tass--2020-04-02--Civilian injured in shelling by Ukrainian forces in Donbass — LPR

LUGANSK , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
A resident of the Golubovskoye settlement on the territory of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People 's Republic ( LPR ) was injured in a shelling by Ukrainian forces , spokesman for LPR people 's militia Yakov Osadchiy said on Wednesday .
`` At 7:10pm today , Ukrainian Armed Forces used mortars of 120mm caliber banned by the Minsk Agreements to shell Golubovskoye .
As a result of a direct hit of a house by an enemy shell , a civilian born in 1940 was injured , '' Lugansk News Agency quoted Osadchiy as saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documented and the materials will be handed over to LPR 's General Prosecutor 's Office .
Osadchiy called on the international community and international observers to exert pressure on the Kiev authorities .
`` We call on international observers to register this crime and investigate it in full .
You should bring bandits to justice , '' he said .
Since the autumn of 2014 , the Contact Group has announced reaching agreements on ceasefire in Donbass over 20 times .
Participants in the Normandy Four summit ( Germany , Russia , France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of establishing a comprehensive ceasefire in Donbass by the end of 2019 .
However , shellings by Ukrainian forces have not stopped .

LUGANSK, April 1. /TASS/. A resident of the Golubovskoye settlement on the territory of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) was injured in a shelling by Ukrainian forces, spokesman for LPR people's militia Yakov Osadchiy said on Wednesday.
"At 7:10pm today, Ukrainian Armed Forces used mortars of 120mm caliber banned by the Minsk Agreements to shell Golubovskoye. As a result of a direct hit of a house by an enemy shell, a civilian born in 1940 was injured," Lugansk News Agency quoted Osadchiy as saying.
He added that shellings were well documented and the materials will be handed over to LPR's General Prosecutor's Office. Osadchiy called on the international community and international observers to exert pressure on the Kiev authorities. "We call on international observers to register this crime and investigate it in full. You should bring bandits to justice," he said.
Since the autumn of 2014, the Contact Group has announced reaching agreements on ceasefire in Donbass over 20 times. Participants in the Normandy Four summit (Germany, Russia, France and Ukraine) on December 9 stated the importance of establishing a comprehensive ceasefire in Donbass by the end of 2019. However, shellings by Ukrainian forces have not stopped.


tass--2020-04-02--US to put into immediate use medical equipment sent by Russia — embassy

`` We expect Russia to deliver a planeload of personal protection equipment and supplies today , as President Putin offered President Trump on Monday , '' she said .
`` We will put into immediate use any needed items that are FDA [ US Food and Drug Administration ] approved . ''
MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The United States will put into immediate use the medical equipment received from Russia , US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Likewise , the United States is sending equipment and supplies to many other countries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are able , '' Ross stressed .
Earlier on Wednesday , the Russian Defense Ministry reported that a Russian aircraft carrying medical masks and equipment was heading for the United States .
On Tuesday , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the two countries ’ presidents , Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump , had focused in their Monday phone call on the delivery of Russian aid to the US on a plane .
According to Peskov , Moscow offered aid to the US amid the acute epidemiological situation in that country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Russian presidential press secretary pointed out that while offering help to Americans , the Russian president proceeded from the fact that after American producers of medical equipment have picked up steam , they will be able to reciprocate if necessary .
Johns Hopkins University , which calculates statistics based on the government , WHO and other official source numbers , reports that the US has more than 190,000 confirmed coronavirus cases , while over 4,100 people died from that infection .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

"We expect Russia to deliver a planeload of personal protection equipment and supplies today, as President Putin offered President Trump on Monday," she said. "We will put into immediate use any needed items that are FDA [US Food and Drug Administration] approved."
MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. The United States will put into immediate use the medical equipment received from Russia, US Embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Ross told TASS on Wednesday.
"Likewise, the United States is sending equipment and supplies to many other countries and we will continue to do more as we are able," Ross stressed.
Aid from Russia
Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that a Russian aircraft carrying medical masks and equipment was heading for the United States.
On Tuesday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the two countries’ presidents, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, had focused in their Monday phone call on the delivery of Russian aid to the US on a plane. According to Peskov, Moscow offered aid to the US amid the acute epidemiological situation in that country, and Trump accepted it with gratitude. The Russian presidential press secretary pointed out that while offering help to Americans, the Russian president proceeded from the fact that after American producers of medical equipment have picked up steam, they will be able to reciprocate if necessary.
Johns Hopkins University, which calculates statistics based on the government, WHO and other official source numbers, reports that the US has more than 190,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, while over 4,100 people died from that infection.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported. So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-02--Terrorists open fire on Syria’s Saraqib, Harab al-Sheikh — reconciliation center

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Terrorists have shelled two Syrian towns — Saraqib in Idlib province and Harab al-Sheikh in Latakia province , Oleg Zhuravlev , chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria , told reporters on Wednesday .
`` In addition , two cases of shelling from the positions of the terrorist organizations of Jabhat al-Nusra and Turkistan Islamic Party ( both banned in Russia ) were registered in the inhabited localities of Harab al-Sheikh in Latakia province and Saraqib in Idlib province , '' Zhuravlev said .
Russian and Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , he added .
Earlier , the Syrian news agency SANA reported that in the early hours of Wednesday `` the armed opposition fired several artillery shells into the town of Saraqib . ''
According to the news agency , the fire was delivered from the settlement controlled by Turkish forces .
There were no immediate reports about destruction or casualties .
A few weeks ago , the Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib .
Russian military police were deployed to the town to ensure security and provide unhindered traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connecting the country ’ s key cities with capital Damascus .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Terrorists have shelled two Syrian towns — Saraqib in Idlib province and Harab al-Sheikh in Latakia province, Oleg Zhuravlev, chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria, told reporters on Wednesday.
"In addition, two cases of shelling from the positions of the terrorist organizations of Jabhat al-Nusra and Turkistan Islamic Party (both banned in Russia) were registered in the inhabited localities of Harab al-Sheikh in Latakia province and Saraqib in Idlib province," Zhuravlev said. Russian and Turkish forces conducted joint patrols in the Aleppo region, he added.
Earlier, the Syrian news agency SANA reported that in the early hours of Wednesday "the armed opposition fired several artillery shells into the town of Saraqib." According to the news agency, the fire was delivered from the settlement controlled by Turkish forces. There were no immediate reports about destruction or casualties.
A few weeks ago, the Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib. Russian military police were deployed to the town to ensure security and provide unhindered traffic for vehicles and civilians along the highways connecting the country’s key cities with capital Damascus.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-04-02--Russian plane with medical aid for US lands in New York

NEW YORK , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian plane carrying medical equipment for the United States landed at New York ’ s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday , the Russian permanent mission told TASS .
On Monday , the presidents of Russia and the US , Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump , reached an agreement in a phone call that Russia would send an aircraft with aid to the United States .
Russia ’ s Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said that the pandemic is threatening the whole world , so nations should team up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which calculates statistics based on the government , WHO and other official source numbers , reports that the US has more than 190,000 confirmed coronavirus cases , while over 4,100 people died from that infection .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .

