tass--2020-04-28--Putin instructs government to submit report by April 30 on developing coronavirus vaccine

This order is on the list of instructions issued by the president after his meeting with the medical community , the Kremlin press office said .
MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to submit a report by April 30 on the plan of developing coronavirus vaccines , the Kremlin press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The government shall submit a scheduled plan for developing vaccines to prevent the novel coronavirus infection and carrying out the state registration of these vaccines using the accelerated procedure and launching them into industrial production @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian government has also been instructed to take measures based on the available international experience for the pharmacological disease prevention among medical workers and other persons who have contacts with novel coronavirus patients .
The government is required to submit a report on this issue to the president by May 15 .
The Russian president also instructed the Health Ministry to ensure that professional medical non-profit organizations work out and approve clinical recommendations for treating the coronavirus taking into account the available experience of providing aid to patients infected with this disease , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

This order is on the list of instructions issued by the president after his meeting with the medical community, the Kremlin press office said.
MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to submit a report by April 30 on the plan of developing coronavirus vaccines, the Kremlin press office reported on Tuesday.
"The government shall submit a scheduled plan for developing vaccines to prevent the novel coronavirus infection and carrying out the state registration of these vaccines using the accelerated procedure and launching them into industrial production," the document reads.
The Russian government has also been instructed to take measures based on the available international experience for the pharmacological disease prevention among medical workers and other persons who have contacts with novel coronavirus patients. The government is required to submit a report on this issue to the president by May 15.
The Russian president also instructed the Health Ministry to ensure that professional medical non-profit organizations work out and approve clinical recommendations for treating the coronavirus taking into account the available experience of providing aid to patients infected with this disease, the document says.
Coronavirus spread
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Current crisis could be worse than 2008-2009, Medvedev says

Kremlin says coronavirus situation will last for no more than two months The Kremlin spokesman noted that in Italy and @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic continued a month and a half at maximum

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--2020-04-28--Coronavirus in Russia: record amount of recoveries and eighth highest number of infections

In the past 24 hours , Russia has documented 6,411 cases of the novel coronavirus , which is the highest figure since the start of the epidemic MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has reported the eighth highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world , beating Iran ; however , the incidence of the virus in Russia is relatively low compared to other countries , and the growth rate of new infections continues to slow .
In the past 24 hours , Russia has documented 6,411 cases of the novel coronavirus , which is the highest figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide .
According to recent data , Iran has documented 91,472 cases of infection .
Tehran has not published the Tuesday statistics so far , however , in the past few days , the number of new reported cases has reached around 1,000 cases a day .
The daily increase in new cases in Russia has not surpassed 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average of 8.53 % in the past seven days .
Meanwhile , the growth rate last week came up to 14 % .
Currently , Russia has reported 64 cases of infection per 100,000 residents .
This is a relatively low figure compared to Iran ( 112 cases per 100,000 ) or Turkey ( 136 per 100,000 ) , which takes seventh place in overall cases of infection .
Russia has held 3.13 mln tests for COVID-19 so far , which covers over 2 % of the population .
This figure is higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the population ( 5.6 mln people ) have been tested so far .
Nearly 3 % of all those tested in Russia have been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
About three out of five of those tested exhibit symptoms of the disease : 18,400 out of 40,800 people who tested positive for the virus in the past week are asymptomatic .
A relatively low death rate can be due to the fact that the infection is often detected at early stages .
So far , Russia has reported 867 deaths from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those infected ) .
Iran has reported 5,806 deaths ( 6.35 % of those infected ) .
On Tuesday , Russia has documented a record number of daily recoveries : 1,110 patients .
This is over 1.5 times higher that the previous record set on April 25 ( 682 recovered patients ) .
In the past seven days , a total of 4,583 people have recovered from the virus in Russia , with the total number of recoveries reaching 8,456 .
The recovery rate has surpassed 9 % of all registered cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours , compared to Monday ’ s 2,871 .
The number of those infected in the Russian capital has reached 48,426 , with the growth rate slightly higher than the day before : 6.78 % compared to 6.76 % .
The growth rate in the Moscow Region has also slowed , where 523 people have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , compared to yesterday ’ s 638 .
About 10,231 people have tested positive for the virus in the Moscow Region .
Russia has documented a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , coming up to a total of 34,901 ( 37.3 % of all cases in Russia ) .
St. Petersburg and the Nizhny Novgorod Region have taken third and fourth places respectively , while Dagestan and the Murmansk Region have come in fifth and sixth with over 1,000 reported cases .

In the past 24 hours, Russia has documented 6,411 cases of the novel coronavirus, which is the highest figure since the start of the epidemic
MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia has reported the eighth highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, beating Iran; however, the incidence of the virus in Russia is relatively low compared to other countries, and the growth rate of new infections continues to slow. In the past 24 hours, Russia has documented 6,411 cases of the novel coronavirus, which is the highest figure since the start of the epidemic. To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. The country’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide.
Read also Over 150 doctors die of coronavirus in Italy
According to recent data, Iran has documented 91,472 cases of infection. Tehran has not published the Tuesday statistics so far, however, in the past few days, the number of new reported cases has reached around 1,000 cases a day. The daily increase in new cases in Russia has not surpassed 10% in the past week, reaching an average of 8.53% in the past seven days. Meanwhile, the growth rate last week came up to 14%. Currently, Russia has reported 64 cases of infection per 100,000 residents. This is a relatively low figure compared to Iran (112 cases per 100,000) or Turkey (136 per 100,000), which takes seventh place in overall cases of infection. Russia has held 3.13 mln tests for COVID-19 so far, which covers over 2% of the population. This figure is higher than in the USA, where 1.7% of the population (5.6 mln people) have been tested so far. Over 1,000 recoveries in past 24 hours Nearly 3% of all those tested in Russia have been diagnosed with COVID-19. About three out of five of those tested exhibit symptoms of the disease: 18,400 out of 40,800 people who tested positive for the virus in the past week are asymptomatic. A relatively low death rate can be due to the fact that the infection is often detected at early stages. So far, Russia has reported 867 deaths from the novel coronavirus (0.93% of all those infected). Iran has reported 5,806 deaths (6.35% of those infected).


tass--2020-04-28--Effectiveness of plasma transfusion for COVID-19 therapy not proven yet, scientist says

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The method of blood plasma transfusion from donors with immunity to those COVID-19 patients who are in critical condition remains the best solution as long as a vaccine remains unavailable , but its effectiveness is still to be proven , the director of the research clinical center of precision and regenerative medicine at the Kazan Federal University , Albert Rizvanov , has said .
Rizvanov ’ s group is conducting research into a test system and vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The transfusion of donor blood plasma with antibodies to the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered COVID patients ) as a means of treatment in a situation when no vaccine has been made yet is being used widely in other countries - the United States , Germany and China .
Ex-patients in Moscow who have recovered from COVID-19 are invited to donate blood plasma .
A group of 130 such volunteers have already donated blood and more than 200 potential donors are waiting for the results of checks .
`` It is already clear that such treatment is safe for patients , but its effectiveness has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panacea and guarantee of recovery .
In some cases patients who had undergone blood plasma transfusion eventually died .
At the same time in a situation where there are no specific methods of treatment of the coronavirus infection that are targeted against this virus in particular , and not just help the human body cope with the infection , this method is certainly justified .
The key word is this is the best method at a time when there is no vaccine , '' Rizvanov said .
He explained that the method of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existed for quite a long time , but its use against different infections may have controversial results .
`` The effectiveness of this method may vary greatly from high to harm to health . ''
For this reason fundamental scientific and clinical research will be required , he believes .
`` In the light of this the US regulator FDA ( Food and Drug Administration ) has issued permission to use this method only for those in critical condition .
Russia has followed the same path , '' Rizvanov said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tatarstan was creating a bank of COVREC donor blood plasma .
The first samples of plasma are being tested for the presence of anti-bodies to the coronavirus .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The method of blood plasma transfusion from donors with immunity to those COVID-19 patients who are in critical condition remains the best solution as long as a vaccine remains unavailable, but its effectiveness is still to be proven, the director of the research clinical center of precision and regenerative medicine at the Kazan Federal University, Albert Rizvanov, has said. Rizvanov’s group is conducting research into a test system and vaccine against the novel coronavirus.
The transfusion of donor blood plasma with antibodies to the novel coronavirus infection (COVREC - plasma from recovered COVID patients) as a means of treatment in a situation when no vaccine has been made yet is being used widely in other countries - the United States, Germany and China. Ex-patients in Moscow who have recovered from COVID-19 are invited to donate blood plasma. A group of 130 such volunteers have already donated blood and more than 200 potential donors are waiting for the results of checks.
"It is already clear that such treatment is safe for patients, but its effectiveness has not been confirmed yet. It is not a panacea and guarantee of recovery. In some cases patients who had undergone blood plasma transfusion eventually died. At the same time in a situation where there are no specific methods of treatment of the coronavirus infection that are targeted against this virus in particular, and not just help the human body cope with the infection, this method is certainly justified. The key word is this is the best method at a time when there is no vaccine," Rizvanov said.
He explained that the method of blood plasma transfusion from immune donors has existed for quite a long time, but its use against different infections may have controversial results. "The effectiveness of this method may vary greatly from high to harm to health." For this reason fundamental scientific and clinical research will be required, he believes.
"In the light of this the US regulator FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has issued permission to use this method only for those in critical condition. Russia has followed the same path," Rizvanov said, adding that the Health Ministry of the Republic of Tatarstan was creating a bank of COVREC donor blood plasma. The first samples of plasma are being tested for the presence of anti-bodies to the coronavirus.
According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Over 1,100 coronavirus cases confirmed in Iran in 24 hours

