tass--2020-04-15--IT crimes in Russia soar by almost 84% in 2020

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The total number of IT-related crimes committed with the use of technology in @ @ @ @ @ has increased by almost 84 % compared with the same period in 2019 , the @ @ @ @ @ s Interior Ministry told TASS .
`` Cyber crime continues to significantly influence the crime @ @ @ @ @ IT-related crimes increased by 83.9 % , while these crimes now take up 19.9 % @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement reads .
The ministry underlined that the crime rate rose by 4 @ @ @ @ @ this phenomenon .
`` Similar trends were discovered when additionally analyzing the March 2020 statistics @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the number of murders , attempted murders , deliberately inflicted severe injuries , @ @ @ @ @ , the total number of frauds rose by 48.5 % , with the frauds committed @ @ @ @ @ means of payment by more than two times , '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. The total number of IT-related crimes committed with the use of technology in the three months of 2020 has increased by almost 84% compared with the same period in 2019, the press service for Russia’s Interior Ministry told TASS.
"Cyber crime continues to significantly influence the crime rate. The number of IT-related crimes increased by 83.9%, while these crimes now take up 19.9% of all crimes committed," the statement reads.
The ministry underlined that the crime rate rose by 4% in Russia due to this phenomenon. "Similar trends were discovered when additionally analyzing the March 2020 statistics. In comparison with March 2019, the number of murders, attempted murders, deliberately inflicted severe injuries, muggings and robberies. However, the total number of frauds rose by 48.5%, with the frauds committed with the use of electronic means of payment by more than two times," the ministry said.


tass--2020-04-15--The Canton Fair Goes Online for the First Time in 63 Years

GUANGZHOU , China , April 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The China Import and Export Fair ( Canton Fair ) will launch its 127th edition online in mid-June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` After more than six decades of unremitting efforts , the Canton Fair has become China 's largest comprehensive international trade fair with the longest history , most commodities and customers and the best trading results , '' said Ren Hongbin , Assistant Minister of Commerce .
`` The 127th Canton Fair is proposed to take place online in lieu of a physical exhibition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic and a major initiative for innovative development . ''
As an integral part of the world 's economy , China strives to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chain while a majority of factories and companies have now resumed normal business operations .
Canton Fair is committed to boost unfettered trade with its global partners .
The first virtual Canton Fair will create an online international trade platform of quality and specialty products that covers 16 major export categories , such as home appliances , consumer goods , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Powered by advanced information technology , the Canton Fair will provide around-the-clock online services for product promotion , matchmaking and business negotiations , enabling both Chinese and international businesses to place orders remotely .
In addition , the Canton Fair will set up a cross-border e-commerce zone to explore new possibilities for efficient international trade and promote a batch of cross-border e-commerce brand enterprises .
The fair will also provide live stream services for exhibitors to promote their products to buyers via custom live channels .
The live stream will run 24/7 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marketing promotion to audiences .
`` We will actively mobilize all forces , improve technical levels , expand the scope of favored enterprises , improve supporting services , and enhance the online experience of all enterprises .
We vow to hold an especially wonderful 'online Canton Fair ' with special significance through special measures in this unprecedented time .
We welcome you to pay attention to the fair at that time , '' said Li Xingqian , Director of the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce .
For more information @ @ @ @ @ @ @

GUANGZHOU, China, April 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will launch its 127th edition online in mid-June in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"After more than six decades of unremitting efforts, the Canton Fair has become China's largest comprehensive international trade fair with the longest history, most commodities and customers and the best trading results," said Ren Hongbin, Assistant Minister of Commerce. "The 127th Canton Fair is proposed to take place online in lieu of a physical exhibition. This is both a pragmatic response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a major initiative for innovative development."
As an integral part of the world's economy, China strives to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chain while a majority of factories and companies have now resumed normal business operations. Canton Fair is committed to boost unfettered trade with its global partners. The first virtual Canton Fair will create an online international trade platform of quality and specialty products that covers 16 major export categories, such as home appliances, consumer goods, textiles, medical and health care.
Powered by advanced information technology, the Canton Fair will provide around-the-clock online services for product promotion, matchmaking and business negotiations, enabling both Chinese and international businesses to place orders remotely.
In addition, the Canton Fair will set up a cross-border e-commerce zone to explore new possibilities for efficient international trade and promote a batch of cross-border e-commerce brand enterprises. The fair will also provide live stream services for exhibitors to promote their products to buyers via custom live channels. The live stream will run 24/7 and will allow either face-to-face negotiation or mass marketing promotion to audiences.
"We will actively mobilize all forces, improve technical levels, expand the scope of favored enterprises, improve supporting services, and enhance the online experience of all enterprises. We vow to hold an especially wonderful 'online Canton Fair' with special significance through special measures in this unprecedented time. We welcome you to pay attention to the fair at that time," said Li Xingqian, Director of the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/
CONTACT: Ms. Chloe Cai, +86-20-8913-8622, caiyiyi@cantonfair.org.cn


tass--2020-04-15--Two individuals suspected of spying for Ukraine held in Crimea

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said on Wednesday it had detained two individuals in Crimea suspected of spying for Ukraine ’ s military intelligence service .
`` The Russian Federal Security Service in the Republic of Crimea has thwarted the activity of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry aimed at plotting and carrying out acts of sabotage and terrorism , stealing state secrets and recruiting Russian nationals , '' the FSB Public Relations Center reported .
The Russian counterintelligence service has foiled the activity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine ’ s military intelligence service in Kherson .
The group consisted of a Russian servicewoman , who is suspected of sharing state secrets with Ukraine ’ s military intelligence agents in 2017-2018 , and a Ukrainian national , who allegedly spied on the orders of Ukraine ’ s special service .
The FSB has released a video showing that the Russian servicewoman and the Ukrainian national were captured at home .
During the search operation , the officers found banking cards and a contract for military service with Ukraine ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high treason and espionage have been opened against these individuals .
The Ukrainian national has been taken into custody .
The woman has been placed under house arrest due to humanitarian reasons , given that she has minor children .
According to the FSB , the exposed spy missions had been plotted by Col. Oleg Akhmedov , who headed a unit of Ukraine ’ s military intelligence in Kherson , southern Ukraine .
The suspects ’ alleged espionage activity was revealed as part of investigating a criminal case opened this January .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Russian national , who had built caches in Crimea with rounds of ammunition and explosives , which he had brought from Ukraine ’ s soil , on Akhmedov ’ s order .
The FSB says `` the Ukrainian military intelligence conspired to carry out several acts of sabotage and terrorism at the facilities of critical social and military infrastructure on our country ’ s soil . ''
An investigation and a search effort is ongoing .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Wednesday it had detained two individuals in Crimea suspected of spying for Ukraine’s military intelligence service.
"The Russian Federal Security Service in the Republic of Crimea has thwarted the activity of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry aimed at plotting and carrying out acts of sabotage and terrorism, stealing state secrets and recruiting Russian nationals," the FSB Public Relations Center reported.
The Russian counterintelligence service has foiled the activity of agents recruited and led by Col. Akhmedov of Ukraine’s military intelligence service in Kherson. The group consisted of a Russian servicewoman, who is suspected of sharing state secrets with Ukraine’s military intelligence agents in 2017-2018, and a Ukrainian national, who allegedly spied on the orders of Ukraine’s special service.
The FSB has released a video showing that the Russian servicewoman and the Ukrainian national were captured at home. During the search operation, the officers found banking cards and a contract for military service with Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Two criminal cases into high treason and espionage have been opened against these individuals. The Ukrainian national has been taken into custody. The woman has been placed under house arrest due to humanitarian reasons, given that she has minor children.
According to the FSB, the exposed spy missions had been plotted by Col. Oleg Akhmedov, who headed a unit of Ukraine’s military intelligence in Kherson, southern Ukraine. The suspects’ alleged espionage activity was revealed as part of investigating a criminal case opened this January. One of the suspects in this investigation is a Russian national, who had built caches in Crimea with rounds of ammunition and explosives, which he had brought from Ukraine’s soil, on Akhmedov’s order.
The FSB says "the Ukrainian military intelligence conspired to carry out several acts of sabotage and terrorism at the facilities of critical social and military infrastructure on our country’s soil." An investigation and a search effort is ongoing.


tass--2020-04-15--Chief designer of Soyuz spacecraft producer diagnosed with coronavirus