NEW YORK, April 1. /TASS/. A Russian plane carrying medical equipment for the United States landed at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday, the Russian permanent mission told TASS.
On Monday, the presidents of Russia and the US, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, reached an agreement in a phone call that Russia would send an aircraft with aid to the United States. Russia’s Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said that the pandemic is threatening the whole world, so nations should team up to combat it.
Johns Hopkins University, which calculates statistics based on the government, WHO and other official source numbers, reports that the US has more than 190,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, while over 4,100 people died from that infection.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-02--Moscow Region reports 177 confirmed coronavirus cases — authorities

`` Bad news is that the virus is spreading .
We have 177 cases .
Good news is that there are a few ‘ critical ’ patients .
We have mobilized our healthcare system and are now urgently setting up new infectious [ hospital ] beds , '' Vorobyev said .
Earlier , 134 cases had been reported .
MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow Region sees an increase in coronavirus cases from 134 to 177 , Moscow Region ’ s Governor Andrey Vorobyev wrote on Instagram on Wednesday .
The governor added that currently the regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
`` We buy hazmat suits , masks and other protective equipment every week so that the medics who are put at the highest risk could feel safer .
Doctors should be thanked separately , but it is not enough now , '' he said , adding that traffic police officers are provided with masks as well .
The Moscow Region has been put on a high alert amid the coronavirus outbreak since March 13 .
All public gatherings are banned and schools are closed for a three-week break from March 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canceled until April 10 and the sports schools and clubs are closed as well .
On March 29 , a self-isolation regime was declared in the Moscow Region .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

"Bad news is that the virus is spreading. We have 177 cases. Good news is that there are a few ‘critical’ patients. We have mobilized our healthcare system and are now urgently setting up new infectious [hospital] beds," Vorobyev said. Earlier, 134 cases had been reported.
MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. The Moscow Region sees an increase in coronavirus cases from 134 to 177, Moscow Region’s Governor Andrey Vorobyev wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
The governor added that currently the regional authorities are prioritizing protection of the medical staff. "We buy hazmat suits, masks and other protective equipment every week so that the medics who are put at the highest risk could feel safer. Doctors should be thanked separately, but it is not enough now," he said, adding that traffic police officers are provided with masks as well.
The Moscow Region has been put on a high alert amid the coronavirus outbreak since March 13. All public gatherings are banned and schools are closed for a three-week break from March 21 until April 12. Sports events are canceled until April 10 and the sports schools and clubs are closed as well. On March 29, a self-isolation regime was declared in the Moscow Region.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-02--Italy extends quarantine until April 13 — prime minister

ROME , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has signed a decree to extend the quarantine in the country amid the coronavirus outbreak until April 13 .
`` The corresponding order [ on extending the quarantine until April 13 ] has been signed , and we can not ease restrictive measures and we can not promise that they will be eased from April 14 , '' Conte told a press conference on Wednesday .
`` When experts approve , we will move to phase 2 and gradually lift the quarantine .
Then phase 3 will follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency , '' he added .
`` If we start easing measures now , then all the efforts made so far will be in vain , '' he noted .
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza earlier announced that the quarantine measures will be extended , and schools will remain closed .
The quarantine was imposed in Italy on March 10 .
Over 110,000 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the country , and more than 13,000 people died from coronavirus-associated illnesses and complications .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 more than 160 countries , including Russia .

ROME, April 1. /TASS/. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has signed a decree to extend the quarantine in the country amid the coronavirus outbreak until April 13.
"The corresponding order [on extending the quarantine until April 13] has been signed, and we cannot ease restrictive measures and we cannot promise that they will be eased from April 14," Conte told a press conference on Wednesday. "When experts approve, we will move to phase 2 and gradually lift the quarantine. Then phase 3 will follow, and we will lift the state of emergency," he added. "If we start easing measures now, then all the efforts made so far will be in vain," he noted.
Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza earlier announced that the quarantine measures will be extended, and schools will remain closed.
The quarantine was imposed in Italy on March 10. Over 110,000 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the country, and more than 13,000 people died from coronavirus-associated illnesses and complications.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries, including Russia.


tass--2020-04-01--Russia asks India to open air space for charter flights from some cities — agency

`` Taking into consideration the dire circumstances Russian citizens are facing in India , the Ural Airlines was offered to operate some charter flights from the cities of Trivandrum , Chennai , Goa , and Kolkata .
Rosaviatsia [ the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency ] , the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russia ’ s embassy in Delhi alongside the air carrier have already requested the Indian authorities to issue permits for the abovementioned flights .
The flights are scheduled to be bound for Yekaterinburg , '' the statement says .
On Tuesday , Russian Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country between March 10 and March 20 .
On Wednesday , the Russian Foreign Ministry said that about 25,000 Russians , who want to come back to homeland over coronavirus fears , are staying abroad .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

"Taking into consideration the dire circumstances Russian citizens are facing in India, the Ural Airlines was offered to operate some charter flights from the cities of Trivandrum, Chennai, Goa, and Kolkata. Rosaviatsia [the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency], the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russia’s embassy in Delhi alongside the air carrier have already requested the Indian authorities to issue permits for the abovementioned flights. The flights are scheduled to be bound for Yekaterinburg," the statement says.
On Tuesday, Russian Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh said that 155,000 Russian nationals returned to the country between March 10 and March 20. On Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that about 25,000 Russians, who want to come back to homeland over coronavirus fears, are staying abroad.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported. So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--Russia testing 8 existing and 22 new drugs to treat COVID-19, says deputy PM

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is currently testing eight existing and 22 newly developed drugs to determine @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus infection ( COVID-19 ) , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova informed on @ @ @ @ @ between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government .
She added that the results @ @ @ @ @ 10 .
`` Currently , we are researching eight drugs already registered in the Russian @ @ @ @ @ verifiable data on their effectiveness against the novel coronavirus infection on April 10 , '' @ @ @ @ @ that 22 new drugs developed at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences @ @ @ @ @ with the results set to be made available on April 10 .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 1. /TASS/. Russia is currently testing eight existing and 22 newly developed drugs to determine whether they can combat the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova informed on Wednesday during a video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. She added that the results will be ready on April 10.
"Currently, we are researching eight drugs already registered in the Russian Federation. We will have verifiable data on their effectiveness against the novel coronavirus infection on April 10," Golikova said. She added that 22 new drugs developed at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences are also being tested, with the results set to be made available on April 10.