`` The number of newly-recorded coronavirus cases in the country has amounted to 1,112 .
The total number of cases has reached 92,584 , '' ISNA News Agency quotes him as saying .
He noted that 71 coronavirus patients had died over the past 24 hours , bringing the total number of deaths to 5,877 .
TASS , April 28 .
More than 1,100 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Iran over the past 24 hours , the total number of infected people has exceeded 92,500 , a spokesman for Iran ’ s Ministry of Health and Medical Education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iran ’ s authorities began to gradually lift the pandemic-related restrictions .
According to official information , more than two-thirds of the country ’ s population returned to work .
The ban on travel between provinces for private cars has been lifted as well .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

"The number of newly-recorded coronavirus cases in the country has amounted to 1,112. The total number of cases has reached 92,584," ISNA News Agency quotes him as saying. He noted that 71 coronavirus patients had died over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 5,877.
TASS, April 28. More than 1,100 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Iran over the past 24 hours, the total number of infected people has exceeded 92,500, a spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education said on Tuesday.
On April 11, Iran’s authorities began to gradually lift the pandemic-related restrictions. According to official information, more than two-thirds of the country’s population returned to work. The ban on travel between provinces for private cars has been lifted as well.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Majority of Russians support tough restrictive measures against COVID-19 — poll

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The majority of Russians ( 60 % ) support the tough restrictive measures introduced by the Russian government to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus , the Russian Public Opinion Research Center informs in a poll published on Tuesday .
According to the poll , a quarter of those polled ( 25 % ) support mild measures that alleviate the negative effect on the economy , but prolong the epidemic and increase the death toll .
This figure is especially high among those aged 18-24 ( 34 % ) .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 60 ) stand for tough restrictive measures .
At the same time , 16 % of Russians could not provide a concrete response to the question on the restrictive measures .
When asked about the fears related to the spread of the novel coronavirus , nearly half of those surveyed ( 48 % ) said they are afraid of losing their job and source of income to the same extent as of someone in their family becoming infected ; 33 % said they are more worried about their family members becoming ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russians aged 18-24 and 44 % of those over 60 .
Concurrently , 16 % of those polled said they are most afraid of losing their job .
This opinion was mostly expressed by Russians aged 25-34 ( 22 % ) .
Half of respondents ( 50 % ) think that the restrictive measures in their region ( self-isolation , travel restrictions , closed shopping centers and cinemas ) will be lifted in May .
A quarter of Russians ( 25 % ) think that some of the measures will be lifted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Public Opinion Research Center on April 23 among 1,600 Russian nationals over 18 years of age via a phone interview .
The margin of error does not surpass 1.7 % with the probability of 95 % .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The majority of Russians (60%) support the tough restrictive measures introduced by the Russian government to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center informs in a poll published on Tuesday.
According to the poll, a quarter of those polled (25%) support mild measures that alleviate the negative effect on the economy, but prolong the epidemic and increase the death toll. This figure is especially high among those aged 18-24 (34%). Meanwhile, 70% of respondents (mostly those over 60) stand for tough restrictive measures. At the same time, 16% of Russians could not provide a concrete response to the question on the restrictive measures.
When asked about the fears related to the spread of the novel coronavirus, nearly half of those surveyed (48%) said they are afraid of losing their job and source of income to the same extent as of someone in their family becoming infected; 33% said they are more worried about their family members becoming ill: among them, 41% of Russians aged 18-24 and 44% of those over 60. Concurrently, 16% of those polled said they are most afraid of losing their job. This opinion was mostly expressed by Russians aged 25-34 (22%).
Half of respondents (50%) think that the restrictive measures in their region (self-isolation, travel restrictions, closed shopping centers and cinemas) will be lifted in May. A quarter of Russians (25%) think that some of the measures will be lifted in June.
The poll was held by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center on April 23 among 1,600 Russian nationals over 18 years of age via a phone interview. The margin of error does not surpass 1.7% with the probability of 95%.


tass--2020-04-28--Kremlin spokesman reiterates need to resolve Libyan issue through political means

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow reiterates that it is only possible to resolve the Libyan issue through political and diplomatic means , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that `` Moscow firmly believes that the only way to resolve the situation in Libya is through progress on the political and diplomatic track , as well as through political and diplomatic communication between the parties , particularly between the opposing sides . ''
`` Russia continues to maintain contact with all parties to the Libyan process .
We believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve the Libyab issue , '' Peskov emphasized .
Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar stated on Monday that his forces had `` a popular mandate '' to rule the country .
He also declared an end to the Skhirat Agreement , which , in his words , destroyed the country and created a dangerous situation in Libya .
Haftar vowed to work on creating conditions for the establishment of civil institutions .
The Presidential Council of Libya ’ s Government of National Accord condemned Haftar ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skhirat Agreement , signed in Morocco ’ s Skhirat in December 2015 , is based on a United Nations peace plan .
The agreement created the Government of National Accord and the Presidential Council .
Both bodies , based in Tripoli , are led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Moscow reiterates that it is only possible to resolve the Libyan issue through political and diplomatic means, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that "Moscow firmly believes that the only way to resolve the situation in Libya is through progress on the political and diplomatic track, as well as through political and diplomatic communication between the parties, particularly between the opposing sides."
"Russia continues to maintain contact with all parties to the Libyan process. We believe that there is no other way to resolve the Libyab issue," Peskov emphasized.
Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar stated on Monday that his forces had "a popular mandate" to rule the country. He also declared an end to the Skhirat Agreement, which, in his words, destroyed the country and created a dangerous situation in Libya. Haftar vowed to work on creating conditions for the establishment of civil institutions.
The Presidential Council of Libya’s Government of National Accord condemned Haftar’s move as a coup attempt.
The Skhirat Agreement, signed in Morocco’s Skhirat in December 2015, is based on a United Nations peace plan. The agreement created the Government of National Accord and the Presidential Council. Both bodies, based in Tripoli, are led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj.


tass--2020-04-28--Over 150 doctors die of coronavirus in Italy

TASS , April 28 .
At least 152 doctors have died in Italy since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak , according to data posted on the website of Italy ’ s National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists on Tuesday .
According to the La Repubblica newspaper , on April 25 , the number of fatalities among junior medical hospital staff in the country reached 34 .
Meanwhile , the Avvenire newspaper reported that 117 priests had died of coronavirus in Italy .
An outbreak of coronavirus was recorded on February 21 in the north of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deaths has been reported since then .
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Apennines has reached nearly 27,000 since the onset of the epidemic , and 199,400 people have been infected .
The number of recoveries has exceeded 66,000 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TASS, April 28. At least 152 doctors have died in Italy since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, according to data posted on the website of Italy’s National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists on Tuesday.
According to the La Repubblica newspaper, on April 25, the number of fatalities among junior medical hospital staff in the country reached 34. Meanwhile, the Avvenire newspaper reported that 117 priests had died of coronavirus in Italy.
An outbreak of coronavirus was recorded on February 21 in the north of the country, where the greatest number of infections and deaths has been reported since then. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Apennines has reached nearly 27,000 since the onset of the epidemic, and 199,400 people have been infected. The number of recoveries has exceeded 66,000.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Kremlin says has no official information on North Korean leader’s health