`` Mikrin has passed two tests for the coronavirus and both are positive .
He has been included in the list of 30 persons officially declared as infected in Roscosmos [ Russia ’ s state space corporation ] , '' the source said .
MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy CEO , Chief Designer of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation Yevgeny Mikrin has contracted the coronavirus infection , a source in the domestic space industry told TASS on Wednesday .
The Energia chief designer is currently in self-isolation at home because he has no clinical symptoms of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other coronavirus cases have been found among the heads of Roscosmos enterprises and its headquarters as of today , the source informed .
The Energia Space Rocket Corporation declined to comment on the information provided by the source on the coronavirus infection contracted by Mikrin .
`` We are not commenting on the information related to personal data and medical confidentiality . ''
The Energia Space Rocket Corporation announced in March that it had approved a special regime of work amid the coronavirus epidemic .
Thus , the larger part of the Energia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The corporation is involving employees to fulfil particular work under individual schedules .
The workforce is provided with individual protective gear .
For employees visiting the enterprise ’ s offices and workshops upon reasonable necessity , mandatory control of their body temperature has been introduced .
All the work premises are disinfected several times a day .
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the number of coronavirus cases in the Russian space industry had grown to 30 .
He said that four persons had recovered from the disease .
Nine days ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the novel coronavirus .
All of them were receiving medical treatment .

"Mikrin has passed two tests for the coronavirus and both are positive. He has been included in the list of 30 persons officially declared as infected in Roscosmos [Russia’s state space corporation]," the source said.
MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Deputy CEO, Chief Designer of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation Yevgeny Mikrin has contracted the coronavirus infection, a source in the domestic space industry told TASS on Wednesday.
The Energia chief designer is currently in self-isolation at home because he has no clinical symptoms of the disease, the source added.
No other coronavirus cases have been found among the heads of Roscosmos enterprises and its headquarters as of today, the source informed.
The Energia Space Rocket Corporation declined to comment on the information provided by the source on the coronavirus infection contracted by Mikrin. "We are not commenting on the information related to personal data and medical confidentiality."
The Energia Space Rocket Corporation announced in March that it had approved a special regime of work amid the coronavirus epidemic. Thus, the larger part of the Energia staff are in self-isolation at home. The corporation is involving employees to fulfil particular work under individual schedules. The workforce is provided with individual protective gear.
For employees visiting the enterprise’s offices and workshops upon reasonable necessity, mandatory control of their body temperature has been introduced. All the work premises are disinfected several times a day.
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the number of coronavirus cases in the Russian space industry had grown to 30. He said that four persons had recovered from the disease. Nine days ago, only nine Roscosmos employees were diagnosed with the novel coronavirus. All of them were receiving medical treatment.


tass--2020-04-15--Entering Moscow by car might take up to four hours, traffic authority reports

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Hours-long traffic jams have surfaced upon entering Moscow due to the newly-introduced pass system to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Sometimes , entry to Moscow may take anywhere from three to four hours , the Russian Transport Ministry ’ s Agency of Automobile Transport ( Rosavtotrans ) said Wednesday .
`` Due to the pass system , introduced in Moscow on April 15 , 2020 , multiple-hour traffic jams are appearing at city entrances , '' the agency said in a statement .
`` During the system ’ s first day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars selectively , but , despite that , traffic is already piling up and , on some roads , the drivers have to spend some three to four hours to enter the capital . ''
Traffic police officers check drivers and their passengers to see their digital passes , issued in accordance with the Mayor ’ s decree over the coronavirus spread .
The officers then verify the digital code of the pass with the passports of everyone inside the vehicle , the agency says .
Those not having a pass face a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 160 entrance points to the city .
Over the past 24 hours , 1,774 new coronavirus cases have been registered in the Russian capital , amounting to a 13.6 % daily increase .
Moscow ’ s total case count now stands at 14,776 .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Hours-long traffic jams have surfaced upon entering Moscow due to the newly-introduced pass system to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Sometimes, entry to Moscow may take anywhere from three to four hours, the Russian Transport Ministry’s Agency of Automobile Transport (Rosavtotrans) said Wednesday.
"Due to the pass system, introduced in Moscow on April 15, 2020, multiple-hour traffic jams are appearing at city entrances," the agency said in a statement. "During the system’s first day, the traffic police have been stopping cars selectively, but, despite that, traffic is already piling up and, on some roads, the drivers have to spend some three to four hours to enter the capital."
Traffic police officers check drivers and their passengers to see their digital passes, issued in accordance with the Mayor’s decree over the coronavirus spread. The officers then verify the digital code of the pass with the passports of everyone inside the vehicle, the agency says.
Those not having a pass face a 5,000-ruble fine. The traffic police control 160 entrance points to the city.
Over the past 24 hours, 1,774 new coronavirus cases have been registered in the Russian capital, amounting to a 13.6% daily increase. Moscow’s total case count now stands at 14,776.


tass--2020-04-15--Skolkovo resident to offer optimization solution for pandemic conditions

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Visitech , a resident of the IT cluster of the Skolkovo Foundation , @ @ @ @ @ producing companies that will make possible to optimize their processes and not to halt work @ @ @ @ @ , chief executive of the Far Eastern Fund of High Technologies Ruslan Sarkisov told TASS @ @ @ @ @ we have the Sakhalin-based Visitech company , the flagship resident of Skolkovo .
It makes @ @ @ @ @ improve occupational safety at enterprises and production efficiency .
They will offer a solution to @ @ @ @ @ , so that they have lesser need to shut their facilities down due to the @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Visitech, a resident of the IT cluster of the Skolkovo Foundation, will offer a solution to producing companies that will make possible to optimize their processes and not to halt work in the coronavirus spread environment, chief executive of the Far Eastern Fund of High Technologies Ruslan Sarkisov told TASS.
"In particular, we have the Sakhalin-based Visitech company, the flagship resident of Skolkovo. It makes software and hardware packages to improve occupational safety at enterprises and production efficiency. They will offer a solution to industrial companies in coming weeks, so that they have lesser need to shut their facilities down due to the coronavirus," Sarkisov said.


tass--2020-04-15--Number of coronavirus-related deaths in the Netherlands exceeds 3,000

THE HAGUE , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in the Netherlands has exceeded 3,000 , the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment said on Wednesday .
As follows from its statistics , as many as 28,153 people have been tested coronavirus-positive , with the daily growth being 734 .
As many as 3,134 patients have died , including 189 in the past 24 hours .
Both the morbidity and mortality rates have been stable in the past three weeks .
`` The figures for the last few days are still in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if no measures had been taken , '' the institute said .
`` Since not all COVID-19 patients are tested , the actual numbers in the Netherlands are higher than the numbers stated in the report . ''
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in the Netherlands on February 27 and the first coronavirus-associated death was reported on March 6 .
The country ’ s government has taken a number of measures to curb the infection spread .
Thus , people are strongly advised not to go outside and shift to work from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural and recreational establishments , as well as cafes , bars , restaurants , barber ’ s shops , sauna baths , and beauty parlors are closed until April 28 .
All public events are banned until June 1 .
While outside , people are prohibited to flock in groups of more than three , except families , and are required to keep a social distance of 1.5 meters .
Those who don ’ t comply with these recommendations may face a fine of 400 euro for individuals and 4,000 euro for companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .

