandemic is over

The Primorsky Region ’ s governor pointed out that the tourism industry was growing in the region and the tourist inflow was increasing as new flights to Japan and South Korea had been launched a while ago and various tourism projects were implemented NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin during a videoconference with Primorsky Region ’ s Governor Oleg Kozhemyako welcomed the idea to discuss measures to boost the domestic tourism industry once the coronavirus pandemic was over .
`` We have plans to support this industry , so we will discuss this , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regional governor had emphasized the need to provide additional support to the tourism industry .
Kozhemyako pointed out that the tourism industry was growing in the region and the tourist inflow was increasing as new flights to Japan and South Korea had been launched a while ago and various tourism projects were implemented .
The governor noted that given the current situation , Russians would not travel overseas for vacation so it was important to provide them with opportunities to travel around their own country .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globe .
To date , a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

The Primorsky Region’s governor pointed out that the tourism industry was growing in the region and the tourist inflow was increasing as new flights to Japan and South Korea had been launched a while ago and various tourism projects were implemented
NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin during a videoconference with Primorsky Region’s Governor Oleg Kozhemyako welcomed the idea to discuss measures to boost the domestic tourism industry once the coronavirus pandemic was over.
Read also Results of Japanese tourists’ trip to Kurils to be summed up at bilateral consultations
"We have plans to support this industry, so we will discuss this," the head of state said after the regional governor had emphasized the need to provide additional support to the tourism industry. Kozhemyako pointed out that the tourism industry was growing in the region and the tourist inflow was increasing as new flights to Japan and South Korea had been launched a while ago and various tourism projects were implemented. The governor noted that given the current situation, Russians would not travel overseas for vacation so it was important to provide them with opportunities to travel around their own country. Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-04-21--Pirates leave captured vessel off Benin together with seized Russians

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The pirates who boarded the container ship Tommi Ritscher in the Gulf of Guinea have left the vessel together with eight hostages , among whom there are three Russians , a representative of Russia ’ s embassy in Benin and Togo told TASS on Tuesday .
`` The pirates have left the ship and the territorial waters of Benin , '' the diplomat said , adding that `` there are no other details at present . ''
Nigerian special forces boarded the container ship earlier on Tuesday and freed 11 crewmembers who stayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russians were in the group of eight hostages held by the pirates .
After the negotiations with the Benin authorities , the assailants left the vessel together with the hostages .
Last Sunday , a group of pirates penetrated the container ship Tommi Ritscher which was in its anchorage in the territorial waters of Benin .
They took eight crew hostage while the other 11 crewmembers managed to hide in the ship ’ s citadel .
The Benin Navy boats that came to the ship ’ s rescue drove away the speedboats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , they were cut off from the coast .
A Nigerian Navy boat with special forces on its board arrived at the place of the incident overnight to Tuesday .
Several hours ago , the special forces penetrated the container ship and freed a part of the crew of the vessel , which is registered in Portugal and is owned by a German company .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The pirates who boarded the container ship Tommi Ritscher in the Gulf of Guinea have left the vessel together with eight hostages, among whom there are three Russians, a representative of Russia’s embassy in Benin and Togo told TASS on Tuesday.
"The pirates have left the ship and the territorial waters of Benin," the diplomat said, adding that "there are no other details at present."
Nigerian special forces boarded the container ship earlier on Tuesday and freed 11 crewmembers who stayed in the protected cabin. However, the Russians were in the group of eight hostages held by the pirates. After the negotiations with the Benin authorities, the assailants left the vessel together with the hostages.
Last Sunday, a group of pirates penetrated the container ship Tommi Ritscher which was in its anchorage in the territorial waters of Benin. They took eight crew hostage while the other 11 crewmembers managed to hide in the ship’s citadel.
The Benin Navy boats that came to the ship’s rescue drove away the speedboats where the pirates’ accomplices were. As a result, they were cut off from the coast.
A Nigerian Navy boat with special forces on its board arrived at the place of the incident overnight to Tuesday. Several hours ago, the special forces penetrated the container ship and freed a part of the crew of the vessel, which is registered in Portugal and is owned by a German company.