tass--2020-04-01--Oil producers, consumers should find solutions to soften situation, says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Key oil producers and consumers should work out solutions to ease the situation on the market , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday .
`` This [ the current market situation ] is a common concern .
It should concern the consumers also , because if the sector is highly underfinanced and the work in this sphere is halted for greenfields , then a spike , a very strong price spike on the market is inevitable , and nobody needs this as well , '' the head of state said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such solutions that will soften the situation on the market at large together with major producers and consumers , '' Putin noted .
The oil price drop and the coronavirus pandemic impact became `` a double blow '' for the national economy , the President said .
`` We have a double blow .
These are consequences of the coronavirus infection for the economy , the decline in business activity , '' Putin noted .
`` These are serious tests for the labor market .
We understand all that , we see that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop for our major export commodity , the very significant , profound and deep drop , '' he noted .
Current developments have their specific features , compared to the 2008 year crisis but the country has the experience of overcoming such problems , '' Putin added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 1. /TASS/. Key oil producers and consumers should work out solutions to ease the situation on the market, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"This [the current market situation] is a common concern. It should concern the consumers also, because if the sector is highly underfinanced and the work in this sphere is halted for greenfields, then a spike, a very strong price spike on the market is inevitable, and nobody needs this as well," the head of state said.
"Therefore, we are to work out such solutions that will soften the situation on the market at large together with major producers and consumers," Putin noted.
The oil price drop and the coronavirus pandemic impact became "a double blow" for the national economy, the President said. "We have a double blow. These are consequences of the coronavirus infection for the economy, the decline in business activity," Putin noted. "These are serious tests for the labor market. We understand all that, we see that. And, certainly, the price drop for our major export commodity, the very significant, profound and deep drop," he noted.
Current developments have their specific features, compared to the 2008 year crisis but the country has the experience of overcoming such problems," Putin added.


tass--2020-04-01--Moscow government to specify measures against those violating self-isolation regime

On April 1 , the Moscow State Duma has approved a law establishing administrative liability for citizens required to adhere to the self-isolation regime at home or at a hospital .
MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow government will specify the measures taken against Moscow citizens violating the self-isolation regime , Moscow State Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov informed reporters on Wednesday .
`` Currently , we are developing an act by the Moscow government , which will describe the technology used to obtain a permit for the citizens ’ movement for their basic needs .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes to a nearby shop , they won ’ t be punished .
If a person is sick and leaves somewhere in a car , they will be fined , '' Shaposhnikov said in response to a question by TASS .
Moscow has reported 1,880 cases of COVID-19 as of April 1 .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public informed about the coronavirus situation .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported .

On April 1, the Moscow State Duma has approved a law establishing administrative liability for citizens required to adhere to the self-isolation regime at home or at a hospital.
MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. The Moscow government will specify the measures taken against Moscow citizens violating the self-isolation regime, Moscow State Duma Chairman Alexey Shaposhnikov informed reporters on Wednesday.
"Currently, we are developing an act by the Moscow government, which will describe the technology used to obtain a permit for the citizens’ movement for their basic needs. For example, if a person is healthy and goes to a nearby shop, they won’t be punished. If a person is sick and leaves somewhere in a car, they will be fined," Shaposhnikov said in response to a question by TASS.
Moscow has reported 1,880 cases of COVID-19 as of April 1.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-01--Russia will begin clinical testing of COVID-19 vaccines on June 29

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will complete pre-clinical trials of the vaccines against the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) developed at the Ve·tor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology in Novosibirsk before June 22 .
Clinical trials on 60 volunteers are set to begin on June 29 , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said during a video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government .
`` Pre-clinical trials of the vaccine ’ s specific activity will be held before June 22 .
After that , the first phase of clinical trials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin on a restricted number of people , about 60 volunteers .
We plan to begin such first stage trials on June 29 of this year , '' she said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 1. /TASS/. Russia will complete pre-clinical trials of the vaccines against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) developed at the Ve·tor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology in Novosibirsk before June 22. Clinical trials on 60 volunteers are set to begin on June 29, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said during a video call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government.
"Pre-clinical trials of the vaccine’s specific activity will be held before June 22. After that, the first phase of clinical trials to estimate safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine will begin on a restricted number of people, about 60 volunteers. We plan to begin such first stage trials on June 29 of this year," she said.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--Russia confident of US help in fight against coronavirus, if it is needed, says envoy

`` My country is offering a helping hand to the people of America .
It is a historical moment and the continuation of a centuries-long tradition .
It is not now the time for quarreling , '' the embassy ’ s press office said citing Antonov ’ s answers to reporters ’ questions .
WASHINGTON , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is convinced that if needed , the United States will help Russia to combat the coronavirus outbreak , and Moscow will not turn down Washington ’ s assistance , Russia ’ s Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently needed equipment , namely disinfectants , goggles , masks and ventilators , to save Americans .
The Russian humanitarian mission will already be a success even though only one life is saved , '' Antonov said .
`` We are confident that America will help us if it is needed and we will accept it [ assistance ] with pleasure , without any politicization , '' he emphasized .
According to the ambassador , Russia and the US have been sharing the deep history of mutual help .
`` We have more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s rescue , both in military and peace times , '' Antonov reminded .
`` At the end of the 18th century Russia declared armed neutrality , which facilitated the victory of North American colonies in their war for independence .
We remember American doctors ’ assistance during the Crimean War and the Northerners ’ delight about the arrival of Russian [ Navy ] squadrons in New York and San Francisco in 1863 at the height of the bloody American Civil War . ''
The ambassador pointed out that the mass celebrations marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War Two had been put at risk in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It is sad symbolism .
A new global threat prevents us from honoring the feat of those who defeated the main plague of the 20th century and from bowing to those who are still alive , '' he said .
`` And for their sake , we must join our efforts to demonstrate that the spirit of the Elbe is alive . ''
Johns Hopkins University , which calculates statistics based on the government , WHO and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US has more than 190,000 confirmed coronavirus cases , while over 4,100 people died from that infection .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