THE HAGUE, April 15. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in the Netherlands has exceeded 3,000, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment said on Wednesday.
As follows from its statistics, as many as 28,153 people have been tested coronavirus-positive, with the daily growth being 734. As many as 3,134 patients have died, including 189 in the past 24 hours.
Both the morbidity and mortality rates have been stable in the past three weeks.
"The figures for the last few days are still in line with the impression that COVID-19 spreading slower than if no measures had been taken," the institute said. "Since not all COVID-19 patients are tested, the actual numbers in the Netherlands are higher than the numbers stated in the report."
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in the Netherlands on February 27 and the first coronavirus-associated death was reported on March 6.
The country’s government has taken a number of measures to curb the infection spread. Thus, people are strongly advised not to go outside and shift to work from home if possible. All educational, cultural and recreational establishments, as well as cafes, bars, restaurants, barber’s shops, sauna baths, and beauty parlors are closed until April 28. All public events are banned until June 1. While outside, people are prohibited to flock in groups of more than three, except families, and are required to keep a social distance of 1.5 meters. Those who don’t comply with these recommendations may face a fine of 400 euro for individuals and 4,000 euro for companies.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-15--International Committee of Red Cross says fights pandemic around the world

In particular , the ICRC is working on a rapid response plan envisaging such measures as isolation , improvement of hygiene and supply of protection items and gear to penitentiaries .
MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) is involved in the struggle against the spread of the pandemic around the world , including preventive measures at penitentiaries and instruction of medical personnel , the spokeswoman for the ICRC office in Russia , Galina Balzamova , told TASS .
Under this plan the ICRC recently provided soap and disinfectants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Similar assistance was provided to 13 prisons in Iraq , which keep about 22,000 convicts .
`` In the near future our aid , including handwash and chlorine spray will be delivered to another 11 penitentiaries where 20,000 people serve prison terms , '' Balzamova said .
`` In order to curb COVID-2019 in Colombia , the ICRC will provide support for repairing sanitation equipment at 20 detention centers and for hygiene items ' supply there . ''
The ICRC also helps hospitals in a number of countries to enforce quarantine measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Congo we teach medical personnel to isolate patients suspected of having contracted the virus and carry out measures to prevent and control the infection , '' Balzamova said .
`` In Lebanon , the ICRC runs an emergency care unit at the hospital of the Rafik Hariri University , where COVID-19 patients undergo treatment .
In Somalia , we have provided tents for a hospital in Mogadishu for isolating patients and introduce a system of monitoring COVIC-19 patients at clinics the Somali Red Crescent Society supports .
In Gaza , the ICRC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blankets among quarantined patients .
In Mexico , we hand out water and hygiene kits .
In Sudan , we repair dozens of street water taps and distribute soap among tens of thousands displaced persons and also purchase gloves , medical garments and disinfectants for government-run health service agencies , '' Balzamova added .

In particular, the ICRC is working on a rapid response plan envisaging such measures as isolation, improvement of hygiene and supply of protection items and gear to penitentiaries.
MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is involved in the struggle against the spread of the pandemic around the world, including preventive measures at penitentiaries and instruction of medical personnel, the spokeswoman for the ICRC office in Russia, Galina Balzamova, told TASS.
Under this plan the ICRC recently provided soap and disinfectants to medical units at 12 penitentiaries in Armenia. Similar assistance was provided to 13 prisons in Iraq, which keep about 22,000 convicts. "In the near future our aid, including handwash and chlorine spray will be delivered to another 11 penitentiaries where 20,000 people serve prison terms," Balzamova said. "In order to curb COVID-2019 in Colombia, the ICRC will provide support for repairing sanitation equipment at 20 detention centers and for hygiene items' supply there."
The ICRC also helps hospitals in a number of countries to enforce quarantine measures.
"In the Democratic Republic of the Congo we teach medical personnel to isolate patients suspected of having contracted the virus and carry out measures to prevent and control the infection," Balzamova said. "In Lebanon, the ICRC runs an emergency care unit at the hospital of the Rafik Hariri University, where COVID-19 patients undergo treatment. In Somalia, we have provided tents for a hospital in Mogadishu for isolating patients and introduce a system of monitoring COVIC-19 patients at clinics the Somali Red Crescent Society supports.
In Gaza, the ICRC personnel have distributed 500 matrasses and 1,000 blankets among quarantined patients. In Mexico, we hand out water and hygiene kits. In Sudan, we repair dozens of street water taps and distribute soap among tens of thousands displaced persons and also purchase gloves, medical garments and disinfectants for government-run health service agencies," Balzamova added.
COVID-2019 pandemic


tass--2020-04-15--Krasnoyarsk Region invests about $13 million in air fleet renewal

KRASNOYARSK , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Krasnoyarsk Region will invest about one billion rubles ( $ 13 million @ @ @ @ @ air fleet renewal .
The company is owned by the region , the Krasnoyarsk Region @ @ @ @ @ Konstantin Dimitrov told TASS on Wednesday .
Air routes are the only communication for passengers @ @ @ @ @ ’ s many districts , including in the Extreme North .
Presently , KrasAvia ’ @ @ @ @ @ are Antonov An-24/26 of 1970 .
`` For 2020 , the regional budget has reserved @ @ @ @ @ expenses at 995 million rubles , '' the minister said , adding the region would @ @ @ @ @ The KrasAvia Company was established in 2007 to replace the state-run Evenkia-Avia Company .
The @ @ @ @ @ aircraft .
The company serves routes inside the region and to neighboring regions in Siberia @ @ @ @ @

KRASNOYARSK, April 15. /TASS/. The Krasnoyarsk Region will invest about one billion rubles ($13 million) in KrasAvia’s air fleet renewal. The company is owned by the region, the Krasnoyarsk Region’s Minister of Transport Konstantin Dimitrov told TASS on Wednesday.
Air routes are the only communication for passengers and cargoes for the region’s many districts, including in the Extreme North. Presently, KrasAvia’s three in four aircraft are Antonov An-24/26 of 1970.
"For 2020, the regional budget has reserved subsidies for air fleet renewal expenses at 995 million rubles," the minister said, adding the region would buy three ATR-72-500 planes.
The KrasAvia Company was established in 2007 to replace the state-run Evenkia-Avia Company. The fleet is more than 50 aircraft. The company serves routes inside the region and to neighboring regions in Siberia and the Far North.


tass--2020-04-15--Coronavirus case count in Russia to keep growing this week — WHO representative

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is currently in the coronavirus case count growth phase , and the infection case count in the country will only keep growing this week , says Melita Vujnovic , the World Health Organization representative in Russia .
`` The epidemiologic line shows that this is still a growth phase , '' Vujnovic said .
`` Sadly , this week , [ the new case count in Russia ] will continue to grow . ''
According to Vujnovic , it is very important to promptly reveal new cases and cut the spread chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently .
The spokeswoman underscored that protection of those who contact the infected is of principal importance .
`` The most important thing is to prevent the so-called internal hotbeds - in families and among employees .
Attention must be paid to this , '' she pointed out .
According to the WHO representative , medical facilities might become potentially dangerous infection hotbeds .
`` It is very important that the medical facilities are perfectly safe , so that further infection of both the employees and the patients does not happen , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to provide the medical staff with protective gear - but also the patients .
It is required for all employees - from the medics and the nurses , to the drivers . ''
Vujnovic also expressed hope that joint efforts will help stop the spread of the disease .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Russia is currently in the coronavirus case count growth phase, and the infection case count in the country will only keep growing this week, says Melita Vujnovic, the World Health Organization representative in Russia.
"The epidemiologic line shows that this is still a growth phase," Vujnovic said. "Sadly, this week, [the new case count in Russia] will continue to grow."
According to Vujnovic, it is very important to promptly reveal new cases and cut the spread chains in the regions where the infection appeared recently. The spokeswoman underscored that protection of those who contact the infected is of principal importance.
"The most important thing is to prevent the so-called internal hotbeds - in families and among employees. Attention must be paid to this," she pointed out.
According to the WHO representative, medical facilities might become potentially dangerous infection hotbeds.
"It is very important that the medical facilities are perfectly safe, so that further infection of both the employees and the patients does not happen," Vujnovic explained. "It is very important to provide the medical staff with protective gear - but also the patients. It is required for all employees - from the medics and the nurses, to the drivers."
Vujnovic also expressed hope that joint efforts will help stop the spread of the disease.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-15--Russia urges Council of Europe to focus on report over NGOs’ influence on ECHR

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Council of Europe member states should pay attention to the report by the European Center for Law and Justice non-governmental organization regarding the influence of the western non-governmental human rights organizations ( NGOs ) on the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) , Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Wednesday .
According to the ministry , the flaws pointed out in the report initially appear to relate to purely technical moments , including lack of strict requirements for recusal of judges , connected to the NGOs that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as lack of judging experience among some of the ECHR judges .
`` However , these aspects directly affect quality , impartiality and justice of the court ’ s rulings , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
`` This report sparked our interest not least because Russia repeatedly called on the Council of Europe colleagues to pay attention to this practice of hidden and open influence of major western NGOs on the ECHR , outlined in this document . ''
`` We believe that our colleagues from the Council of Europe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this report , which might provide valuable food for thought in the context of the ongoing ECHR reform , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
`` Russia has always advocated for a strong , but non-politicized European Court . ''
The ministry expressed its hope that the proper consideration of the existing flaws in the ECHR activity during the reform `` would allow to correct and eventually minimize political externalities in its practice . ''