tass--2020-04-21--PM Mishustin officially invited to Vietnam after the pandemic

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc invited his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin @ @ @ @ @ with an official visit after the pandemic ends .
According to the Russian government ’ @ @ @ @ @ two Prime Ministers had a phone call Tuesday .
`` Nguyen Xuan Phuc invited [ @ @ @ @ @ to Vietnam with an official visit after the coronavirus-related restrictions are cancelled , '' the @ @ @ @ @ two Prime Ministers agreed to continue contacts on issues of mutual interest .
So far @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister this January , has conducted only one visit abroad - to Kazakhstan @ @ @ @ @ all events , including the international ones , take place in a remote format .
@ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister had a phone call with his French counterpart Edouard Philippe and invited him @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-related restrictions are cancelled .
The French Prime Minister accepted the invitation .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc invited his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin to come to his country with an official visit after the pandemic ends.
According to the Russian government’s press service, the two Prime Ministers had a phone call Tuesday.
"Nguyen Xuan Phuc invited [Mikhail] Mishustin to come to Vietnam with an official visit after the coronavirus-related restrictions are cancelled," the press service said.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue contacts on issues of mutual interest.
So far, Mishustin, who became the Prime Minister this January, has conducted only one visit abroad - to Kazakhstan. During the pandemic, all events, including the international ones, take place in a remote format. Last week, the Russian Prime Minister had a phone call with his French counterpart Edouard Philippe and invited him to visit Russia once the coronavirus-related restrictions are cancelled. The French Prime Minister accepted the invitation.


tass--2020-04-21--No new world order after coronavirus exits, UN’s role to weaken, predicts Iranian diplomat

`` It is too early to speak about the establishment of a new world order , since despite all the hardship that it has inflicted upon mankind , this crisis is not that destructive to elevate a new world order on the ashes of the old one , '' Sanaei said in an article for the Valdai International Discussion Club .
MOSCOW , April 21./TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic won ’ t cause the downfall of the existing world order , but the role of the UN that has proven itself incapable of effectively countering the crisis , will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign minister ’ s senior advisor said on Tuesday .
The diplomat believes that the crisis will open wounds that had developed long before the pandemic .
`` The UN will be getting weaker .
Discord between the US and to a certain extent Europe on the one hand , as well as China on the other hand , will continue to grow , '' said Sanaei , who was Ambassador to Russia in 2013-2019 .
The diplomat stressed that the world order `` strayed off track a long time ago , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the US has proven bankrupt .
The pandemic also emphasized the role of a strong state , but at the same time highlighted a need for nations to cooperate in the face of global challenges .
According to the Iranian diplomat , the world will soon cope with the difficulties caused by coronavirus , and soon a race between pharma companies working on a coronavirus vaccine will intensify .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"It is too early to speak about the establishment of a new world order, since despite all the hardship that it has inflicted upon mankind, this crisis is not that destructive to elevate a new world order on the ashes of the old one," Sanaei said in an article for the Valdai International Discussion Club.
MOSCOW, April 21./TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic won’t cause the downfall of the existing world order, but the role of the UN that has proven itself incapable of effectively countering the crisis, will be declining, Mehdi Sanaei, the Iranian foreign minister’s senior advisor said on Tuesday.
The diplomat believes that the crisis will open wounds that had developed long before the pandemic. "The UN will be getting weaker. Discord between the US and to a certain extent Europe on the one hand, as well as China on the other hand, will continue to grow," said Sanaei, who was Ambassador to Russia in 2013-2019. The diplomat stressed that the world order "strayed off track a long time ago," while the model of international relations preached by the US has proven bankrupt.
The pandemic also emphasized the role of a strong state, but at the same time highlighted a need for nations to cooperate in the face of global challenges. According to the Iranian diplomat, the world will soon cope with the difficulties caused by coronavirus, and soon a race between pharma companies working on a coronavirus vaccine will intensify.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-21--Modern AI technologies ineffective against the coronavirus, scientist says