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin has no official information on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ’ @ @ @ @ @ Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
`` We have no official information , @ @ @ @ @ asked if Moscow had received any official information about Kim Jong-un ’ s health .
@ @ @ @ @ not been seen in public since April 11 , when he chaired a meeting of @ @ @ @ @ Central Committee of the Workers ' Party of Korea .
He was absent from the @ @ @ @ @ People 's Assembly on April 12 and for the first time since taking the reins @ @ @ @ @ Sun ceremony , which this year commemorates the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung on @ @ @ @ @ about his health .
The Kremlin spokesman said earlier that Moscow was waiting for official @ @ @ @ @ leader ’ s health .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The Kremlin has no official information on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s health, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"We have no official information," he said, when asked if Moscow had received any official information about Kim Jong-un’s health.
The North Korean leader has not been seen in public since April 11, when he chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. He was absent from the annual session of the Supreme People's Assembly on April 12 and for the first time since taking the reins missed the Day of the Sun ceremony, which this year commemorates the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung on April 15, sparking rumors about his health.
The Kremlin spokesman said earlier that Moscow was waiting for official information about the North Korean leader’s health.


tass--2020-04-28--Press review: Trump, Macron seek to reform WHO and anti-EU sentiment on the rise in Italy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pointed out that the World Health Organization ( WHO ) took reasonable measures to combat Covid-19 .
This is how he responded to US President Donald Trump 's statement about the need to reform the WHO following its alleged mistakes during the pandemic .
Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron intend to discuss ways to reform the WHO at a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members , the idea of which was put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin back in January , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Trump earlier voiced US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The main gripe was that the global organization failed to adequately assess the threat of the coronavirus , ensure the effective monitoring of the epidemiological situation in China and thus indirectly let the infection spread across the globe .
Trump made it clear that he was determined to use tough methods .
Washington , the WHO ’ s major funder , suspended its funding to the organization on April 15 .
As for the EU ’ s leaders , Macron views the idea of reforming the WHO in the most favorable way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opinion , the Chinese authorities had not told the global community the whole truth about the coronavirus epidemic .
However , Chief Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences ' Institute of Europe Vladimir Shveitser believes that it wo n't be easy to persuade even EU countries to support such reform .
`` It seems that the pandemic has made everyone realize that something should be done about the healthcare system .
But any reform in this area will , first and foremost , require spending a significant amount of money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spare at this time , '' the expert pointed out .
`` Trump and Macron tend to put the carriage before the horse and send signals that have no consequences .
For instance , Macron earlier called for creating a European army .
Where is this army ?
The process of its creation is stalled .
I don ’ t rule out that this time , it will only be about making statements , '' Shveitser emphasized .
Izvestia : Ankara embarks on mopping up Islamist forces in Idlib Turkey has launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province .
Its efforts to disperse extremists blocking the M4 highway escalated into fighting against the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group ( outlawed in Russia ) .
However , Ankara ’ s determination to implement the Moscow agreements on resolving the conflict has set radical Islamists and local residents against Turkish troops .
Experts interviewed by Izvestia expect the fighting to continue .
`` Clashes between Turkish troops and Islamist militants were inevitable , '' military expert Vladislav Shurygin pointed out .
`` Extremists weren ’ t going to back down and voluntarily unblock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time that Ankara was given to drive militants back from the highway is running out .
However , Turkey is still trying to use as little force as possible to settle the issue , '' he added .
The troops that Turkey has in the Idlib province are enough to carry out a large operation .
Chances are that the current fighting will morph into a larger-scale standoff with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group , the expert said .
The position of Idlib residents is also to be taken into consideration , Academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The province remains the radical Islamists ’ last stronghold in Syria .
Most civilians are intimidated by the terrorists , but many truly share their radical ideas and don ’ t want to compromise with the government .
`` The thing to remember is that several thousands of the most resilient militants and their family members were evacuated to the province from the areas that had reconciled with Bashar Assad , '' the expert emphasized .
`` This is why it won ’ t be easy for Turkey to gain the loyalty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents will inevitably follow .
There will also be other issues with local residents because they have ties with both Turkey and Syria .
Many have relatives in areas controlled by the Assad government and they will take the severance of these ties very hard , '' Kozyulin stressed .
Izvestia : Anti-EU sentiment on the rise in Italy amid pandemic Nearly half of Italians support the idea of leaving the Eurozone and the European Union , according to an opinion poll published by Termometro Politico .
Italians are frustrated with the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their own , while China and Russia were among the first to provide assistance to the country .
It is argued that Rome may follow in London 's footsteps and pull out of the EU , Izvestia notes .
Europeans are split over who will have to pay for overcoming the crisis .
The countries hardest hit by COVID-19 , including Italy and Spain , would like the wealthier and less affected countries — namely , the Netherlands , Germany and the Nordic states — to bear most of the burden .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' be issued that would allow poorer EU members to take out loans , yet if they failed to repay their debts , all EU countries would service the debt obligations .
Germany , the Netherlands , Austria and Finland disagree with that idea because they doubt that Rome and Madrid will be able to pay off their debts .
Other EU countries are sure that populist statements about Italy ’ s potential withdrawal from the European Union are a mere bluff .
As for Italy , many in the country don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring Matteo Salvini from the far-right Lega Nord back to power .
In addition , Rome will eventually get financial help from Brussels .
That said , Italy will remain an EU member for now , despite the rising Euroskeptic mood , Rome-based historian and political scientist Alexander Dunayev said .
`` The reason is clear : Italy needs foreign assistance .
It is no secret that according to various estimates , Italy will face a GDP drop of 9-10 % , the highest among EU countries .
Italy may lack resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need Europe ’ s help , '' the expert explained .
`` Euroskeptic sentiment will not fade away and may even surge in Italy .
However , even far-right populists realize that it would be suicidal to leave the EU at the moment and even later , when the country will start to recover from the pandemic , since Italy ’ s economy would collapse if that happened , '' Dunayev pointed out .
Vedomosti : Russia moves up to fourth place in military spending rankings Russia has moved up to fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vedomosti wrote , citing a report published by Stockholm Peace Research Institute ( SIPRI ) on April 27 .
According to the report , Russia ’ s military expenditures stood at $ 65.1 bln in 2019 , which is 4.5 % more than in 2018 .
According to SIPRI , the top three military spenders are the United States ( $ 732 bln ) , China ( $ 261 bln ) and India ( $ 71.1 bln ) .
Russia is followed by Saudi Arabia in fifth place ( $ 61.9 bln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 % of global military spending , SIPRI analysts pointed out .
Konstantin Makienko , an expert with the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies , says that SIPRI tends to exaggerate Russia ’ s military expenditure .
In 2019 , like in 2018 , the `` National Defense '' segment of Russia ’ s federal budget did not exceed three trillion rubles , which amounts to about $ 50 bln .
Even if money allocated to other paramilitary agencies and programs not covered by this particular segment of the budget is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hardly reach $ 65.1 bln , the expert noted .
According to Makienko , given the inflation rate , Russia ’ s military spending has more likely been declining in recent years , compared to that of other major countries .
It is hard to say what the picture will be once the coronavirus pandemic is over but Russia ’ s military spending will hardly increase in the coming years if the current trends persist , the expert emphasized .
All spring art auctions have been postponed or moved online due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian artworks may halve and overall sales will plummet , experts interviewed by Izvestia predicted .
The art industry was one of the first to be hit by the pandemic as museums and art galleries across the world had been shut down and auctions had been postponed or cancelled even before the lockdown restrictions took effect .
`` The art auction business is seasonal , our major auctions take place in the spring and fall .
This year , all spring auctions had to be postponed to June and July or moved online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Moscow Managing Director Irina Stepanova said .
`` We offer more affordable items online , '' she added .
While art prices haven ’ t dropped much yet , experts expect the 2014 collapse to recur .
`` The art market — like the entire economy — is going through a shock .
The current situation is reminiscent of the crisis six years ago .
Auction sales plunged by 39 % back then , '' said Ksenia Podoinitsyna , the founder of the InArt rating agency .
According to Igor Markin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Art4 museum , auction prices for Russian art pieces will halve both domestically and overseas .
However , experts are cautiously optimistic about the industry ’ s prospects .
They say the market will revive rather quickly once the economic situation stabilizes .
But it is hard to make long-term forecasts at the moment since no one knows how long the pandemic and its related restrictions will last .
Though history has seen many crises , the world is facing a situation of this magnitude for the first time .
TASS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Trump urges UNSC permanent members to address health care
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) took reasonable measures to combat Covid-19. This is how he responded to US President Donald Trump's statement about the need to reform the WHO following its alleged mistakes during the pandemic. Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron intend to discuss ways to reform the WHO at a summit of the United Nations Security Council permanent members, the idea of which was put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin back in January, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Trump earlier voiced US grievances over the WHO’s activities. The main gripe was that the global organization failed to adequately assess the threat of the coronavirus, ensure the effective monitoring of the epidemiological situation in China and thus indirectly let the infection spread across the globe. Trump made it clear that he was determined to use tough methods. Washington, the WHO’s major funder, suspended its funding to the organization on April 15. As for the EU’s leaders, Macron views the idea of reforming the WHO in the most favorable way. He stated earlier that, in his opinion, the Chinese authorities had not told the global community the whole truth about the coronavirus epidemic. However, Chief Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Europe Vladimir Shveitser believes that it won't be easy to persuade even EU countries to support such reform. "It seems that the pandemic has made everyone realize that something should be done about the healthcare system. But any reform in this area will, first and foremost, require spending a significant amount of money. And the Europeans don't have money to spare at this time," the expert pointed out. "Trump and Macron tend to put the carriage before the horse and send signals that have no consequences. For instance, Macron earlier called for creating a European army. Where is this army? The process of its creation is stalled. I don’t rule out that this time, it will only be about making statements," Shveitser emphasized. Izvestia: Ankara embarks on mopping up Islamist forces in Idlib
Read also Turkey will not launch major operation against militants in Idlib — analyst
Turkey has launched a mop-up campaign in Syria's Idlib province. Its efforts to disperse extremists blocking the M4 highway escalated into fighting against the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group (outlawed in Russia). However, Ankara’s determination to implement the Moscow agreements on resolving the conflict has set radical Islamists and local residents against Turkish troops. Experts interviewed by Izvestia expect the fighting to continue. "Clashes between Turkish troops and Islamist militants were inevitable," military expert Vladislav Shurygin pointed out. "Extremists weren’t going to back down and voluntarily unblock the M4 road. Meanwhile, the time that Ankara was given to drive militants back from the highway is running out. However, Turkey is still trying to use as little force as possible to settle the issue," he added. The troops that Turkey has in the Idlib province are enough to carry out a large operation. Chances are that the current fighting will morph into a larger-scale standoff with the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, the expert said. The position of Idlib residents is also to be taken into consideration, Academy of Military Sciences Professor Vadim Kozyulin noted. The province remains the radical Islamists’ last stronghold in Syria. Most civilians are intimidated by the terrorists, but many truly share their radical ideas and don’t want to compromise with the government. "The thing to remember is that several thousands of the most resilient militants and their family members were evacuated to the province from the areas that had reconciled with Bashar Assad," the expert emphasized. "This is why it won’t be easy for Turkey to gain the loyalty and support of the locals. More incidents will inevitably follow. There will also be other issues with local residents because they have ties with both Turkey and Syria. Many have relatives in areas controlled by the Assad government and they will take the severance of these ties very hard," Kozyulin stressed. Izvestia: Anti-EU sentiment on the rise in Italy amid pandemic
Nearly half of Italians support the idea of leaving the Eurozone and the European Union, according to an opinion poll published by Termometro Politico. Italians are frustrated with the fact that their EU neighbors chose to act on their own, while China and Russia were among the first to provide assistance to the country. It is argued that Rome may follow in London's footsteps and pull out of the EU, Izvestia notes. Europeans are split over who will have to pay for overcoming the crisis. The countries hardest hit by COVID-19, including Italy and Spain, would like the wealthier and less affected countries — namely, the Netherlands, Germany and the Nordic states — to bear most of the burden. Italy insists that the so-called "corona-bonds" be issued that would allow poorer EU members to take out loans, yet if they failed to repay their debts, all EU countries would service the debt obligations. Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland disagree with that idea because they doubt that Rome and Madrid will be able to pay off their debts. Other EU countries are sure that populist statements about Italy’s potential withdrawal from the European Union are a mere bluff. As for Italy, many in the country don’t want a new wave of Euroskepticism to bring Matteo Salvini from the far-right Lega Nord back to power. In addition, Rome will eventually get financial help from Brussels. That said, Italy will remain an EU member for now, despite the rising Euroskeptic mood, Rome-based historian and political scientist Alexander Dunayev said. "The reason is clear: Italy needs foreign assistance. It is no secret that according to various estimates, Italy will face a GDP drop of 9-10%, the highest among EU countries. Italy may lack resources to support its economy, so Rome will need Europe’s help," the expert explained. "Euroskeptic sentiment will not fade away and may even surge in Italy. However, even far-right populists realize that it would be suicidal to leave the EU at the moment and even later, when the country will start to recover from the pandemic, since Italy’s economy would collapse if that happened," Dunayev pointed out. Vedomosti: Russia moves up to fourth place in military spending rankings
Russia has moved up to fourth place in the global military spending rankings, Vedomosti wrote, citing a report published by Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on April 27. According to the report, Russia’s military expenditures stood at $65.1 bln in 2019, which is 4.5% more than in 2018. According to SIPRI, the top three military spenders are the United States ($732 bln), China ($261 bln) and India ($71.1 bln). Russia is followed by Saudi Arabia in fifth place ($61.9 bln). These top five account for 60% of global military spending, SIPRI analysts pointed out. Konstantin Makienko, an expert with the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, says that SIPRI tends to exaggerate Russia’s military expenditure. In 2019, like in 2018, the "National Defense" segment of Russia’s federal budget did not exceed three trillion rubles, which amounts to about $50 bln. Even if money allocated to other paramilitary agencies and programs not covered by this particular segment of the budget is taken into account, the total amount will hardly reach $65.1 bln, the expert noted. According to Makienko, given the inflation rate, Russia’s military spending has more likely been declining in recent years, compared to that of other major countries. It is hard to say what the picture will be once the coronavirus pandemic is over but Russia’s military spending will hardly increase in the coming years if the current trends persist, the expert emphasized. Izvestia: Coronavirus may halve Russian art prices
Read also Andy Warhol exhibition in Moscow postponed due to pandemic