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. The Council of Europe member states should pay attention to the report by the European Center for Law and Justice non-governmental organization regarding the influence of the western non-governmental human rights organizations (NGOs) on the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Wednesday.
According to the ministry, the flaws pointed out in the report initially appear to relate to purely technical moments, including lack of strict requirements for recusal of judges, connected to the NGOs that have interest in a case outcome, as well as lack of judging experience among some of the ECHR judges.
"However, these aspects directly affect quality, impartiality and justice of the court’s rulings," the Foreign Ministry said. "This report sparked our interest not least because Russia repeatedly called on the Council of Europe colleagues to pay attention to this practice of hidden and open influence of major western NGOs on the ECHR, outlined in this document."
"We believe that our colleagues from the Council of Europe and its member states should pay attention to this report, which might provide valuable food for thought in the context of the ongoing ECHR reform," the Foreign Ministry said. "Russia has always advocated for a strong, but non-politicized European Court."
The ministry expressed its hope that the proper consideration of the existing flaws in the ECHR activity during the reform "would allow to correct and eventually minimize political externalities in its practice."


tass--2020-04-15--China detects over 6,700 asymptomatic cases of COVID-19

BEIJING , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese doctors have detected over 6,700 asymptomatic cases of the novel coronavirus as of April 14 , China ’ s National Health Commission Spokesperson Mi Feng said during a briefing on Wednesday .
`` As for the asymptomatic cases , as of April 14 , we have documented 6,764 such cases , including 588 imported ones , '' he said .
`` 1,297 of them later became confirmed cases of the disease , including 251 imported ones .
4,444 asymptomatic patients have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals , including 109 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
He noted that currently , 1,023 asymptomatic COVID-19 patients remain under medical supervision , including 228 people who have recently arrived from abroad .
Earlier , Chinese officials informed that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients may still be contagious .
Such people need to be isolated and put under medical supervision .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BEIJING, April 15. /TASS/. Chinese doctors have detected over 6,700 asymptomatic cases of the novel coronavirus as of April 14, China’s National Health Commission Spokesperson Mi Feng said during a briefing on Wednesday.
"As for the asymptomatic cases, as of April 14, we have documented 6,764 such cases, including 588 imported ones," he said. "1,297 of them later became confirmed cases of the disease, including 251 imported ones. 4,444 asymptomatic patients have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals, including 109 people arriving from abroad," the spokesman added.
He noted that currently, 1,023 asymptomatic COVID-19 patients remain under medical supervision, including 228 people who have recently arrived from abroad. Earlier, Chinese officials informed that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients may still be contagious. Such people need to be isolated and put under medical supervision.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-15--Pneumococcal vaccine may protect against coronavirus, says expert

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
A pneumococcal vaccine may protect people against the novel coronavirus as it increases @ @ @ @ @ , member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and President of the Russian Respiratory Society @ @ @ @ @ `` I am not aware that the flu vaccine can protect against the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ vaccine can be capable of this .
< … > It does not only improve @ @ @ @ @ improves natural immunity , '' he told reporters .
Chuchalin added that the coronavirus should @ @ @ @ @ mid-June .
He noted that the infection is actively spreading currently , with one person @ @ @ @ @ three people .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in @ @ @ @ @ , including Russia .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. A pneumococcal vaccine may protect people against the novel coronavirus as it increases natural immunity, Alexander Chuchalin, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and President of the Russian Respiratory Society, said on Wednesday.
"I am not aware that the flu vaccine can protect against the coronavirus, however, the 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine can be capable of this. <…> It does not only improve the anti-pneumococcal immunity, it improves natural immunity," he told reporters.
Chuchalin added that the coronavirus should "fade away" in mid-June. He noted that the infection is actively spreading currently, with one person capable of infecting two or three people.
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.


tass--2020-04-15--Russian veterans’ organizations call on Putin to postpone Victory Day parade

`` On behalf of the entire veteran community , we ask you to make a difficult , but , as we believe , a fair decision to hold a military parade on another date when , in accordance with the epidemiological situation , the parade will not be a threat , but truly a triumph of peace and security for all its participants , '' the statement reads .
MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s veterans ’ organizations have appealed to President Vladimir Putin to postpone the May 9 parade in Moscow until the situation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed by President of the Russian Heroes ’ Association Vladimir Shamanov , Chairman of the All-Russian Public Organization of Veterans of War , Labor , Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies Vladimir Yepifanov and Head of the All-Russian Public Organization of the Armed Forces ’ Veterans Viktor Yermakov .
In their statement , the heads of veterans ’ organizations noted that `` unfortunately given the current situation in the world it ’ s impossible to guarantee health security during the parade . ''
They stressed that the events can not endanger the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In our view , this decision [ on postponing the parade ] will serve as a manifestation of respect for the veterans who fought for the country ’ s future , for the servicemen who are now on guard of the motherland , and for all our citizens who celebrate Victory Day as the main holiday of our Great Russia ! ''
the authors of this appeal said .
To date , a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 198 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"On behalf of the entire veteran community, we ask you to make a difficult, but, as we believe, a fair decision to hold a military parade on another date when, in accordance with the epidemiological situation, the parade will not be a threat, but truly a triumph of peace and security for all its participants," the statement reads.
MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Russia’s veterans’ organizations have appealed to President Vladimir Putin to postpone the May 9 parade in Moscow until the situation with the coronavirus spread normalizes.
The statement was signed by President of the Russian Heroes’ Association Vladimir Shamanov, Chairman of the All-Russian Public Organization of Veterans of War, Labor, Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies Vladimir Yepifanov and Head of the All-Russian Public Organization of the Armed Forces’ Veterans Viktor Yermakov.
In their statement, the heads of veterans’ organizations noted that "unfortunately given the current situation in the world it’s impossible to guarantee health security during the parade." They stressed that the events cannot endanger the health of the participants and guests.
"In our view, this decision [on postponing the parade] will serve as a manifestation of respect for the veterans who fought for the country’s future, for the servicemen who are now on guard of the motherland, and for all our citizens who celebrate Victory Day as the main holiday of our Great Russia!" the authors of this appeal said.
To date, a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-15--Russia’s coronavirus situation tense but stable, assures infection specialist

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Chief Physician of the Leader-Meditsina medical center , Yevgeny Timakov , a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases , has described the coronavirus situation in Russia as tense but stable .
He also noted that it was impossible to say for sure when the disease would peak in Russia , stressing that flouting quarantine rules could bring on a second wave of the epidemic .
`` No , [ it is impossible to say when the epidemic will peak in Russia ] , because there has been no proper self-isolation over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how this is going to affect the situation in the future .
So far , the situation has been tense , but stable .
I can not predict now how it will evolve .
A week ago , I would have said that at the end of the week we would see the process stabilize , right now , though , I am afraid that there will be a second upsurge of destabilization , '' he told TASS .
Timakov agreed that people sometimes find it difficult to stay at home all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes , but safety rules must be observed .
`` People are undergoing tremendous psychological stress , so they are unable to control themselves and begin going outside .
I have nothing against going outside , if anti-epidemic measures are taken , if people wear masks , maintain social distancing , use antiseptics and do not communicate with others .
However , this is not the case , '' he stressed .
To date , a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,986 patients having recovered from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Chief Physician of the Leader-Meditsina medical center, Yevgeny Timakov, a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases, has described the coronavirus situation in Russia as tense but stable. He also noted that it was impossible to say for sure when the disease would peak in Russia, stressing that flouting quarantine rules could bring on a second wave of the epidemic.
"No, [it is impossible to say when the epidemic will peak in Russia], because there has been no proper self-isolation over the past few weeks. It is not known how this is going to affect the situation in the future. So far, the situation has been tense, but stable. I cannot predict now how it will evolve. A week ago, I would have said that at the end of the week we would see the process stabilize, right now, though, I am afraid that there will be a second upsurge of destabilization," he told TASS.
Timakov agreed that people sometimes find it difficult to stay at home all the time. A person could go outside sometimes, but safety rules must be observed.
"People are undergoing tremendous psychological stress, so they are unable to control themselves and begin going outside. I have nothing against going outside, if anti-epidemic measures are taken, if people wear masks, maintain social distancing, use antiseptics and do not communicate with others. However, this is not the case," he stressed.
To date, a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-15--Kiev confirms preparations for exchange of held persons with Donbass within days