"My country is offering a helping hand to the people of America. It is a historical moment and the continuation of a centuries-long tradition. It is not now the time for quarreling," the embassy’s press office said citing Antonov’s answers to reporters’ questions.
WASHINGTON, April 1. /TASS/. Russia is convinced that if needed, the United States will help Russia to combat the coronavirus outbreak, and Moscow will not turn down Washington’s assistance, Russia’s Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov said on Wednesday.
"We can provide urgently needed equipment, namely disinfectants, goggles, masks and ventilators, to save Americans. The Russian humanitarian mission will already be a success even though only one life is saved," Antonov said.
"We are confident that America will help us if it is needed and we will accept it [assistance] with pleasure, without any politicization," he emphasized.
According to the ambassador, Russia and the US have been sharing the deep history of mutual help.
"We have more than once come to each other’s rescue, both in military and peace times," Antonov reminded. "At the end of the 18th century Russia declared armed neutrality, which facilitated the victory of North American colonies in their war for independence. We remember American doctors’ assistance during the Crimean War and the Northerners’ delight about the arrival of Russian [Navy] squadrons in New York and San Francisco in 1863 at the height of the bloody American Civil War."
The ambassador pointed out that the mass celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in World War Two had been put at risk in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It is sad symbolism. A new global threat prevents us from honoring the feat of those who defeated the main plague of the 20th century and from bowing to those who are still alive," he said. "And for their sake, we must join our efforts to demonstrate that the spirit of the Elbe is alive."
Johns Hopkins University, which calculates statistics based on the government, WHO and other official source numbers, reports that the US has more than 190,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, while over 4,100 people died from that infection.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported. So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--More than 20% of coronavirus cases in Russia asymptomatic, says official

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
In Russia , more than 20 % of people who tested positive for coronavirus do not show any symptoms , while 14 % of cases are diagnosed with pneumonia , head of Russia ’ s consumer watchdog Anna Popova told reporters on Wednesday .
`` As of today , we have a large share of people who show no symptoms among those identified through testing .
Today it is more than 20 % of those who we identified , they don ’ t have any symptoms , while only 14 % are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
Popova stressed that there will be enough hospital beds for all patients , and everyone will be provided with qualified medical care .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries , including Russia On March 11 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. In Russia, more than 20% of people who tested positive for coronavirus do not show any symptoms, while 14% of cases are diagnosed with pneumonia, head of Russia’s consumer watchdog Anna Popova told reporters on Wednesday.
"As of today, we have a large share of people who show no symptoms among those identified through testing. Today it is more than 20% of those who we identified, they don’t have any symptoms, while only 14% are in critical condition and show signs of pneumonia," she said.
Popova stressed that there will be enough hospital beds for all patients, and everyone will be provided with qualified medical care.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries, including Russia
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--Russian Government allocated 1.4 trillion rubles to support economy

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 1 .
/ TASS / .
Russian Finance Ministry reserved funds in the amount of 1.2 % of GDP for measures to combat coronavirus and to support the economy , said Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday , while speaking at a meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin with members of the government .
`` In total , the Russian Finance Ministry reserved 1.4 trillion rubles ( 1.2 % of GDP ) for the purpose of combating the spread of coronavirus and implementing anti-crisis measures , '' Mishustin said .
He emphasized that Putin has given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the economy .
`` All the preparatory work was carried out by us as expeditiously as possible .
Within a day , we formed the necessary changes to the legislation and the very next day , March 26 - we discussed them at a government meeting , '' Mishustin reported , adding that the State Duma and the Federation Council approved federal bills , which provide for the implementation of the initiatives proposed by the President .
Mishustin said that the adopted bills provide for automatic prolongation of monthly payments in connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first or second child and for new payment of sick leave based on the amount of at least minimum wage .
The Ministry of Labor , he said , also gave the appropriate instructions to the regions on the extension of regional social benefits .
`` Accelerated lump sum payments to veterans and home front workers are already being prepared for the 75th anniversary of the World War II Victory .
They should take place before the end of April , '' the Prime Minister said .
He added that he instructed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-7 inclusively not starting in July , but a month earlier .
In addition , a government decree was signed and entered into force to increase the maximum amount of unemployment benefits to minimum wage level .
`` About 30 bln rubles will be additionally allocated for this , '' said he .
Mishustin noted that through amendments to the legislation , the government facilitates the bankruptcy of individuals .
`` It will become free .
For this , it will be necessary to independently or through the multi-service government center to file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Register , which will allow people with a debt size of more than 50,000 rubles , but not more than 700,000 rubles , to get rid of debt obligations , '' he explained .
The government has adapted an entire package of measures to support entrepreneurship in Russia .
`` To protect enterprises , a six-month moratorium on initiating bankruptcy cases has been put into place .
Enforcement proceedings and the imposition of fines and penalties are suspended for the period of the moratorium , and the conclusion of amicable agreements on arising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he .
The bills also provide for tax deferrals for small and medium-sized businesses , excluding VAT , and financial support and insurance premium for micro enterprises .
`` There we laid down a two-fold reduction in the size of insurance premiums for SMEs from 30 to 15 % as of April 1 , if the employee ’ s salary exceeds the minimum wage , '' Mishustin said .
He recalled that , together with the Central Bank , the government has developed measures to provide SMEs with a six-month deferral of interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will cover a loan portfolio of about 500 bln rubles .
`` We make individual decisions to support the most affected sectors of the economy - including catering , domestic services , air and travel companies , sports , culture , cinemas , '' Mishustin emphasized .
`` In particular , we prohibited sending requests to them before May 1 about paying taxes.
`` According to him , all small companies that work in these sectors will also be able to transfer payments on loans for six months .
`` The corresponding government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , '' he assured .
Mishustin also spoke about the support of air carriers .
These companies will receive 1.5 bln rubles to compensate for the costs associated with the evacuation of people from other countries in connection with the spread of coronavirus infection .
For travel agencies , the contribution to the reserve fund of the association of tour operators in the field of outbound tourism has actually been canceled .