The machine learning-based AIs must collect and analyze a large amount of data first .
Even then , their algorithms are only suited for solving `` template '' tasks with a minimum of unknown variables .
In the coronavirus spread scenario , artificial intelligence can not correctly predict the scale of the pandemic and provide recommendations , using only the data on past epidemics , the scientist says , adding that the ongoing situation is far from being a `` template . ''
MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Specifics of the artificial intelligence technologies based on big data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today , are ill-fitted to predict the coronavirus spread and to develop optimal management decisions ; the scientists need to look for other methods , says Maksim Fyodorov , head of the Skoltech ’ s science and engineering big data computation center .
`` The entire perceived ongoing artificial intelligence revolution is merely a breakthrough in one narrow technology : the machine learning-based AIs .
These solutions work well with [ multiple similar ] tasks , such as recognition of faces that have specific number of eyes and ears , for example .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ different nature , which involves unique events and a lot of new variables , so an AI , based on historic data , works poorly here because it needs a lot of data of similar kind for learning .
This pandemic story has shown that we must look for other technologies and approaches , '' Fyodorov said .
The expert believes that methods of mathematical modelling could prove relatively effective in making management decision .
In these methods , the scientists `` play '' different event scenarios , calculating the results on supercomputers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular at the time , and we should return to this scenario approach , but using a new algorithmic and computational base .
[ We should ] play scenarios , including the most implausible ones .
Having this library of scenarios , the scientists will be able to access it promptly in unforeseen situations .
And then , one must turn on the human mind , '' he said , adding that the science evolves like a spiral .
The machine learning-based AI , in its modern shape , will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data and be useful to humanity only if the ongoing pandemic repeats itself in the future , Fyodorov says .
He also believes that there is hope that another epidemic could be avoided .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus situation .

The machine learning-based AIs must collect and analyze a large amount of data first. Even then, their algorithms are only suited for solving "template" tasks with a minimum of unknown variables. In the coronavirus spread scenario, artificial intelligence cannot correctly predict the scale of the pandemic and provide recommendations, using only the data on past epidemics, the scientist says, adding that the ongoing situation is far from being a "template."
MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Specifics of the artificial intelligence technologies based on big data and machine learning, which are widespread today, are ill-fitted to predict the coronavirus spread and to develop optimal management decisions; the scientists need to look for other methods, says Maksim Fyodorov, head of the Skoltech’s science and engineering big data computation center.
"The entire perceived ongoing artificial intelligence revolution is merely a breakthrough in one narrow technology: the machine learning-based AIs. These solutions work well with [multiple similar] tasks, such as recognition of faces that have specific number of eyes and ears, for example. The coronavirus is a task of a different nature, which involves unique events and a lot of new variables, so an AI, based on historic data, works poorly here because it needs a lot of data of similar kind for learning. This pandemic story has shown that we must look for other technologies and approaches," Fyodorov said.
The expert believes that methods of mathematical modelling could prove relatively effective in making management decision. In these methods, the scientists "play" different event scenarios, calculating the results on supercomputers in detail.
"These methods were popular at the time, and we should return to this scenario approach, but using a new algorithmic and computational base. [We should] play scenarios, including the most implausible ones. Having this library of scenarios, the scientists will be able to access it promptly in unforeseen situations. And then, one must turn on the human mind," he said, adding that the science evolves like a spiral.
The machine learning-based AI, in its modern shape, will be able to "learn" from the coronavirus spread data and be useful to humanity only if the ongoing pandemic repeats itself in the future, Fyodorov says. He also believes that there is hope that another epidemic could be avoided.
The coronavirus epidemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-21--TASS News Agency included in list of backbone companies of Russia