tass--2020-04-28--Kremlin says supports entire population, no special plan for saving middle class

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin is doing its utmost to support all groups of the country ’ s population , without distinguishing any privileged class , Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Tuesday .
`` No , there is no such plan and there should not be any .
There are measures to support the entire population .
Distinguishing the middle class would be a very wrong approach , '' Peskov said .
He stressed that `` the focus is on the need to minimize the effects of the coronavirus crisis , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this crisis , on all people in the country without distinguishing the middle class . ''
Peskov urged everyone to study closely the two packages of support measures the government had adopted .
He stressed that under the first package certain measures were taken to support those in the low-income brackets and the needy .
About the remark by the rector of the Higher School of Economics , Yaroslav Kuzminov , to the effect the Russian middle class was sliding into poverty Peskov said that the Russian presidential staff observed many attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read very many forecasts and many verdicts regarding different groups of the population and different industries and different economic entities .
One thing is obvious : the situation is not simple , '' Peskov said .
`` It is beyond doubt that the situation is a complex one and requires fundamental and concerted efforts by the country ’ s leadership , the government , and the regional officials and the economic entities . ''
He acknowledged that Russia was experiencing problems .
`` But at the same time it is clear what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov said .
`` Who will be hit most strongly and who less ?
We will see that as the situation develops .
There have been too many attempts to analyze the situation and it is obvious that the threat of the coronavirus and the effects this threat has posed to the economy are so unprecedented that most such analysis attempts by and large will hardly hit the nail on the head , '' Peskov said .
About the president ’ s opinion voiced earlier that in Russia the term middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earn 1.5 minimum wages Peskov said that Vladimir Putin was speaking about different methodologies of international organizations to determine the middle class .
`` Every country is keen to preserve the middle class .
Naturally .
Not just the Kremlin , but any state is keen to do that , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The Kremlin is doing its utmost to support all groups of the country’s population, without distinguishing any privileged class, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Tuesday.
"No, there is no such plan and there should not be any. There are measures to support the entire population. Distinguishing the middle class would be a very wrong approach," Peskov said. He stressed that "the focus is on the need to minimize the effects of the coronavirus crisis, including the economic ones, the economic dimension of this crisis, on all people in the country without distinguishing the middle class."
Peskov urged everyone to study closely the two packages of support measures the government had adopted. He stressed that under the first package certain measures were taken to support those in the low-income brackets and the needy.
About the remark by the rector of the Higher School of Economics, Yaroslav Kuzminov, to the effect the Russian middle class was sliding into poverty Peskov said that the Russian presidential staff observed many attempts to analyze the situation.
"We read very many forecasts and many verdicts regarding different groups of the population and different industries and different economic entities. One thing is obvious: the situation is not simple," Peskov said. "It is beyond doubt that the situation is a complex one and requires fundamental and concerted efforts by the country’s leadership, the government, and the regional officials and the economic entities." He acknowledged that Russia was experiencing problems. "But at the same time it is clear what is to be done to cope with them," Peskov said.
"Who will be hit most strongly and who less? We will see that as the situation develops. There have been too many attempts to analyze the situation and it is obvious that the threat of the coronavirus and the effects this threat has posed to the economy are so unprecedented that most such analysis attempts by and large will hardly hit the nail on the head," Peskov said.
About the president’s opinion voiced earlier that in Russia the term middle class should be applied to people who earn 1.5 minimum wages Peskov said that Vladimir Putin was speaking about different methodologies of international organizations to determine the middle class. "Every country is keen to preserve the middle class. Naturally. Not just the Kremlin, but any state is keen to do that," he concluded.