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 1. / TASS /. Russian Finance Ministry reserved funds in the amount of 1.2% of GDP for measures to combat coronavirus and to support the economy, said Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Wednesday, while speaking at a meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin with members of the government.
"In total, the Russian Finance Ministry reserved 1.4 trillion rubles (1.2% of GDP) for the purpose of combating the spread of coronavirus and implementing anti-crisis measures," Mishustin said.
He emphasized that Putin has given the government the task of supporting citizens and the economy. "All the preparatory work was carried out by us as expeditiously as possible. Within a day, we formed the necessary changes to the legislation and the very next day, March 26 - we discussed them at a government meeting," Mishustin reported, adding that the State Duma and the Federation Council approved federal bills, which provide for the implementation of the initiatives proposed by the President.
Population Support
Mishustin said that the adopted bills provide for automatic prolongation of monthly payments in connection with the birth or adoption of the first or second child and for new payment of sick leave based on the amount of at least minimum wage. The Ministry of Labor, he said, also gave the appropriate instructions to the regions on the extension of regional social benefits.
"Accelerated lump sum payments to veterans and home front workers are already being prepared for the 75th anniversary of the World War II Victory . They should take place before the end of April," the Prime Minister said. He added that he instructed to accelerate payments for families with children ages 3-7 inclusively not starting in July, but a month earlier.
In addition, a government decree was signed and entered into force to increase the maximum amount of unemployment benefits to minimum wage level. "About 30 bln rubles will be additionally allocated for this," said he.
Mishustin noted that through amendments to the legislation, the government facilitates the bankruptcy of individuals. "It will become free. For this, it will be necessary to independently or through the multi-service government center to file information in the Unified Federal Bankruptcy Information Register, which will allow people with a debt size of more than 50,000 rubles, but not more than 700,000 rubles, to get rid of debt obligations," he explained.
Assistance of Business
The government has adapted an entire package of measures to support entrepreneurship in Russia. "To protect enterprises, a six-month moratorium on initiating bankruptcy cases has been put into place. Enforcement proceedings and the imposition of fines and penalties are suspended for the period of the moratorium, and the conclusion of amicable agreements on arising debts will be simplified," said he.
The bills also provide for tax deferrals for small and medium-sized businesses, excluding VAT, and financial support and insurance premium for micro enterprises. "There we laid down a two-fold reduction in the size of insurance premiums for SMEs from 30 to 15% as of April 1, if the employee’s salary exceeds the minimum wage," Mishustin said.
He recalled that, together with the Central Bank, the government has developed measures to provide SMEs with a six-month deferral of interest and principal on loans. This program will cover a loan portfolio of about 500 bln rubles.
"We make individual decisions to support the most affected sectors of the economy - including catering, domestic services, air and travel companies, sports, culture, cinemas," Mishustin emphasized. "In particular, we prohibited sending requests to them before May 1 about paying taxes. " According to him, all small companies that work in these sectors will also be able to transfer payments on loans for six months. "The corresponding government decree will be signed in the near future," he assured.
Mishustin also spoke about the support of air carriers. These companies will receive 1.5 bln rubles to compensate for the costs associated with the evacuation of people from other countries in connection with the spread of coronavirus infection. For travel agencies, the contribution to the reserve fund of the association of tour operators in the field of outbound tourism has actually been canceled.


tass--2020-04-01--Putin, Erdogan exchange views on Syrian settlement

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a @ @ @ @ @ on the issues of Syrian settlement , including implementation of Russian-Turkish agreements to stabilize situation @ @ @ @ @ , the Kremlin press service said Wednesday .
`` Substantive exchange of opinions on issues @ @ @ @ @ carried out , including implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreements reached on March 5 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ the Idlib zone .
Libyan issues were also touched upon , '' the statement says @ @ @ @ @ s office issued a communique , saying , `` the negotiations discussed < … > @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Putin and Erdogan held talks in Moscow on March 5 and agreed a @ @ @ @ @ settle the situation in Idlib .
The agreements reached stipulate that hostilities in this region @ @ @ @ @ line of contact as the ceasefire comes into effect on March 6 .
Moscow and @ @ @ @ @ Syria ’ s sovereignty and agreed to continue fighting terrorism .

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a phone call to exchange opinions on the issues of Syrian settlement, including implementation of Russian-Turkish agreements to stabilize situation in Syria’s Idlib, the Kremlin press service said Wednesday.
"Substantive exchange of opinions on issues of the Syrian settlement was carried out, including implementation of the Russian-Turkish agreements reached on March 5, 2020 to stabilize the situation in the Idlib zone. Libyan issues were also touched upon," the statement says.
The Turkish leader’s office issued a communique, saying, "the negotiations discussed <…> bilateral ties and regional issues."
Putin and Erdogan held talks in Moscow on March 5 and agreed a ceasefire and other measures to settle the situation in Idlib. The agreements reached stipulate that hostilities in this region should stop along the whole line of contact as the ceasefire comes into effect on March 6. Moscow and Ankara reaffirmed commitment to preserving Syria’s sovereignty and agreed to continue fighting terrorism.


tass--2020-04-01--More than 5.3 million people screened in Russia due to coronavirus, reports watchdog

`` The first barrier we set up and which still works is the sanitary quarantine control at checkpoints .
Currently , 5,333,242 people have been screened and we are continuing this work , '' she said .
MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
More than 5.333 million people have currently gone through medical screening in Russia during the effect of sanitary quarantine imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic , head of Russia ’ s consumer watchdog Anna Popova told reporters on Wednesday .
Popova added that the tough and strict control on border remains an important element for protecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries , including Russia On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

"The first barrier we set up and which still works is the sanitary quarantine control at checkpoints. Currently, 5,333,242 people have been screened and we are continuing this work," she said.
MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. More than 5.333 million people have currently gone through medical screening in Russia during the effect of sanitary quarantine imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic, head of Russia’s consumer watchdog Anna Popova told reporters on Wednesday.
Popova added that the tough and strict control on border remains an important element for protecting the Russian population.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries, including Russia
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--Putin signs law on Cabinet of Minister’s right to impose emergency situation regulations

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law delegating to the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , including the right to impose emergency situation regulations and alert in @ @ @ @ @ country or some parts of it .
The law was uploaded to the official legal @ @ @ @ @ According to the explanatory memorandum , the law was drafted for settling relations that emerge @ @ @ @ @ for prompt response to challenges stemming from the spread of the novel coronavirus infection .
@ @ @ @ @ the right , in the event of emergencies or risks of emergencies , to exercise @ @ @ @ @ coordinating agency of a unified government system for preventing and eliminating emergencies .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ to be complemented with the risk of a spread of a disease posing a risk @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law delegating to the Russian government extra powers in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, including the right to impose emergency situation regulations and alert in the whole territory of the country or some parts of it. The law was uploaded to the official legal information portal on Wednesday.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the law was drafted for settling relations that emerge in connection with the need for prompt response to challenges stemming from the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.
The Russian government shall enjoy the right, in the event of emergencies or risks of emergencies, to exercise the powers of a single coordinating agency of a unified government system for preventing and eliminating emergencies. Also, the list of emergencies is to be complemented with the risk of a spread of a disease posing a risk to the people.