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The TASS News Agency , together with other major media , telecommunications and IT companies , has been included in the list of backbone companies of the Russian economy in the information and communications sector , the message on the Ministry of Digital Development , Communications and Mass Media website says .
The list , approved by the governmental commission on sustainable development of the Russian economy , includes 79 companies from the main sub-industries of information and communications .
In particular , this includes software developers , telecom companies ( including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agencies .
The list also includes book publishers , newspapers , radio stations , book shops and advertisement agencies .
During compilation of the list such factors were taken into account as the company ’ s income ; information security ; availability of services on development and management of state informational systems as well as socially important online services ; monthly audience ; broadcasting in the regions ; and a number of others .
The list features the largest representatives of their industries ; thus in media industry it includes TASS and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kommersant dailies , RBC , and TV broadcasters VGTRK ( All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company ) , Channel 1 and NTV .
The ministry also notes that it will send its suggestions to the Russian Government shortly on additional inclusions in the list .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The TASS News Agency, together with other major media, telecommunications and IT companies, has been included in the list of backbone companies of the Russian economy in the information and communications sector, the message on the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media website says.
The list, approved by the governmental commission on sustainable development of the Russian economy, includes 79 companies from the main sub-industries of information and communications. In particular, this includes software developers, telecom companies (including the Big Four of cell carriers) and news agencies. The list also includes book publishers, newspapers, radio stations, book shops and advertisement agencies.
During compilation of the list such factors were taken into account as the company’s income; information security; availability of services on development and management of state informational systems as well as socially important online services; monthly audience; broadcasting in the regions; and a number of others.
The list features the largest representatives of their industries; thus in media industry it includes TASS and Rossiya Segodnya news agencies, Rossiyskaya Gazeta and Kommersant dailies, RBC, and TV broadcasters VGTRK ( All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company), Channel 1 and NTV.
The ministry also notes that it will send its suggestions to the Russian Government shortly on additional inclusions in the list.


tass--2020-04-21--Denmark reports almost 7,700 coronavirus cases

Six more coronavirus patients have died , bringing the overall number of fatalities to 370 .
As many as 335 people have been hospitalized in the past 24 hours , of whom 81 are in intensive care units .
As many as 100,543 people have been tested as of now , and 4,700 patients have recovered .
STOCKHOLM , April 21./TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Denmark grew by 180 in the past 24 hours , amounting to 7,695 people , the Danish national institute for preventing and controlling infectious diseases reported Tuesday .
On March 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for foreign visitors amid the spread of the novel coronavirus , while mass gatherings involving more than 10 people were banned .
The educational establishments were ordered to work remotely .
Public employees who are not engaged in critically important tasks were sent home from March 13 until April 13 .
On April 15 , the so-called first stage of the country 's reopening started in Denmark : part of kindergartens and schools opened .
Public transport resumed operation .
A number of small enterprises , including beauty salons and driving schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cafes , bars , restaurants will remain closed until May 10 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Six more coronavirus patients have died, bringing the overall number of fatalities to 370. As many as 335 people have been hospitalized in the past 24 hours, of whom 81 are in intensive care units. As many as 100,543 people have been tested as of now, and 4,700 patients have recovered.
STOCKHOLM, April 21./TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Denmark grew by 180 in the past 24 hours, amounting to 7,695 people, the Danish national institute for preventing and controlling infectious diseases reported Tuesday.
On March 14, the border of Denmark was closed for foreign visitors amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, while mass gatherings involving more than 10 people were banned. The educational establishments were ordered to work remotely. Public employees who are not engaged in critically important tasks were sent home from March 13 until April 13.
On April 15, the so-called first stage of the country's reopening started in Denmark: part of kindergartens and schools opened. Public transport resumed operation. A number of small enterprises, including beauty salons and driving schools, as well as courts, resumed work. Cafes, bars, restaurants will remain closed until May 10.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-21--Life expectancy in Russia reached record-high 73.4 years in 2019

WHO : number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 83,000 in past day The number of fatalities increased @ @

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-04-21--Putin, Erdogan discuss nuclear energy cooperation