`` Another phase of mutual release of held persons is being prepared for .
The final negotiations on the list and logistics are being held .
The exchange is due soon , '' the office said , adding that the date was still being discussed .
KIEV , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian presidential office has confirmed preparations for an exchange of held persons with Donbass , to be carried out within days .
The presidential office dismissed media rumors that the exchange was already in progress .
`` This has nothing to do with the reality .
Regrettably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and requires extra coordination , '' the presidential office ’ s press service informed , adding that the exchange was to take place amid the quarantine , so mandatory preliminary isolation of the persons to be released to Ukraine had to be arranged for .
On Tuesday , the OSCE reported that the humanitarian subgroup of the Contact Group for a settlement in Donbass had agreed the details of a prisoner swap , expected to take place before Orthodox Easter .
Kiev and the Donbass republics achieved agreement on the exchange of held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group on April 8 .
Russia ’ s representative Boris Gryzlov said Kiev , Donetsk and Lugansk had agreed in principle on lists of persons to be exchanged .
The representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics in the humanitarian subgroup Darya Morozova and Olga Kobtsova specified that the swap was set to be through before Easter , April 19 .
The Donetsk Republic is ready to release eight persons and expects the return of ten .
The Lugansk Republic hopes for an 11-for-8 exchange .
December last year saw the first-ever major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republics and Ukraine .
Donetsk and Lugansk freed 76 persons and Kiev , 124 .

"Another phase of mutual release of held persons is being prepared for. The final negotiations on the list and logistics are being held. The exchange is due soon," the office said, adding that the date was still being discussed.
KIEV, April 15. /TASS/. Ukrainian presidential office has confirmed preparations for an exchange of held persons with Donbass, to be carried out within days.
The presidential office dismissed media rumors that the exchange was already in progress. "This has nothing to do with the reality. Regrettably, mutual release is a complex procedure and requires extra coordination," the presidential office’s press service informed, adding that the exchange was to take place amid the quarantine, so mandatory preliminary isolation of the persons to be released to Ukraine had to be arranged for.
On Tuesday, the OSCE reported that the humanitarian subgroup of the Contact Group for a settlement in Donbass had agreed the details of a prisoner swap, expected to take place before Orthodox Easter.
Kiev and the Donbass republics achieved agreement on the exchange of held persons at a meeting of the Contact Group on April 8. Russia’s representative Boris Gryzlov said Kiev, Donetsk and Lugansk had agreed in principle on lists of persons to be exchanged. The representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk republics in the humanitarian subgroup Darya Morozova and Olga Kobtsova specified that the swap was set to be through before Easter, April 19. The Donetsk Republic is ready to release eight persons and expects the return of ten. The Lugansk Republic hopes for an 11-for-8 exchange.
December last year saw the first-ever major exchange of held persons between the Donbass republics and Ukraine. Donetsk and Lugansk freed 76 persons and Kiev, 124.


tass--2020-04-15--New CCVT.com Variety Show Invites Audience to Say Hello to Life

BEIJING , April 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One-third of our time should be focused on enjoying life .
`` Say Hello to Life '' , a new variety show by CCTV.com , navigates the lives of young adults in China , embarking on an inspiring and heart-warming journey of music , food , once-in-life experiences and relationship as they explore the meaning of life .
`` The show invites the audience to enter the inner world of the new generation through an engaging look at the young hearts and minds through their voices as they explore a colorful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better future '' , said Haoyuan Xu , Director of the show .
Produced , co-directed and hosted by Negmat an Uyghur ethnicity TV presenter well-known to the Chinese households for his appearance on SuperStar DingDong and Sing My Song , he shares the stage with two guest hosts , Li Dong and Yizhou Sun , in each episode , taking the viewers to four major cities in China on the quest to discover the life philosophies , values and the meaning of travel .
From chasing dreams to the struggles from every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Life makes one theme perfectly clear : `` Life 's a climb .
But the view is great '' .
The mounting social pressure on adult life has made many young people forget where to find happiness and enjoyment .
Maintaining good mental and physical health has become a challenge for them .
In one episode titled `` Fight , New Youth '' , it addresses the pressure in association with the stressful social environment and the risk of mental illness , providing guidance on striking a sustainable work-life balance .
Feeling lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young adults .
In the fifth episode , the show attached to the theme `` healing '' to a new adventure , allowing the audience to immerse into the singing of lyrical poems and chat away all the anxiety against the backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery .
The show airs on CCTV 3 , CCTV.com Say Hello to Life channel weekly .
For more information , please visit : https : //www.facebook.com/cctvcom/ CCTV.com is the official platform of China Media Group to continuously update top news from China and around the world , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , television programs and searchable archives in Mandarin , English and Chinese ethnic minority languages .

BEIJING, April 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- One-third of our time should be focused on enjoying life."Say Hello to Life", a new variety show by CCTV.com, navigates the lives of young adults in China, embarking on an inspiring and heart-warming journey of music, food, once-in-life experiences and relationship as they explore the meaning of life.
"The show invites the audience to enter the inner world of the new generation through an engaging look at the young hearts and minds through their voices as they explore a colorful and changeable world inspiring them to build a better future", said Haoyuan Xu, Director of the show.
Produced, co-directed and hosted by Negmat an Uyghur ethnicity TV presenter well-known to the Chinese households for his appearance on SuperStar DingDong and Sing My Song, he shares the stage with two guest hosts, Li Dong and Yizhou Sun, in each episode, taking the viewers to four major cities in China on the quest to discover the life philosophies, values and the meaning of travel.
From chasing dreams to the struggles from every facet of life, Say Hello to Life makes one theme perfectly clear: "Life's a climb. But the view is great". The mounting social pressure on adult life has made many young people forget where to find happiness and enjoyment. Maintaining good mental and physical health has become a challenge for them. In one episode titled "Fight, New Youth", it addresses the pressure in association with the stressful social environment and the risk of mental illness, providing guidance on striking a sustainable work-life balance.
Feeling lost and lonely is no stranger to modern young adults. In the fifth episode, the show attached to the theme "healing" to a new adventure, allowing the audience to immerse into the singing of lyrical poems and chat away all the anxiety against the backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery.
The show airs on CCTV 3, CCTV.com Say Hello to Life channel weekly.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/cctvcom/
About CCTV.com
CCTV.com is the official platform of China Media Group to continuously update top news from China and around the world, it offers, live and on-demand video content, television programs and searchable archives in Mandarin, English and Chinese ethnic minority languages.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1155536/CCTV_Show.jpg
CONTACT: Shush Xin, +86-189-1180-1139, 289761158@qq.com


tass--2020-04-15--Belgium records 2,454 coronavirus cases in one day - Health Ministry

BRUSSELS , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Belgium recorded 2,454 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , which is an all-time daily high , the country ’ s Health Ministry said on Wednesday .
According to the ministry , the increasing number of coronavirus tests , particularly conducted in nursing homes , is the reason behind the rise in new cases .
A total of 33,573 coronavirus cases have been identified in the country so far , the death toll has reached 4,440 .
As many as 5,524 patients remain hospitalized , 1,204 of whom are in intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed a nationwide lockdown until April 5 .
On March 27 , the country ’ s authorities extended the lockdown until April 19 , adding that it could be extended further until May 3 .
All educational , cultural and public facilities have been closed in the country , schools and universities have moved to remote learning .
All public events have been banned , private businesses have been recommended to shift their employees to telecommuting .
In addition , Belgian authorities issued a nationwide travel ban , allowing people to move only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also mandatory to observe social distancing .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 126,800 deaths have been reported .