tass--2020-04-01--Switzerland’s coronavirus cases increase by 900 in one day

`` Currently , 17,139 people tested positive [ for coronavirus ] and 378 people died , '' the agency stressed .
Therefore , the number of cases increased by 963 , while five more people passed away .
GENEVA , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Switzerland has increased by 963 in the past 34 hours to reach 17,139 , the Swiss health agency said Wednesday .
More than 173,000 Swiss had their coronavirus tests taken , the infection was found in 15 % of the tests .
According to the authorities , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The infection map published on Wednesday shows that the canton of Ticino on the Italian border is the most affected ( on average , 617 cases per 100,000 inhabitants ) .
The canton of Vaud comes second ( 457.4 ) .
They are followed by Geneva ( 443.1 ) and Basel-Stadt ( 394.8 ) .
High levels of infection are reported from Liechtenstein ( 148.5 ) , daily included in the Swiss statistics .
Tribune de Geneve daily is monitoring the death toll and cases in the country , saying that 120 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vaud , while Geneva has 49 deaths and Basel-Stadt reported 16 deaths .
RTS TV , meanwhile , analyzed the situation in the country in the past few weeks , saying that new infection and death rates have slowed down lately .
The Swiss government on March 20 tightened rules to combat coronavirus spread , however , stopped short of imposing a total lockdown .
Public gatherings of more than five people outside of homes are banned , while people should observe social distancing of two meters .
Perpetrators are fined by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 19 , while restaurants , bars , museums and cinemas are shut down .
Educational facilities are closed until April 4 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries , including Russia On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .

"Currently, 17,139 people tested positive [for coronavirus] and 378 people died," the agency stressed. Therefore, the number of cases increased by 963, while five more people passed away.
GENEVA, April 1. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Switzerland has increased by 963 in the past 34 hours to reach 17,139, the Swiss health agency said Wednesday.
More than 173,000 Swiss had their coronavirus tests taken, the infection was found in 15% of the tests. According to the authorities, the average age of patients is 53. The infection map published on Wednesday shows that the canton of Ticino on the Italian border is the most affected (on average, 617 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The canton of Vaud comes second (457.4). They are followed by Geneva (443.1) and Basel-Stadt (394.8). High levels of infection are reported from Liechtenstein (148.5), daily included in the Swiss statistics. Tribune de Geneve daily is monitoring the death toll and cases in the country, saying that 120 people died in Ticino, 77 - in Vaud, while Geneva has 49 deaths and Basel-Stadt reported 16 deaths. RTS TV, meanwhile, analyzed the situation in the country in the past few weeks, saying that new infection and death rates have slowed down lately.
The Swiss government on March 20 tightened rules to combat coronavirus spread, however, stopped short of imposing a total lockdown. Public gatherings of more than five people outside of homes are banned, while people should observe social distancing of two meters. Perpetrators are fined by the police. The emergency is declared until April 19, while restaurants, bars, museums and cinemas are shut down. Educational facilities are closed until April 4.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries, including Russia
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-01--Medvedev to form part of Russia's military-technical cooperation commission

Russia may send plane with medical equipment to US by end of day The assistance was agreed during Russian President @ @ @ @ @ conversation with his US counterpart , Donald Trump , on Monday

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-04-01--Putin, Erdogan discuss cooperation in returning Russians home from Turkey

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a phone call to inform each other about the measures undertaken to curb spread of the coronavirus pandemic and hashed over cooperation in bringing Russians currently stranded in Turkey back home , the Kremlin press service said Wednesday .
`` The situation emerged amid the coronavirus pandemic spread was considered .
The leaders informed each other about the measures taken to fight the infection .
Particular attention was placed on the cooperation in bringing home Russian citizens staying in Turkey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader ’ s office issued a communique , saying , `` the talks discussed issues of cooperation to fight coronavirus . ''
Putin earlier noted that many Russians , including those permanently residing abroad , are returning to Russia amid the pandemic .
According to him , 825,031 people have returned to Russia since March 11 , while authorities are expecting another 20,000 arrivals .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 160 countries , including Russia On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 190 patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have had a phone call to inform each other about the measures undertaken to curb spread of the coronavirus pandemic and hashed over cooperation in bringing Russians currently stranded in Turkey back home, the Kremlin press service said Wednesday.
"The situation emerged amid the coronavirus pandemic spread was considered. The leaders informed each other about the measures taken to fight the infection. Particular attention was placed on the cooperation in bringing home Russian citizens staying in Turkey," the statement says.
The Turkish leader’s office issued a communique, saying, "the talks discussed issues of cooperation to fight coronavirus."
Putin earlier noted that many Russians, including those permanently residing abroad, are returning to Russia amid the pandemic. According to him, 825,031 people have returned to Russia since March 11, while authorities are expecting another 20,000 arrivals.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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 more than 160 countries, including Russia
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--Putin asks to provide installment plans for deferred taxes

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to consider an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ installment plans in respect of taxes , where the deferral is introduced for the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ met representatives of the small business [ on March 26 in Moscow ] , they @ @ @ @ @ ends in all these directions , there will be no strong blow for them by @ @ @ @ @ whole debt at once , all the deferred payments accumulated over these 6 months .
@ @ @ @ @ think over that , '' Putin said .

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to consider an opportunity of providing the business with installment plans in respect of taxes, where the deferral is introduced for the pandemic period.
"When I met representatives of the small business [on March 26 in Moscow], they requested that when this deferral ends in all these directions, there will be no strong blow for them by the need to pay the whole debt at once, all the deferred payments accumulated over these 6 months. I would ask you to think over that," Putin said.


tass--2020-04-01--Russia’s Aeroflot to clear out Russians from New York to Moscow on April 3

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Aeroflot Russian Airlines will carry out a flight from New York to Moscow @ @ @ @ @ airline said in a statement .
Russians will land at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport @ @ @ @ @ April 1 , Aeroflot has a scheduled flight from Delhi , while its subsidiary Rossiya @ @ @ @ @ from Tunisia to bring Russians back .
On April 2 , Aeroflot will fly from @ @ @ @ @ , while Rossiya will travel to Colombo .
Apart from the United States , the @ @ @ @ @ Russians stuck in the Maldives ( Male ) on April 3 , the flight will @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
On April 5 , Rossiya will take Russians back from Bali , while @ @ @ @ @ to Bangkok and Tel Aviv and back on April 6 .
Per earlier reports , @ @ @ @ @ stuck in New York as they failed to fly out of John F. Kennedy International @ @ @ @ @ cancelled flights scheduled for March 30 and 31 .