tass--2020-04-28--Russian Black Sea Fleet corvette eliminates enemy warships with cruise missiles in drills

SEVASTOPOL , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s latest missile corvette Ingushetia and missile boats eliminated a notional enemy ’ s surface ships with Kalibr and Moskit cruise missiles during drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` In accomplishing their mission , the crews achieved simultaneous calculated target destruction at different distances to the targets and time of launches and also with different types of missiles , '' the statement reads .
`` The crews of the small missile ship Ingushetia and the missile boats Naberezhniye Chelny and Ivanovets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action group .
At the final stage of the drills , the crews of the Fleet ’ s ships successfully fulfilled the assignment of eliminating a notional enemy with Kalibr and Moskit anti-ship missiles , '' the press office said in a statement .
The ships ’ crews conducted electronic missile launches , the Fleet ’ s press office specified .
Before that , the sailors practiced the ships ’ joint deployment and combat maneuvering as a homogeneous naval tactical group and held drills for providing communications and air defense for a naval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement says .
The small missile ship Ingushetia has been built for the Black Sea Fleet and is the eighth upgraded Project 21631 ‘ Buyan-M ’ vessel .
The new warship was floated out in June 2019 and entered service with the Black Sea Fleet on December 28 , 2019 .
The Ingushetia is not the first warship of this class in the combat structure of Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet .
Project 21631 Buyan-M-class small missile ships are outfitted with the latest artillery , missile , anti-saboteur , air defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced Kalibr-NK precision missile system designated to strike naval and coastal targets .

SEVASTOPOL, April 28. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s latest missile corvette Ingushetia and missile boats eliminated a notional enemy’s surface ships with Kalibr and Moskit cruise missiles during drills, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"In accomplishing their mission, the crews achieved simultaneous calculated target destruction at different distances to the targets and time of launches and also with different types of missiles," the statement reads.
"The crews of the small missile ship Ingushetia and the missile boats Naberezhniye Chelny and Ivanovets accomplished the assigned missions within a surface action group. At the final stage of the drills, the crews of the Fleet’s ships successfully fulfilled the assignment of eliminating a notional enemy with Kalibr and Moskit anti-ship missiles," the press office said in a statement.
The ships’ crews conducted electronic missile launches, the Fleet’s press office specified.
Before that, the sailors practiced the ships’ joint deployment and combat maneuvering as a homogeneous naval tactical group and held drills for providing communications and air defense for a naval group during its transit at sea, the statement says.
The small missile ship Ingushetia has been built for the Black Sea Fleet and is the eighth upgraded Project 21631 ‘Buyan-M’ vessel. The new warship was floated out in June 2019 and entered service with the Black Sea Fleet on December 28, 2019.
The Ingushetia is not the first warship of this class in the combat structure of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Project 21631 Buyan-M-class small missile ships are outfitted with the latest artillery, missile, anti-saboteur, air defense and radio-technical armament, including the most advanced Kalibr-NK precision missile system designated to strike naval and coastal targets.


tass--2020-04-28--Kremlin says ‘homework’ for new Normandy Four meeting not done yet

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is interested in further negotiations on Ukraine , but previous decisions adopted during the Normandy Four summit in Paris have not been completed yet , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Tuesday .
`` Of course we are interested , we are very much interested [ in new talks on Ukraine ] ! ''
Peskov said , but added that the Normandy Four leaders `` agreed to do their homework before meeting again in Berlin . ''
`` This homework has not been done yet , so we are , of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , and when we will be able to convene at the highest level again to estimate this homework , '' the spokesman said .
He underscored that `` this is a highly important issue , both for Moscow , Berlin and Paris . ''
The Normandy Four ( Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) will meet at the Foreign Minister level on April 30 in a video conference format .
On Monday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he expects a rather important discussion at the ministerial level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ besides the Ukrainian calling for Berlin Summit as soon as possible .
He also noted that the Normandy Four Summit would be pointless , because of the Ukrainian authorities that block implementation of decisions of the last meeting of the Four .
The last Normandy Four meeting took place in Paris on December 9 , 2019 .
The next meeting was supposed to take place in Berlin in four months after that .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia is interested in further negotiations on Ukraine, but previous decisions adopted during the Normandy Four summit in Paris have not been completed yet, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Tuesday.
"Of course we are interested, we are very much interested [in new talks on Ukraine]!" Peskov said, but added that the Normandy Four leaders "agreed to do their homework before meeting again in Berlin."
"This homework has not been done yet, so we are, of course, interested in when it will be done, and when we will be able to convene at the highest level again to estimate this homework," the spokesman said. He underscored that "this is a highly important issue, both for Moscow, Berlin and Paris."
The Normandy Four (Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France) will meet at the Foreign Minister level on April 30 in a video conference format. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he expects a rather important discussion at the ministerial level, but does not expect any result besides the Ukrainian calling for Berlin Summit as soon as possible. He also noted that the Normandy Four Summit would be pointless, because of the Ukrainian authorities that block implementation of decisions of the last meeting of the Four.
The last Normandy Four meeting took place in Paris on December 9, 2019. The next meeting was supposed to take place in Berlin in four months after that.


tass--2020-04-28--Putin to address Russian people at coronavirus meeting after 3 pm

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to deliver an address to the nation at the meeting with regions centered on coronavirus developments and measures to prevent it , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` Indeed , President Putin has a big address [ to the nation ] , it is true , '' Peskov answered a question whether a new address should be expected due to the coronavirus spread fears .
The Kremlin representative did not announce any details , urging people to wait for the meeting which is scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Peskov underlined that the meeting will be fully accessible to the public as held via a video conference with all governors of all regions .
`` All heads of [ Russian ] regions will be online .
Putin will deliver an opening statement , '' Peskov added .
`` They will , of course , talk about hospital beds for regions and the overall readiness of the medical infrastructure in accordance with the previously set goals , '' the spokesman emphasized .
He then added that the Russian leader will come up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-term prospects .
`` It is a big meeting , a very important one , '' he pointed out .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to deliver an address to the nation at the meeting with regions centered on coronavirus developments and measures to prevent it, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Indeed, President Putin has a big address [to the nation], it is true," Peskov answered a question whether a new address should be expected due to the coronavirus spread fears.
The Kremlin representative did not announce any details, urging people to wait for the meeting which is scheduled to begin between 15:00 and 16:00 Moscow time.
Peskov underlined that the meeting will be fully accessible to the public as held via a video conference with all governors of all regions. "All heads of [Russian] regions will be online. Putin will deliver an opening statement," Peskov added.
"They will, of course, talk about hospital beds for regions and the overall readiness of the medical infrastructure in accordance with the previously set goals," the spokesman emphasized. He then added that the Russian leader will come up with his assessment of the situation and short-term prospects. "It is a big meeting, a very important one," he pointed out.