BRUSSELS, April 15. /TASS/. Belgium recorded 2,454 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, which is an all-time daily high, the country’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
According to the ministry, the increasing number of coronavirus tests, particularly conducted in nursing homes, is the reason behind the rise in new cases.
A total of 33,573 coronavirus cases have been identified in the country so far, the death toll has reached 4,440. As many as 5,524 patients remain hospitalized, 1,204 of whom are in intensive care.
On March 14, Belgium imposed a nationwide lockdown until April 5. On March 27, the country’s authorities extended the lockdown until April 19, adding that it could be extended further until May 3. All educational, cultural and public facilities have been closed in the country, schools and universities have moved to remote learning. All public events have been banned, private businesses have been recommended to shift their employees to telecommuting. In addition, Belgian authorities issued a nationwide travel ban, allowing people to move only within their region of residence. It is also mandatory to observe social distancing.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-15--Russia, just like other G20 countries, pins hopes on WHO in fighting coronavirus — Kremlin

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , just like other G20 leaders , is pinning hopes on the work of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters , commenting on remarks by US President Donald Trump about suspending funding to the organization .
`` The heads of the G20 , including Russian President Vladimir Putin , are pinning their hopes on the WHO in analyzing the experience of this pandemic and support the WHO ’ s work .
We proceed precisely from that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referred to the final statement approved by the G20 leaders at an emergency summit in late March , which says that the G20 , together with the WHO , is determined to do its utmost to overcome the pandemic .
`` It says that the G20 presidents fully endorse the WHO ’ s efforts and are committed to further strengthening its powers to coordinate the international fight against the pandemic , '' he stressed .
The Kremlin spokesman noted , in particular , that the World Health Organization had been tasked with preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the healthcare systems of the G20 countries that impeded the fight against the coronavirus .
US President Donald Trump earlier said that Washington was suspending funding to the World Health Organization , accusing it of `` severely mismanaging '' the coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, just like other G20 leaders, is pinning hopes on the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) in overcoming the coronavirus pandemic, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, commenting on remarks by US President Donald Trump about suspending funding to the organization.
"The heads of the G20, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, are pinning their hopes on the WHO in analyzing the experience of this pandemic and support the WHO’s work. We proceed precisely from that stance," he said.
Peskov referred to the final statement approved by the G20 leaders at an emergency summit in late March, which says that the G20, together with the WHO, is determined to do its utmost to overcome the pandemic. "It says that the G20 presidents fully endorse the WHO’s efforts and are committed to further strengthening its powers to coordinate the international fight against the pandemic," he stressed.
The Kremlin spokesman noted, in particular, that the World Health Organization had been tasked with preparing an analytical report on the existing flaws in the healthcare systems of the G20 countries that impeded the fight against the coronavirus.
US President Donald Trump earlier said that Washington was suspending funding to the World Health Organization, accusing it of "severely mismanaging" the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-15--Moscow authorities introduced passes over residents’ poor discipline, Kremlin says

Answering the journalists ’ questions Wednesday , the spokesman reminded that implementation of various coronavirus prevention measures is competence of @ @ @ @ @ that `` each region makes decisions on its own . ''
`` Currently , Moscow @ @ @ @ @ load , and , sadly , the residents of Moscow and its guests ( not @ @ @ @ @ , did not display proper discipline in compliance with the self-isolation regimes , '' Peskov @ @ @ @ @ the only reason the Moscow authorities decided to introduce the passes . ''
According to @ @ @ @ @ is completely obvious ; there is only one goal - to enforce the self-isolation regime @ @ @ @ @ us to reach [ an incidence ] plateau and then - a decrease of the @ @ @ @

Answering the journalists’ questions Wednesday, the spokesman reminded that implementation of various coronavirus prevention measures is competence of the regional authorities, adding that "each region makes decisions on its own."
"Currently, Moscow healthcare system faces the biggest load, and, sadly, the residents of Moscow and its guests (not so welcome these days), did not display proper discipline in compliance with the self-isolation regimes," Peskov said. "This was the only reason the Moscow authorities decided to introduce the passes."
According to Peskov, "the situation is completely obvious; there is only one goal - to enforce the self-isolation regime, which will first allow us to reach [an incidence] plateau and then - a decrease of the epidemiologic threat."


tass--2020-04-15--Question of Russian gas price in EAEU will be studied at expert level — Kremlin

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The issue of the price of Russian gas in the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) will be worked out at the expert level , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
He was commenting on the statement of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on the need for more flexible gas prices amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This is a matter for negotiation at the expert level in the EAEU .
The question has been raised within the EAEU , it can be raised .
It will be worked out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the Belarusian president said at the EAEU summit that now when the Union countries have not formed their common energy market and amid the current crisis , in particular due to the coronavirus pandemic , the price of natural gas should be more flexible and adjustable and the settlement mechanism should be affordable for the consumers .
He also appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin so that he could quickly consider this issue .
On April 9 , Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich announced that Minsk would initiate the lowering of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republic in 2020 following the decline in world prices for energy resources , including natural gas .
Earlier , Lukashenko stated that in the current conditions Russian gas for the republic should cost about $ 40-45 per 1,000 cubic meters , and not $ 127 per 1,000 cubic meters , as previously agreed .
On April 5 , Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev noted that gas prices on foreign markets are set depending on the cost of oil , but if the agreement [ on gas supplies ] had already been signed @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. The issue of the price of Russian gas in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) will be worked out at the expert level, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday. He was commenting on the statement of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on the need for more flexible gas prices amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"This is a matter for negotiation at the expert level in the EAEU. The question has been raised within the EAEU, it can be raised. It will be worked out," the Kremlin representative commented.
On Tuesday, the Belarusian president said at the EAEU summit that now when the Union countries have not formed their common energy market and amid the current crisis, in particular due to the coronavirus pandemic, the price of natural gas should be more flexible and adjustable and the settlement mechanism should be affordable for the consumers. He also appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin so that he could quickly consider this issue.
On April 9, Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich announced that Minsk would initiate the lowering of the price of Russian gas for the republic in 2020 following the decline in world prices for energy resources, including natural gas.
Earlier, Lukashenko stated that in the current conditions Russian gas for the republic should cost about $40-45 per 1,000 cubic meters, and not $127 per 1,000 cubic meters, as previously agreed. On April 5, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev noted that gas prices on foreign markets are set depending on the cost of oil, but if the agreement [on gas supplies] had already been signed, it should be implemented.


tass--2020-04-15--Kremlin says countries should drop accusations and join efforts to fight COVID-19

MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin disapproves of ‘ playing table tennis ’ through mutual accusations and wants to see countries join their efforts to tackle the coronavirus crisis , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a comment on China ’ s Global Times daily 's article claiming that China is facing the threat of a second wave of infection as people are returning from Russia .
`` We hear that various countries exchange such criticism about coronavirus , which is reminiscent of a table tennis game .
We think that there ’ s little use in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a supporter of uniting globally to counter the coronavirus , '' Peskov noted .
The spokesman added that Moscow does not agree with such accusations .
`` In any case , we can not agree with this criticism , if there was criticism voiced in that newspaper , '' he said , clarifying that he is not aware of the article in question .
The spokesman pledged that the Kremlin would make a statement on the initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on a global ceasefire in order to combat the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They must be working out this issue at a working level before joining it , '' Peskov said .
`` As soon as the effort is carried out and coordinated with other partners , we will make the respective statements . ''
On March 23 , the UN chief called on the parties involved in regional armed conflicts to immediately halt combat actions and declare a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause amid the growing spread of the coronavirus across the world .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection should be heard by all parties to regional armed conflicts in order to avoid a humanitarian crisis of a global scale .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

Read also Russian diplomat slams Washington’s decision to suspend WHO funding
MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. The Kremlin disapproves of ‘playing table tennis’ through mutual accusations and wants to see countries join their efforts to tackle the coronavirus crisis, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a comment on China’s Global Times daily's article claiming that China is facing the threat of a second wave of infection as people are returning from Russia. "We hear that various countries exchange such criticism about coronavirus, which is reminiscent of a table tennis game. We think that there’s little use in it. On the contrary, Moscow is a supporter of uniting globally to counter the coronavirus," Peskov noted. The spokesman added that Moscow does not agree with such accusations. "In any case, we cannot agree with this criticism, if there was criticism voiced in that newspaper," he said, clarifying that he is not aware of the article in question. UN call for ceasefire
Read also Russia open for talks with US on hypersonic weapons — top diplomat
The spokesman pledged that the Kremlin would make a statement on the initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on a global ceasefire in order to combat the coronavirus as soon as diplomats consider this issue. "They must be working out this issue at a working level before joining it," Peskov said. "As soon as the effort is carried out and coordinated with other partners, we will make the respective statements."
Read also UN Secretary-General's Appeal for Global Ceasefire
On March 23, the UN chief called on the parties involved in regional armed conflicts to immediately halt combat actions and declare a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause amid the growing spread of the coronavirus across the world. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that this call for ceasefire amid the spreading coronavirus infection should be heard by all parties to regional armed conflicts in order to avoid a humanitarian crisis of a global scale.
Read also Kurds agree to ceasefire to fight coronavirus


tass--2020-04-15--Trump’s decision to stop funding WHO politicizes coronavirus situation, says lawmaker