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Aeroflot Russian Airlines will carry out a flight from New York to Moscow on April 3, the airline said in a statement. Russians will land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 4.
On April 1, Aeroflot has a scheduled flight from Delhi, while its subsidiary Rossiya Airline will perform a flight from Tunisia to bring Russians back.
On April 2, Aeroflot will fly from Sheremetyevo to London and back, while Rossiya will travel to Colombo. Apart from the United States, the airline is planning to rescue Russians stuck in the Maldives (Male) on April 3, the flight will arrive in Russia on April 4. On April 5, Rossiya will take Russians back from Bali, while Aeroflot will carry out flights to Bangkok and Tel Aviv and back on April 6.
Per earlier reports, a few dozens Russians are stuck in New York as they failed to fly out of John F. Kennedy International Airport to Moscow after Aeroflot cancelled flights scheduled for March 30 and 31.


tass--2020-04-01--Japan documents record number of new COVID-19 cases

The majority of cases was detected in Tokyo ( 66 ) and Osaka ( 34 ) , with the total amount of COVID-19 infections reaching 587 in Tokyo and 278 in Osaka .
TOKYO , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Japan has recorded at least 261 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours , Japan ’ s public television informed on Wednesday .
This is the highest daily increase in cases in Japan so far .
The total amount of those infected in Japan , including the passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship , has reached 3,202 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 11 deaths among the passengers of the cruise ship .
About 70 people are in intensive care .
Japan has not introduced strict quarantine measures so far , however , residents of Tokyo are told not to go outside unless it is an urgent matter , especially at night .
Local officials are encouraging people to work from home .
Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike has admitted several times that the capital is on the brink of introducing a state of emergency .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .

The majority of cases was detected in Tokyo (66) and Osaka (34), with the total amount of COVID-19 infections reaching 587 in Tokyo and 278 in Osaka.
TOKYO, April 1. /TASS/. Japan has recorded at least 261 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, Japan’s public television informed on Wednesday. This is the highest daily increase in cases in Japan so far.
The total amount of those infected in Japan, including the passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship, has reached 3,202. The country has documented 78 deaths, including 11 deaths among the passengers of the cruise ship. About 70 people are in intensive care.
Japan has not introduced strict quarantine measures so far, however, residents of Tokyo are told not to go outside unless it is an urgent matter, especially at night. Local officials are encouraging people to work from home. Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike has admitted several times that the capital is on the brink of introducing a state of emergency.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-01--Demand for dumbbells and yoga mats in Russia up 6-fold due to self-isolation

`` In general , the demand for sports goods over the past 2 weeks has grown by more than 60 % .
The peak in demand for the category fell on last Saturday , '' analysts said .
In their opinion , this may be due to many Russians transitionning to remote work and an off-work week from March 30 to April 3 .
`` The average bill for the sporting goods category over the past two weeks has not exceeded 3,000 rubles , '' the study said .
MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The demand of Russians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in general for sports goods - by 60 % in the last week of March amid self-isolation due to the spread of coronavirus in Russia , according to a study of Bery marketplace .
Russians were most interested in exercise equipment and fitness products .
Most often , they ordered dumbbells , discs and bars at Beru platform - interest in this category from March 14 to 28 jumped almost 6 times .
Resistance bands were in the second place - the number of orders over the past two weeks has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avito online market , dumbbells and barbells were also in the greatest demand , where supply has grown by 2 % since February and demand by 38 % .
According to the service , yoga mats added 30 % in popularity and home cardio machines ( treadmills and ellipticals ) became 16 % more popular .
`` All fitness centers have recently closed and this caused the first wave of demand for home fitness and sports equipment , the second wave of demand came with a self-isolation mode , when people practicing running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity .
First , the demand was for yoga mats , free weights ( barbells and dumbbells ) , treadmills and ellipticals , '' Managing director Goods and Services at Avito Alexey Kurakin said .
In addition to sports equipment , a lot of orders fell on the category of sports nutrition .
At the same time , Beru analysts recorded a decrease in demand for pre-workout complexes , creatine , amino acids and other nutrition , which is usually used by athletes training in fitness centers .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 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 .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .
So far , a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients having recovered from the illness .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation .

"In general, the demand for sports goods over the past 2 weeks has grown by more than 60%. The peak in demand for the category fell on last Saturday," analysts said. In their opinion, this may be due to many Russians transitionning to remote work and an off-work week from March 30 to April 3. "The average bill for the sporting goods category over the past two weeks has not exceeded 3,000 rubles," the study said.
MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. The demand of Russians for dumbbells and yoga mats increased 6-folds, and in general for sports goods - by 60% in the last week of March amid self-isolation due to the spread of coronavirus in Russia, according to a study of Bery marketplace.
Russians were most interested in exercise equipment and fitness products. Most often, they ordered dumbbells, discs and bars at Beru platform - interest in this category from March 14 to 28 jumped almost 6 times. Resistance bands were in the second place - the number of orders over the past two weeks has grown by almost 5 times. At Avito online market, dumbbells and barbells were also in the greatest demand, where supply has grown by 2% since February and demand by 38%. According to the service, yoga mats added 30% in popularity and home cardio machines (treadmills and ellipticals) became 16% more popular.
"All fitness centers have recently closed and this caused the first wave of demand for home fitness and sports equipment, the second wave of demand came with a self-isolation mode, when people practicing running and other outdoor sports temporarily lost this opportunity. First, the demand was for yoga mats, free weights (barbells and dumbbells), treadmills and ellipticals," Managing director Goods and Services at Avito Alexey Kurakin said.
In addition to sports equipment, a lot of orders fell on the category of sports nutrition. At the same time, Beru analysts recorded a decrease in demand for pre-workout complexes, creatine, amino acids and other nutrition, which is usually used by athletes training in fitness centers.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.
So far, a total of 2,777 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 190 patients having recovered from the illness. The country’s latest data indicates 24 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-01--Scientist: year-round studies on Spitsbergen will continue despite the pandemic

ST. PETERSBURG , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists of the Russian scientific Arctic expedition on the Spitsbergen Archipelago will continue the year-round studies , though seasonal groups of scientists can not get to the station due to closed borders , Deputy Director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute ( AARI ) and the expedition ’ s leader Yuri Ugrumov told TASS on Tuesday .
The Institute earlier wrote on its website that on March 19 a group of scientists could not leave for Spitsbergen as foreigners are not allowed to enter the European Union and Norway due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the program of this field season to the current situation , < … > anyway , we shall complete most works , '' the scientist said .
`` As for the year-round studies , we plan to complete this program fully .
However , some of our colleagues will have to remain longer on Spitsbergen - we are unable to replace them now . ''
Despite the pandemic , the expedition has not suspended scientific studies , he added .
The disease has not been registered among the expedition participants or local residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go to the archipelago as soon as the borders are open .
`` Our 17 experts continue working on Spitsbergen - most of them are staff of the year-round team , which conducts observation and maintains the base in Barentsburg .
The rotation term is every six months .
< … > This year , we have big plans for the expedition season , the first group arrived in early March .
They have completed a program in ocean , glacier and permafrost studies , '' the scientist said .
Barentsburg is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base has a canteen and a shop .
Thus , the expedition members have everything they may need .
The institute plans to send over to the base a container with necessary materials and equipment .