The presidents agreed that the two countries would maintain contact at various levels .
They also stated readiness to step up efforts to combat the coronavirus .
`` The discussion focused on an array of issues related to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic .
[ The two sides ] expressed readiness to step up joint efforts in the fight against the infection , including by the ministries of health and other specialized organizations , '' the press service said .
The two leaders also agreed to continue close coordination to ensure the repatriation of Russian and Turkish citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two countries on Syria and the situation in Idlib , the Kremlin press service informed after the conversation .
`` The presidents of Russia and Turkey exchanged views in detail on the situation in Syria , including the status of implementation of the agreements on the Idlib de-escalation zone , '' it said , adding that this first of all refers to the March 5 additional protocol to the Sochi memorandum of September 17 , 2018 .
The presidents `` confirmed the importance of unconditional abidance by the principles of sovereignty and territorial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the press service stated .
They `` emphasized the importance of continuing close cooperation between Russia and Syria through military and diplomatic channels , '' the Kremlin said .

The presidents agreed that the two countries would maintain contact at various levels. They also stated readiness to step up efforts to combat the coronavirus. "The discussion focused on an array of issues related to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. [The two sides] expressed readiness to step up joint efforts in the fight against the infection, including by the ministries of health and other specialized organizations," the press service said. The two leaders also agreed to continue close coordination to ensure the repatriation of Russian and Turkish citizens.
They also hashed over cooperation of the two countries on Syria and the situation in Idlib, the Kremlin press service informed after the conversation. "The presidents of Russia and Turkey exchanged views in detail on the situation in Syria, including the status of implementation of the agreements on the Idlib de-escalation zone," it said, adding that this first of all refers to the March 5 additional protocol to the Sochi memorandum of September 17, 2018.
The presidents "confirmed the importance of unconditional abidance by the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic," the press service stated. They "emphasized the importance of continuing close cooperation between Russia and Syria through military and diplomatic channels," the Kremlin said.


tass--2020-04-21--Serious illness caused by COVID-19 might damage heart muscle

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Serious illness , caused by the novel coronavirus infection , might damage cardiac muscle , but the medics do not know yet how exactly it might affect the heart in the future , says Sergey Boitsov , the CEO of the National Cardiology Medical Research Center and the chief non-resident cardiologist of the Russian Healthcare Ministry .
COVID rates continue to grow in Russia but growth of serious cases has stopped — official '' The coronavirus infection is tied to cardiovascular diseases , because people over 60-65 are most often seriously affected [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of people often has cardiovascular diseases .
[ … ] Patients that become seriously ill often have their heart damaged .
And we do not know how this process will develop after the acute period : whether a fibrosis will develop , whether it will affect the heart ’ s pumping function and whether it will cause arrhythmia , '' Boitsov said in an interview , published online Tuesday .
In the meantime , Boitsov underscores that there is no definitive answer whether the coronavirus infection can itself cause development of cardiovascular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we have next to no experience in its treatment , '' he explained , adding that the medics face the issue of organizing correct treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases .
`` Some drugs and their combinations can cause heart rhythm disruption and other complications , '' he explained .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Serious illness, caused by the novel coronavirus infection, might damage cardiac muscle, but the medics do not know yet how exactly it might affect the heart in the future, says Sergey Boitsov, the CEO of the National Cardiology Medical Research Center and the chief non-resident cardiologist of the Russian Healthcare Ministry.
COVID rates continue to grow in Russia but growth of serious cases has stopped — official
"The coronavirus infection is tied to cardiovascular diseases, because people over 60-65 are most often seriously affected [by the coronavirus], and this group of people often has cardiovascular diseases. […] Patients that become seriously ill often have their heart damaged. And we do not know how this process will develop after the acute period: whether a fibrosis will develop, whether it will affect the heart’s pumping function and whether it will cause arrhythmia," Boitsov said in an interview, published online Tuesday.
In the meantime, Boitsov underscores that there is no definitive answer whether the coronavirus infection can itself cause development of cardiovascular diseases.
"The infection is new, and we have next to no experience in its treatment," he explained, adding that the medics face the issue of organizing correct treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
"Some drugs and their combinations can cause heart rhythm disruption and other complications," he explained.