`` Trump ’ s decision to stop funding the WHO is absolutely harmful to the world struggle against the coronavirus pandemic .
Possibly , the internal political factor is involved here .
This way the US president dodges problems and places responsibility for drawbacks in the US health service on external players , '' Slutsky told the media .
MOSCOW , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump is politicizing the coronavirus situation and putting the blame for problems in the US health service on external actors , the chairman of the Russian State Duma ’ s Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump ’ s decision to stop funding the World Health Organization .
`` In any case it is a manifestation of selfishness and politicization of COVID-19 .
Now there should be solidarity and concerted action by all countries , '' he stated , adding that it was a wrong moment for nit-picking and denying financial support for the WHO .
Slutsky said that at a time when the pandemic had become a global challenge `` the United States in its thoughts and actions sticks to the paradigm of American exclusiveness . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other countries will display common sense and responsibility as far as support for the WHO activities is concerned , '' he concluded .
Earlier , Trump told a news briefing that Washington was pressing for a reform of the World Health Organization .
He declared that the United States was suspending its WHO membership dues and accused the organization of wrong judgements and recommendations , which resulted in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 cases globally .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Trump’s decision to stop funding the WHO is absolutely harmful to the world struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. Possibly, the internal political factor is involved here. This way the US president dodges problems and places responsibility for drawbacks in the US health service on external players," Slutsky told the media.
MOSCOW, April 15. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump is politicizing the coronavirus situation and putting the blame for problems in the US health service on external actors, the chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Leonid Slutsky, commented on Trump’s decision to stop funding the World Health Organization.
"In any case it is a manifestation of selfishness and politicization of COVID-19. Now there should be solidarity and concerted action by all countries," he stated, adding that it was a wrong moment for nit-picking and denying financial support for the WHO.
Slutsky said that at a time when the pandemic had become a global challenge "the United States in its thoughts and actions sticks to the paradigm of American exclusiveness."
"It is to be hoped that the other countries will display common sense and responsibility as far as support for the WHO activities is concerned," he concluded.
Earlier, Trump told a news briefing that Washington was pressing for a reform of the World Health Organization. He declared that the United States was suspending its WHO membership dues and accused the organization of wrong judgements and recommendations, which resulted in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 cases globally.
According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported.
To date, a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-15--China appreciates Russian diplomat’s backlash over demands to reimburse pandemic losses

BEIJING , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
China appreciates the statement put forward by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlining the inadmissible nature of demands addressed to the Chinese side to compensate losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic , Spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian told a briefing on Wednesday , commenting on the remarks of the Russian foreign minister .
`` We are highly appreciative of the words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
Since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic , Russia offered us political support and material assistance , '' the diplomat said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage [ of the fight against coronavirus ] , China < … > is putting significant effort to provide help and support to the Russian side , demonstrating our historic friendship .
Of course , we are paying attention to certain ‘ noise ' — some media outlets and people distort facts and spread rumors about China and Russia .
Being partners , China and Russia will overcome all difficulties they are facing shoulder to shoulder , '' the spokesperson underlined .
On April 14 , Lavrov had an online video interview for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said that the demands coming from the West that China is to compensate for the losses endured due to the coronavirus pandemic are unacceptable .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the @ @ @

BEIJING, April 15. /TASS/. China appreciates the statement put forward by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov outlining the inadmissible nature of demands addressed to the Chinese side to compensate losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Zhao Lijian told a briefing on Wednesday, commenting on the remarks of the Russian foreign minister.
"We are highly appreciative of the words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Since the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic, Russia offered us political support and material assistance," the diplomat said.
"Russia is now at a critical stage [of the fight against coronavirus], China <…> is putting significant effort to provide help and support to the Russian side, demonstrating our historic friendship. Of course, we are paying attention to certain ‘noise' — some media outlets and people distort facts and spread rumors about China and Russia. Being partners, China and Russia will overcome all difficulties they are facing shoulder to shoulder," the spokesperson underlined.
On April 14, Lavrov had an online video interview for representatives of Russian and foreign media outlets and said that the demands coming from the West that China is to compensate for the losses endured due to the coronavirus pandemic are unacceptable.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 24,490 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,986 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 198 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-15--Press review: Russia, US to restart arms control talks and OPEC+ deal impotent on prices