tass--2020-04-28--Africa’s coronavirus cases top 33,000

Africa’s coronavirus cases top 33,000

PRETORIA , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Africa has reached 33,085 , while 1,465 people died from the virus-related causes across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Tuesday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 4,793 ) and 90 deaths .
Algeria , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 432 ) and 3,517 infections .
Egypt reported 337 fatalities and 4,782 cases , while Morocco identified 4,115 cases and 161 deaths , and Tunisia registered 949 cases and 38 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranked second after South Africa with 1,621 coronavirus infections and 56 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 1,550 and 11 ) , Nigeria ( 1,337 and 40 ) , Ivory Coast ( 1,164 and 14 ) and Djibouti ( 1,035 and 2 ) .
Nigeria became the first African country to announce easing of the lockdown measures in the most vastly populated regions .
The restrictions imposed on March 30 will start to be lifted on May 4 , while the quarantine is substituted by a nationwide curfew effective between 20:00 and 06:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, April 28. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Africa has reached 33,085, while 1,465 people died from the virus-related causes across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Tuesday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (4,793) and 90 deaths. Algeria, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (432) and 3,517 infections. Egypt reported 337 fatalities and 4,782 cases, while Morocco identified 4,115 cases and 161 deaths, and Tunisia registered 949 cases and 38 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,621 coronavirus infections and 56 fatalities, followed by Ghana (1,550 and 11), Nigeria (1,337 and 40), Ivory Coast (1,164 and 14) and Djibouti (1,035 and 2).
Nigeria became the first African country to announce easing of the lockdown measures in the most vastly populated regions. The restrictions imposed on March 30 will start to be lifted on May 4, while the quarantine is substituted by a nationwide curfew effective between 20:00 and 06:00.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-28--Czech Republic records lowest number of coronavirus cases

PRAGUE , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Czech Republic has recorded the lowest number of new coronavirus cases , @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said on Tuesday .
According to the ministry , 41 patients were identified on @ @ @ @ @ cases recorded on Sunday .
The daily rate has been declining for several days .
@ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in the country to date with 223 fatalities and 2,842 recoveries @ @ @ @ @ treated at home .
As many as 360 people remain hospitalized , 73 of them @ @ @ @ @ critical condition .
A state of emergency due to the coronavirus was declared in the @ @ @ @ @ .
The country ’ s parliament is expected to consider the possibility of extending the @ @ @ @ @ 25 on Tuesday .

PRAGUE, April 28. /TASS/. The Czech Republic has recorded the lowest number of new coronavirus cases, the country’s Health Ministry said on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, 41 patients were identified on Monday, following 52 new cases recorded on Sunday. The daily rate has been declining for several days.
A total of 7,445 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the country to date with 223 fatalities and 2,842 recoveries. Most coronavirus patients are treated at home. As many as 360 people remain hospitalized, 73 of them are considered to be in critical condition.
A state of emergency due to the coronavirus was declared in the Czech Republic on March 12. The country’s parliament is expected to consider the possibility of extending the state of emergency until May 25 on Tuesday.
Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-04-28--Kiev confirms Normandy Four top diplomats to hold video conference on April 30

`` The video conference will be held this Thursday , on April 30 , '' he told a briefing , adding that `` all [ Normandy Four ] foreign ministers will be there . ''
Kuleba believes that it is vital for the ministers to talk as the Paris summit decisions are stumbling .
`` We need to give their implementation a new impetus to unlock the way to the next summit in Berlin where new agreements will need to be reached and move towards the end of war and de-occupation of territories , '' he explained , adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top diplomats is to assess the previously reached agreements .
Kuleba clarified that the Ukrainian side only notes one positive result of the previous meeting — detainee swaps .
`` We should try to establish reasons why the other areas are stagnating < … > , draft at least outlines of solutions to the existing problems and give an impetus to the Trilateral Contact Group so that it can directly deal with detailed solutions and their implementations , '' the minister believes .
According to Kuleba , Kiev is interested in holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers as well as `` restarting the integrated mechanism of the Normandy Four with all its elements . ''
On April 23 , Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Yekaterina Zelenko announced that the Normandy Four foreign ministers will hold talks via a video conference .
Earlier , when announcing this meeting , German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas revealed that the sides had agreed to boost the conflict settlement by holding the talks .
During the phone call between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on April 27 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward .
Meanwhile , the four leader level talks are not taking place now .

"The video conference will be held this Thursday, on April 30," he told a briefing, adding that "all [Normandy Four] foreign ministers will be there." Kuleba believes that it is vital for the ministers to talk as the Paris summit decisions are stumbling. "We need to give their implementation a new impetus to unlock the way to the next summit in Berlin where new agreements will need to be reached and move towards the end of war and de-occupation of territories," he explained, adding that the key aim of the conversation between the top diplomats is to assess the previously reached agreements.
Kuleba clarified that the Ukrainian side only notes one positive result of the previous meeting — detainee swaps. "We should try to establish reasons why the other areas are stagnating <…>, draft at least outlines of solutions to the existing problems and give an impetus to the Trilateral Contact Group so that it can directly deal with detailed solutions and their implementations," the minister believes.
According to Kuleba, Kiev is interested in holding regular meetings of the Normandy Four foreign ministers as well as "restarting the integrated mechanism of the Normandy Four with all its elements."
On April 23, Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Yekaterina Zelenko announced that the Normandy Four foreign ministers will hold talks via a video conference. Earlier, when announcing this meeting, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas revealed that the sides had agreed to boost the conflict settlement by holding the talks. During the phone call between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron on April 27, the leaders reassured that Donbass talks must move forward. Meanwhile, the four leader level talks are not taking place now.


tass--2020-04-28--A batch of 100,000 tests for immunity to coronavirus supplied to Moscow clinics

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
A batch of 100,000 express tests for testing medical personnel for immunity to the novel coronavirus has been distributed among city hospitals , Moscow ’ s deputy mayor for social development , Anastasiya Rakova , said on Tuesday .
`` We keep increasing the number of people who are mandatorily tested for the coronavirus .
Also , screening procedures have been arranged for patients being brought to non-infection hospitals .
This is being done to prevent the existing hotbeds of infection from spreading and also to rule out the emergence of new ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tested for immunity .
About 100,000 express test systems have been distributed among Moscow ’ s health service establishments , '' Rakova said .
According to the official , more than 20,000 tests are made at the city-administered , federal and private laboratories a day .
All those with acute respiratory infection symptoms are tested for the novel coronavirus .
Patients diagnosed with pneumonia and all those who live together with a patient with confirmed novel coronavirus infection diagnoses are tested , too .
The staff who have to contact city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport employees , staff of the housing and utilities services and police - undergo screening .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. A batch of 100,000 express tests for testing medical personnel for immunity to the novel coronavirus has been distributed among city hospitals, Moscow’s deputy mayor for social development, Anastasiya Rakova, said on Tuesday.
"We keep increasing the number of people who are mandatorily tested for the coronavirus. Also, screening procedures have been arranged for patients being brought to non-infection hospitals. This is being done to prevent the existing hotbeds of infection from spreading and also to rule out the emergence of new ones. Also, medical personnel have begun to be tested for immunity. About 100,000 express test systems have been distributed among Moscow’s health service establishments," Rakova said.
According to the official, more than 20,000 tests are made at the city-administered, federal and private laboratories a day. All those with acute respiratory infection symptoms are tested for the novel coronavirus. Patients diagnosed with pneumonia and all those who live together with a patient with confirmed novel coronavirus infection diagnoses are tested, too. The staff who have to contact city residents - medical and social workers, transport employees, staff of the housing and utilities services and police - undergo screening.
According to the latest statistics, over 3,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 211,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 923,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-28--Russia surpasses Iran’s number of coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 6,411 over the past 24 hours reaching 93,558 in all regions of the country .
Russia has thus surpassed Iran in the number of cases and ranks eighth in the world in the number of infected people , according to the data provided by the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
`` A total of 93,558 coronavirus cases ( +7.4 % ) have been recorded in Russia ’ s 85 regions .
Over the past day , 1,110 people have been discharged from hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Seventy-two coronavirus patients have died over the past 24 hours , with the death toll climbing to 867 , '' the crisis center said .
It noted that 2,609 new patients ( 40.7 % ) had no symptoms .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moscow has risen by 3,075 , reaching 48,426 .
In the Moscow Region , the number of infected people has risen by 523 to reach 10,231 , the crisis center said .
Dagestan and the Murmansk Region have become Russia ’ s fifth and sixth regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeded 1,000 .
There are 1,147 confirmed cases in Dagestan , while the Murmansk Region has reported 1,056 cases .
In St. Petersburg , the number of infected people has risen by 198 reaching 3,436 , in the Nizhny Novgorod Region - by 89 reaching 1,663 .
A total of 1,110 people have been discharged from hospitals in 46 regions .
Of these , 606 patients have been discharged in Moscow , 56 in Chechnya , 55 in St. Petersburg and 49 in the Rostov Region .
Forty-four coronavirus patients have died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 4 in the Kaluga Region , 3 in the Moscow Region , 3 in the Samara Region , 2 in the Krasnoyarsk Region and 2 in the Lipetsk Region .
Ingushetia , the Penza Region , the Belgorod Region , the Smolensk Region and the Kemerovo Region , as well as Chechnya and Udmurtia , reported one fatality each .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 6,411 over the past 24 hours reaching 93,558 in all regions of the country. Russia has thus surpassed Iran in the number of cases and ranks eighth in the world in the number of infected people, according to the data provided by the anti-coronavirus crisis center.
"A total of 93,558 coronavirus cases (+7.4%) have been recorded in Russia’s 85 regions. Over the past day, 1,110 people have been discharged from hospitals, the total number of recoveries is 8,456. Seventy-two coronavirus patients have died over the past 24 hours, with the death toll climbing to 867," the crisis center said. It noted that 2,609 new patients (40.7%) had no symptoms.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moscow has risen by 3,075, reaching 48,426. In the Moscow Region, the number of infected people has risen by 523 to reach 10,231, the crisis center said. Dagestan and the Murmansk Region have become Russia’s fifth and sixth regions where the number of infected individuals has exceeded 1,000. There are 1,147 confirmed cases in Dagestan, while the Murmansk Region has reported 1,056 cases.
In St. Petersburg, the number of infected people has risen by 198 reaching 3,436, in the Nizhny Novgorod Region - by 89 reaching 1,663.
A total of 1,110 people have been discharged from hospitals in 46 regions. Of these, 606 patients have been discharged in Moscow, 56 in Chechnya, 55 in St. Petersburg and 49 in the Rostov Region.
Forty-four coronavirus patients have died in Moscow, 5 in the Khakassia Region, 4 in the Kaluga Region, 3 in the Moscow Region, 3 in the Samara Region, 2 in the Krasnoyarsk Region and 2 in the Lipetsk Region. Ingushetia, the Penza Region, the Belgorod Region, the Smolensk Region and the Kemerovo Region, as well as Chechnya and Udmurtia, reported one fatality each.