Vedomosti : Russia expects to hold arms control talks with US Moscow and Washington intend to restart work on strategic stability issues , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on April 14 , Vedomosti writes .
According to Lavrov , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touched upon the possibility of resuming arms control talks in a recent phone call .
The Russian top diplomat pointed out that Moscow welcomed Washington ’ s interest in this topic but would like to hold `` more specific discussions , particularly in relation to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ( New START ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Russian Defense Ministry , there is little hope that the United States will reconsider its position on New START .
Washington will definitely continue to insist on bringing China into the treaty , which Beijing sees as unacceptable .
Washington pointed to China to justify its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty , and the US administration has , on the whole , come to the conclusion that there is no sense in bilateral talks of this kind , Editor-in-Chief of the Russia in Global Affairs magazine Fyodor Lukyanov pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one can reject it and believe it is wrong but it has its own logic .
And this logic says that New START can not be extended , '' Lukyanov concluded .
Engaging more countries will mean that the treaty will have to be nullified and a new document will need to be drawn up , the expert explained .
`` Why should the Americans abandon this idea when their standoff with China is heating up ? ''
he noted .
US officials don ’ t seem inclined to do so at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still intense though it has somewhat taken backstage right now , the expert noted .
If the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end within the next two months , the Trump administration will have no time to think about extending the accord as it will be focusing on the presidential race , Lukyanov emphasized .
Oil prices did not change much following the most recent production cut deal , hovering at the level of $ 30-33 per barrel .
However , if oil producers had failed to strike an agreement , oil prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barrel and even lower , said experts interviewed by Rossiyskaya Gazeta .
`` Expectations of a new deal were already included in the prices , '' Alfa Capital Analyst Maxim Biryukov explained .
The deal will start to have an actual impact on the market in early May , when the parties will start implementing the agreement .
However , there is no need to overestimate the future impact .
`` Roughly speaking , as cities across the globe remain on lockdown and planes don ’ t fly , it is hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little over ten percent should significantly influence the price , '' Biryukov pointed out .
The supply-demand imbalance on the oil market currently stands at nearly 20 mln barrels a day and is expected to keep growing .
Oil depots are filled beyond the 70-percent capacity level and oil production in the Middle East doesn ’ t seem to be declining .
This is why it is news about a slowdown in the coronavirus spread rate that will make prices go up , as well as the removal of lockdown restrictions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The new OPEC+ deal will not ease the situation on the market but it will make the process of reducing production more manageable and balanced , '' Commodity Market Analyst at Otkritie Broker Oksana Lukicheva noted .
In her view , oil prices will range between $ 30-40 per barrel until the end of the year .
Izvestia : Here 's what may help save industries hit by COVID-19 Direct government support for businesses , steps to boost the construction industry and a number of other precise measures need to be taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , experts interviewed by Izvestia said , commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin 's videoconference meeting with cabinet members .
Industries that have been hardest hit by the pandemic include trade , aviation , road freight transportation and construction .
A decline in mortgage lending and corporate loans is based on global uncertainty stemming from the coronavirus spread , lockdown measures and economic instability .
Common people and businesses alike are in no hurry to take out bank loans because they can hardly tell if they will be able to repay them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thornton Strategic Analysis Institute Igor Nikolayev .
Russia ’ s Central Bank has already taken some steps to support bank lending , particularly allowing banks to give out mortgage loans without meeting clients in person , Vice President of the `` Russia '' Association of Banks Alexei Voilukov pointed out .
Nevertheless , the number of apartments purchased through mortgage loans will decline in the coming months because Russians don ’ t have an opportunity to see the properties due to the lockdown and sales offices are closed , he added .
Voilukov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses will be provided with loans to maintain their working capital and pay wages to their employees .
According to the expert , banks are interested in concessional lending so that companies pull through the crisis and are able to pay their debts in the future .
However , banks need the government or the Central Bank to offset these concessions , Voilukov added .
Meanwhile , there are some industries that have received a boost amid the pandemic .
These particularly include delivery services , pharmaceutical companies and food retailers , Nikolayev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favorable conditions for them , the expert stressed .
A few days after dropping out of the presidential race , Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont urged his voters to support former US Vice President Joseph Biden .
This could spell bad news for Donald Trump as the incumbent US president now would not be able to benefit from an anticipated split among his opponents , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
The US President earlier openly encouraged Sanders ’ supporters to vote Republican .
Trump strongly defended the idea of holding the November election normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then and voters had to show up at polling stations , it would have played into Trump ’ s hands .
Sanders supporters would have had no reason to go to polling stations had their candidate not urged them to cast their ballots for someone else .
That said , by throwing support behind Biden , Sanders denied Trump an important election advantage .
The Democrats have learned a lesson from the mistake they made in the 2016 presidential election .
At the time , Sanders waited too long before acknowledging his defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters .
Trump , in turn , kept telling them that the party leadership had stolen Sanders ’ victory , so as a result , many left-wing voters cast their ballots for Trump in protest .
However , this does not necessarily mean that Biden has gained a decisive advantage over the incumbent president .
`` Most of Sanders voters are under 40 .
They support Sanders because his views appeal to them .
They are unlikely to agree that there is a need to vote for any candidate who is not Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Biden ’ s ability to mount a strong campaign with a focus on younger people , '' Head of the Center for North American Studies at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations Viktoriya Zhuravleva pointed out .
`` I ’ m not sure that they will succeed in that , '' the expert added .
Outdoor billboard advertising companies may lose more money due to the coronavirus than other media businesses , ad agents interviewed by Vedomosti said .
The reason is clear : due to the lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the plunge in automobile and pedestrian traffic .
In March , outdoor advertising companies collected 20 % less revenues than they did in the same period of 2019 .
They may lose up to half of their budget in April , experts said .
Companies that had to suspend their activities due to the spread of the coronavirus that include entertainment event organizers and tourist companies , were the first to abandon outdoor advertising campaigns .
The situation will not change much in April and May , Russ Outdoor Business Manager Elvira @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers , movie theaters and other entertainment businesses were postponing advertising campaigns .
Television companies , in turn , expect the TV advertising market to plunge , pushing their revenues down by 20-25 % , top managers from four major TV channels told the newspaper .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , some advertisers moved to save promotion money .
However , the lockdown has boosted Russia ’ s TV audience for the first time in years , and the nation ’ s young viewers can be counted in here .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is the right time to promote their brands on television despite a fall in sales , experts added .
The pandemic will end and people will begin to spend money once again , and then , companies that have enhanced their brand awareness will win the day .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Vedomosti: Russia expects to hold arms control talks with US
Read also Russia open for talks with US on hypersonic weapons — top diplomat
Moscow and Washington intend to restart work on strategic stability issues, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on April 14, Vedomosti writes. According to Lavrov, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo touched upon the possibility of resuming arms control talks in a recent phone call. The Russian top diplomat pointed out that Moscow welcomed Washington’s interest in this topic but would like to hold "more specific discussions, particularly in relation to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START)." According to a source close to the Russian Defense Ministry, there is little hope that the United States will reconsider its position on New START. Washington will definitely continue to insist on bringing China into the treaty, which Beijing sees as unacceptable. Washington pointed to China to justify its withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, and the US administration has, on the whole, come to the conclusion that there is no sense in bilateral talks of this kind, Editor-in-Chief of the Russia in Global Affairs magazine Fyodor Lukyanov pointed out. "The position is clear, one can reject it and believe it is wrong but it has its own logic. And this logic says that New START cannot be extended," Lukyanov concluded. Engaging more countries will mean that the treaty will have to be nullified and a new document will need to be drawn up, the expert explained. "Why should the Americans abandon this idea when their standoff with China is heating up?" he noted. US officials don’t seem inclined to do so at the moment. The Russia-related propaganda is still intense though it has somewhat taken backstage right now, the expert noted. If the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end within the next two months, the Trump administration will have no time to think about extending the accord as it will be focusing on the presidential race, Lukyanov emphasized. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Oil cut deal fails to push prices up
Oil prices did not change much following the most recent production cut deal, hovering at the level of $30-33 per barrel. However, if oil producers had failed to strike an agreement, oil prices would have plunged to $20 per barrel and even lower, said experts interviewed by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. "Expectations of a new deal were already included in the prices," Alfa Capital Analyst Maxim Biryukov explained. The deal will start to have an actual impact on the market in early May, when the parties will start implementing the agreement. However, there is no need to overestimate the future impact. "Roughly speaking, as cities across the globe remain on lockdown and planes don’t fly, it is hard to explain why an oil production cut of a little over ten percent should significantly influence the price," Biryukov pointed out. The supply-demand imbalance on the oil market currently stands at nearly 20 mln barrels a day and is expected to keep growing. Oil depots are filled beyond the 70-percent capacity level and oil production in the Middle East doesn’t seem to be declining. This is why it is news about a slowdown in the coronavirus spread rate that will make prices go up, as well as the removal of lockdown restrictions and the gradual recovery on global markets. "The new OPEC+ deal will not ease the situation on the market but it will make the process of reducing production more manageable and balanced," Commodity Market Analyst at Otkritie Broker Oksana Lukicheva noted. In her view, oil prices will range between $30-40 per barrel until the end of the year. Izvestia: Here's what may help save industries hit by COVID-19
Direct government support for businesses, steps to boost the construction industry and a number of other precise measures need to be taken to help industries damaged by the coronavirus pandemic, experts interviewed by Izvestia said, commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's videoconference meeting with cabinet members. Industries that have been hardest hit by the pandemic include trade, aviation, road freight transportation and construction. A decline in mortgage lending and corporate loans is based on global uncertainty stemming from the coronavirus spread, lockdown measures and economic instability. Common people and businesses alike are in no hurry to take out bank loans because they can hardly tell if they will be able to repay them, says Director of the FBK Grant Thornton Strategic Analysis Institute Igor Nikolayev. Russia’s Central Bank has already taken some steps to support bank lending, particularly allowing banks to give out mortgage loans without meeting clients in person, Vice President of the "Russia" Association of Banks Alexei Voilukov pointed out. Nevertheless, the number of apartments purchased through mortgage loans will decline in the coming months because Russians don’t have an opportunity to see the properties due to the lockdown and sales offices are closed, he added. Voilukov expects that for the time being, businesses will be provided with loans to maintain their working capital and pay wages to their employees. According to the expert, banks are interested in concessional lending so that companies pull through the crisis and are able to pay their debts in the future. However, banks need the government or the Central Bank to offset these concessions, Voilukov added. Meanwhile, there are some industries that have received a boost amid the pandemic. These particularly include delivery services, pharmaceutical companies and food retailers, Nikolayev noted. The government needs to create favorable conditions for them, the expert stressed. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Sanders moves to endorse Biden for president
Read also US Democrat establishment pushed Sanders to quit presidential race, says expert
A few days after dropping out of the presidential race, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont urged his voters to support former US Vice President Joseph Biden. This could spell bad news for Donald Trump as the incumbent US president now would not be able to benefit from an anticipated split among his opponents, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. The US President earlier openly encouraged Sanders’ supporters to vote Republican. Trump strongly defended the idea of holding the November election normally, and if the pandemic faded by then and voters had to show up at polling stations, it would have played into Trump’s hands. Sanders supporters would have had no reason to go to polling stations had their candidate not urged them to cast their ballots for someone else. That said, by throwing support behind Biden, Sanders denied Trump an important election advantage. The Democrats have learned a lesson from the mistake they made in the 2016 presidential election. At the time, Sanders waited too long before acknowledging his defeat to Hillary Clinton, which confused his voters. Trump, in turn, kept telling them that the party leadership had stolen Sanders’ victory, so as a result, many left-wing voters cast their ballots for Trump in protest. However, this does not necessarily mean that Biden has gained a decisive advantage over the incumbent president. "Most of Sanders voters are under 40. They support Sanders because his views appeal to them. They are unlikely to agree that there is a need to vote for any candidate who is not Trump. Now everything will depend on Sanders and Biden’s ability to mount a strong campaign with a focus on younger people," Head of the Center for North American Studies at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations Viktoriya Zhuravleva pointed out. "I’m not sure that they will succeed in that," the expert added. Vedomosti: Russian lockdown hurting advertising market