tass--2020-04-28--Ten Overseas Projects Debut at the Global Unicorn Fair - TOJOY

BEIJING , April 28 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 26 the 2nd Global Unicorn Fair ( GUF ) , sponsored by TOJOY and co-sponsored by the New High Technology Investment Special Committee of the Investment Association of China , directed by the Global Alliance of Sharing Economy ( GLASE ) and supported by the China Association of International Trade was held on the TOJOY 's proprietary Cloud Fair online system .
Former Prime Minister of Australia and Chairman of Global Alliance of Sharing Economy ( GLASE ) Kevin Rudd ; Chairman of the Board of Directors of TOJOY Lu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Global Vice President of Apple Ge Jun ; President of Center for China & Globalization ( CCG ) Wang Huiyao ; former Department Head of American and Oceanian Affairs , Ministry of Commerce and Senior Researcher of CCG Jiang Shan ; President of the China Association of International Trade Jin Xu ; Executive Vice President and Secretary General of New High Technology Investment Special Committee of the Investment Association of China Zheng Rong , joined entrepreneur representatives , elite in the investment community and media personnel from around the world at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage from Baidu and The Economic Observer , and attracted more than 500,000 views of its live stream broadcast .
Sharing Business Opportunities to Shape the Future Together The GUF event theme was `` Global Vision - Win the Future '' .
Ten global businesses specializing in new economic fields attended the event .
These include Australian vertical farming system E Agri , United States-based hotel cleaning service Renue , Danish supermarket chain Netto , and many more .
At the event , hundreds of thousands of potential local Chinese partners were introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation and quick growth in China .
At the event , Ge noted , `` Economic globalization is moving in a more open , inclusive , and balanced direction that will result in more win-win situations . ''
Ge believes that moving forward , global entrepreneurs will work more closely together to integrate resources , leverage one another 's strengths , and jointly create new forms of industry to share the victories to be had in cooperative economic development .
Rudd pointed out that globalization has contributed to the development of economy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elimination of poverty in many countries .
However , he felt the current pandemic would affect the process of globalization , potentially changing the global supply chain and economic patterns .
Rudd encouraged the development of cooperative economic policies and the promotion of sustainable development practices to steer a positive direction for the future of economic globalization .
Entrepreneurs attending the event interacted digitally with the presenters and indicated their interest in forming partnerships with the presented companies .
TOJOY expects that the event will energize global enterprise in seizing the vast consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their partners to enjoy the benefits of quick , sustainable growth .
One world together to fight COVID-19 Now during the global COVID-19 crisis , TOJOY aggregated global resources again to advocate for the breaking of restrictive barriers through its promotion of Great Sharing Economics .
Some negative effects of the pandemic come from its hinderance of business .
Once the `` pause '' button is pressed on the flow of economic resources , economic activities will face the crisis of stagnation .
GUF is doing its part to press `` play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic resources .
The economic efficiency discharged from this Fair will not only help China 's economy rebound after the pandemic , but also help the global economy pass through the pandemic crisis to a new dawn of recovery .

BEIJING, April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 26 the 2nd Global Unicorn Fair (GUF), sponsored by TOJOY and co-sponsored by the New High Technology Investment Special Committee of the Investment Association of China, directed by the Global Alliance of Sharing Economy (GLASE) and supported by the China Association of International Trade was held on the TOJOY's proprietary Cloud Fair online system.
Former Prime Minister of Australia and Chairman of Global Alliance of Sharing Economy (GLASE) Kevin Rudd; Chairman of the Board of Directors of TOJOY Lu Junqing; Global CEO of TOJOY and former Global Vice President of Apple Ge Jun; President of Center for China & Globalization (CCG) Wang Huiyao; former Department Head of American and Oceanian Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Senior Researcher of CCG Jiang Shan; President of the China Association of International Trade Jin Xu; Executive Vice President and Secretary General of New High Technology Investment Special Committee of the Investment Association of China Zheng Rong, joined entrepreneur representatives, elite in the investment community and media personnel from around the world at the event. Meanwhile, the event received coverage from Baidu and The Economic Observer, and attracted more than 500,000 views of its live stream broadcast.
Sharing Business Opportunities to Shape the Future Together
The GUF event theme was "Global Vision - Win the Future". Ten global businesses specializing in new economic fields attended the event. These include Australian vertical farming system E Agri, United States-based hotel cleaning service Renue, Danish supermarket chain Netto, and many more. At the event, hundreds of thousands of potential local Chinese partners were introduced to the companies to explore possibilities for cooperation and quick growth in China.
At the event, Ge noted, "Economic globalization is moving in a more open, inclusive, and balanced direction that will result in more win-win situations." Ge believes that moving forward, global entrepreneurs will work more closely together to integrate resources, leverage one another's strengths, and jointly create new forms of industry to share the victories to be had in cooperative economic development.
Rudd pointed out that globalization has contributed to the development of economy, trade, science and technology and the elimination of poverty in many countries. However, he felt the current pandemic would affect the process of globalization, potentially changing the global supply chain and economic patterns. Rudd encouraged the development of cooperative economic policies and the promotion of sustainable development practices to steer a positive direction for the future of economic globalization.
Entrepreneurs attending the event interacted digitally with the presenters and indicated their interest in forming partnerships with the presented companies. TOJOY expects that the event will energize global enterprise in seizing the vast consumer market in China, allowing the companies and their partners to enjoy the benefits of quick, sustainable growth.
One world together to fight COVID-19
Now during the global COVID-19 crisis, TOJOY aggregated global resources again to advocate for the breaking of restrictive barriers through its promotion of Great Sharing Economics.
Some negative effects of the pandemic come from its hinderance of business. Once the "pause" button is pressed on the flow of economic resources, economic activities will face the crisis of stagnation. GUF is doing its part to press "play" again to restart the flow of economic resources. The economic efficiency discharged from this Fair will not only help China's economy rebound after the pandemic, but also help the global economy pass through the pandemic crisis to a new dawn of recovery.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1160784/The_2nd_Global_Unicorn_Fair_held_online_business_system_TOJOY.jpg
CONTACT: Guo Xiaoyu, +86-186-1174-0095, guoxiaoyu@tojoy.com


tass--2020-04-28--Another 200 Muscovites ready to become plasma donors

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
More than 200 Muscovites who have recovered from coronavirus are ready to become plasma donor for infected individuals .
To date , 130 people have become such donors , Moscow Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova said on Tuesday .
`` Doctors have noted that coronavirus patients recover faster after plasma transfusion .
According to the clinical committee ’ s decision , the plasma transfusion [ treatment ] is used primarily for critically ill patients .
About 130 people have become plasma donors , more than 200 potential donors are awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those patients who have recovered are offered to become plasma donors , Rakova noted .
The antibody plasma transfusion is considered to be one of the most effective methods of treating coronavirus in the absence of a vaccine .
It is widely used abroad , including in the United States , Germany and China .
`` We are grateful for the Muscovites who have responded .
The donor hotline has received more than 2,500 calls by now .
We hope that both the number of recoveries and the number of plasma donors will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People aged from 18 to 55 years who have recovered from coronavirus and who have no chronic diseases can become blood plasma donors .
In order to do so , they must test negative for HIV , and for hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. More than 200 Muscovites who have recovered from coronavirus are ready to become plasma donor for infected individuals. To date, 130 people have become such donors, Moscow Deputy Mayor for Social Development Issues Anastasia Rakova said on Tuesday.
"Doctors have noted that coronavirus patients recover faster after plasma transfusion. According to the clinical committee’s decision, the plasma transfusion [treatment] is used primarily for critically ill patients. About 130 people have become plasma donors, more than 200 potential donors are awaiting verification results," she said.
Those patients who have recovered are offered to become plasma donors, Rakova noted. The antibody plasma transfusion is considered to be one of the most effective methods of treating coronavirus in the absence of a vaccine. It is widely used abroad, including in the United States, Germany and China.
"We are grateful for the Muscovites who have responded. The donor hotline has received more than 2,500 calls by now. We hope that both the number of recoveries and the number of plasma donors will be growing," she added.
People aged from 18 to 55 years who have recovered from coronavirus and who have no chronic diseases can become blood plasma donors. In order to do so, they must test negative for HIV, and for hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-04-28--Kazakhstan’s coronavirus case tally reaches 2,950

NUR-SULTAN , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan ’ s doctors have recorded another 90 coronavirus cases over the past few hours , the total number of infected people has reached 2,950 , the press service of the country ’ s Ministry of Healthcare reported on Thursday .
`` Another 90 coronavirus cases have been recorded , including 52 in Nur-Sultan , 17 in Almaty , 1 in Shymkent , 1 in the West Kazakhstan region , 1 in the Karaganda region and 1 in the Mangystau region , '' the press service said .
The number of recoveries currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
On March 15 , Kazakhstan ’ s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree declaring a state of emergency in the country until April 15 over coronavirus .
Additionally , it was decided to impose a lockdown in Nur-Sultan and Almaty from March 19 .
Later on , the head of state ordered to toughen lockdown measures in all regions of the country .
On April 27 , he announced that the state of emergency had been extended until May 11 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

NUR-SULTAN, April 28. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s doctors have recorded another 90 coronavirus cases over the past few hours, the total number of infected people has reached 2,950, the press service of the country’s Ministry of Healthcare reported on Thursday.
"Another 90 coronavirus cases have been recorded, including 52 in Nur-Sultan, 17 in Almaty, 1 in Shymkent, 1 in the West Kazakhstan region, 1 in the Karaganda region and 1 in the Mangystau region," the press service said.
The number of recoveries currently stands at 725, 25 people have died.
On March 15, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree declaring a state of emergency in the country until April 15 over coronavirus. Additionally, it was decided to impose a lockdown in Nur-Sultan and Almaty from March 19. Later on, the head of state ordered to toughen lockdown measures in all regions of the country. On April 27, he announced that the state of emergency had been extended until May 11.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-04-28--Russian schoolchildren to be among passengers of special flight from US — embassy

NEW YORK , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian schoolchildren are expected to be among passengers of a special Aeroflot flight from New York to Moscow scheduled for Tuesday , Russia ’ s Ambassador to US Anatoly Antonov said in a statement .
`` We placed emphasis on the humanitarian side when the list of passengers was compiled .
It includes elderly people undergoing post-surgical rehabilitation , and , naturally , our schoolchildren who found themselves here under some sort of educational programs , '' Antonov said in a statement , posted on the embassy ’ s Facebook page .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 states Russian children , who found themselves in a difficult situation in the United States .
The majority of those schoolchildren will have to make several layovers [ on the way to New York ] .
I would like to stress that for several schoolchildren , the journey to New York was financed with money raised by our diplomats , '' the Russian diplomat continued .
Russian diplomats `` maintain contact with parents of underage Russians , '' the statement says .
`` We are doing our best to deliver the teenagers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonov added .
According to the ambassador , the problem of Russian children stranded in the United States `` will not be solved completely '' by Tuesday ’ s flight .
`` We still have a lot of work to do to determine the exact number of schoolchildren who became stranded here , their names and contact information , '' Antonov added .
`` We are ready to continue helping those who need to return to Russia . ''
According to the JFK airport 's website , the departure of the Russian plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday ( 02:20 Moscow time on Wednesday ) .
The ambassador said that the Russian Youth of America organization makes a `` significant contribution '' in helping Russian schoolchildren to arrive to the airport in time .
`` Some of those who arrived beforehand were accommodated in families , '' Antonov said .
`` They [ the organization ] also help those whom US families refused to transport from remote areas to local airports . ''
According to the organization ’ s president Igor Kochan , at least 19 Russian schoolchildren are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They arrived to New York from Florida , Illinois , Georgia , Rhode Island and other states .
The Russian Foreign Ministry will not turn a blind eye to US reluctance in helping Russia find its school students who are stuck in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic , Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on April 23 .
According to her , the US has brushed aside requests from the Russian Embassy .
`` That is why , Russian diplomats in Washington and in the US have to deal with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will of course draw conclusions from this behavior by US officials , '' Zakharova stressed .
According to her , about 80 Russian students have been staying in the US since last autumn .
`` So far , the embassy has managed to identify 42 people .
Eight of them have already returned to Russia , while 34 remain in different parts of the US .
Many of them want to return back home as soon as possible , '' she said .

NEW YORK, April 28. /TASS/. Russian schoolchildren are expected to be among passengers of a special Aeroflot flight from New York to Moscow scheduled for Tuesday, Russia’s Ambassador to US Anatoly Antonov said in a statement.
"We placed emphasis on the humanitarian side when the list of passengers was compiled. It includes elderly people undergoing post-surgical rehabilitation, and, naturally, our schoolchildren who found themselves here under some sort of educational programs," Antonov said in a statement, posted on the embassy’s Facebook page.
"We are trying to bring from 15 states Russian children, who found themselves in a difficult situation in the United States. The majority of those schoolchildren will have to make several layovers [on the way to New York]. I would like to stress that for several schoolchildren, the journey to New York was financed with money raised by our diplomats," the Russian diplomat continued.
Russian diplomats "maintain contact with parents of underage Russians," the statement says.
"We are doing our best to deliver the teenagers to the flight in time," Antonov added.
According to the ambassador, the problem of Russian children stranded in the United States "will not be solved completely" by Tuesday’s flight.
"We still have a lot of work to do to determine the exact number of schoolchildren who became stranded here, their names and contact information," Antonov added. "We are ready to continue helping those who need to return to Russia."
According to the JFK airport's website, the departure of the Russian plane is scheduled for 19:20 local time on Tuesday (02:20 Moscow time on Wednesday).
Significant assistance
The ambassador said that the Russian Youth of America organization makes a "significant contribution" in helping Russian schoolchildren to arrive to the airport in time.
"Some of those who arrived beforehand were accommodated in families," Antonov said. "They [the organization] also help those whom US families refused to transport from remote areas to local airports."
According to the organization’s president Igor Kochan, at least 19 Russian schoolchildren are expected to board the Aeroflot plane on Tuesday. They arrived to New York from Florida, Illinois, Georgia, Rhode Island and other states.
Russian Foreign Ministry’s stance
The Russian Foreign Ministry will not turn a blind eye to US reluctance in helping Russia find its school students who are stuck in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on April 23.
According to her, the US has brushed aside requests from the Russian Embassy. "That is why, Russian diplomats in Washington and in the US have to deal with that issue independently," she pointed out. "We will of course draw conclusions from this behavior by US officials," Zakharova stressed.
According to her, about 80 Russian students have been staying in the US since last autumn.
"So far, the embassy has managed to identify 42 people. Eight of them have already returned to Russia, while 34 remain in different parts of the US. Many of them want to return back home as soon as possible," she said.