ST. PETERSBURG, April 1. /TASS/. Scientists of the Russian scientific Arctic expedition on the Spitsbergen Archipelago will continue the year-round studies, though seasonal groups of scientists cannot get to the station due to closed borders, Deputy Director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI) and the expedition’s leader Yuri Ugrumov told TASS on Tuesday.
The Institute earlier wrote on its website that on March 19 a group of scientists could not leave for Spitsbergen as foreigners are not allowed to enter the European Union and Norway due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We adjust the program of this field season to the current situation, <…> anyway, we shall complete most works," the scientist said. "As for the year-round studies, we plan to complete this program fully. However, some of our colleagues will have to remain longer on Spitsbergen - we are unable to replace them now."
Despite the pandemic, the expedition has not suspended scientific studies, he added.
The disease has not been registered among the expedition participants or local residents. A new group of Russian scientists will go to the archipelago as soon as the borders are open.
"Our 17 experts continue working on Spitsbergen - most of them are staff of the year-round team, which conducts observation and maintains the base in Barentsburg. The rotation term is every six months. <…> This year, we have big plans for the expedition season, the first group arrived in early March. They have completed a program in ocean, glacier and permafrost studies," the scientist said.
Barentsburg is equipped fully, he added. The base has a canteen and a shop. Thus, the expedition members have everything they may need. The institute plans to send over to the base a container with necessary materials and equipment.


tass--2020-04-01--Over 3,000 infected with coronavirus in Chile

MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in Chile have jumped to 3,031 , up by 293 cases in the past 24 hours , Health Minister Jaime Manalich said on Wednesday .
Manalich added that four people had died over the past day , so the death toll had risen to 16 , while 234 patients had recovered .
Chile reported the first confirmed coronavirus case on March 3 .
On March 18 that South American nation closed borders for foreigners over coronavirus fears .
On March 22 Chile declared a curfew from 10.00 p.m. to 05.00 a.m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in seven districts of capital Santiago .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 .
To date , more than 850,000 people have been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in Chile have jumped to 3,031, up by 293 cases in the past 24 hours, Health Minister Jaime Manalich said on Wednesday.
Manalich added that four people had died over the past day, so the death toll had risen to 16, while 234 patients had recovered.
Chile reported the first confirmed coronavirus case on March 3. On March 18 that South American nation closed borders for foreigners over coronavirus fears. On March 22 Chile declared a curfew from 10.00 p.m. to 05.00 a.m. The government announced a general quarantine in seven districts of capital Santiago.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-01--Number of COVID-19 cases in Iran goes down in all provinces — president

`` The data on all provinces shows a downward trend , '' the president ’ s press service quotes him as saying .
`` This means that the path chosen by our doctors , experts and our nation is the right one . ''
TEHRAN , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 cases has gone down in all Iranian provinces , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani informed on Wednesday .
The Iranian Health Ministry reported the first cases of COVID-19 in the country on February 19 .
The first cases of infection were documented in the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data , 47,593 people have been infected with the virus in Iran , and at least 3,038 people have died .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported .

"The data on all provinces shows a downward trend," the president’s press service quotes him as saying. "This means that the path chosen by our doctors, experts and our nation is the right one."
TEHRAN, April 1. /TASS/. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone down in all Iranian provinces, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani informed on Wednesday.
The Iranian Health Ministry reported the first cases of COVID-19 in the country on February 19. The first cases of infection were documented in the city of Qom. According to the latest official data, 47,593 people have been infected with the virus in Iran, and at least 3,038 people have died.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities 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. To date, more than 850,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 42,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-01--Diplomat says 25,000 Russians willing to return home from abroad due to coronavirus

Only Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport will be open for such flights , setting a quota of 500 people a day for those returning to the capital city , Moscow , and that of 200 people a day for passengers heading elsewhere in Russia MOSCOW , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
About 25,000 Russians have expressed the desire to return to their home country because of coronavirus-related restrictions , Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Consular Department Ivan Volynkin said on Wednesday at a meeting of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house ) Foreign Affairs Committee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 25,000 such citizens abroad who have expressed the desire to return to Russia , '' he stated .
The diplomat noted that the Foreign Ministry ’ s Crisis Management Center was in charge of the evacuation of those Russians who are currently abroad for one reason or another .
`` The issues related to arranging flights to evacuate Russian citizens are being addressed .
All embassies and consulates have been in touch with the Russians , '' he stressed .
According to Volynkin , flights are performed daily , a certain procedure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Moscow-based crisis center earlier decided to curtail international flights to evacuate Russian citizens from abroad from March 31 .
Russia ’ s Federal Air Transport Agency earlier informed that only Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport would be open for such flights .
The latter should number not more than 500 people a day as returning to the capital city , Moscow .
The quota for other Russian cities is not more than 200 people a day .

Only Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport will be open for such flights, setting a quota of 500 people a day for those returning to the capital city, Moscow, and that of 200 people a day for passengers heading elsewhere in Russia
MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. About 25,000 Russians have expressed the desire to return to their home country because of coronavirus-related restrictions, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department Ivan Volynkin said on Wednesday at a meeting of the Russian Federation Council (upper house) Foreign Affairs Committee. "At the moment, there are about 25,000 such citizens abroad who have expressed the desire to return to Russia," he stated.
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The diplomat noted that the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Management Center was in charge of the evacuation of those Russians who are currently abroad for one reason or another. "The issues related to arranging flights to evacuate Russian citizens are being addressed. All embassies and consulates have been in touch with the Russians," he stressed. According to Volynkin, flights are performed daily, a certain procedure has been established, given arrival restrictions.


tass--2020-04-01--Two Russian Navy ships make call at South Africa’s Cape Town

A coronavirus quarantine , which is in effect in Cape Town and on the entire territory of the Republic of South Africa , stalled the ceremony to welcome the Russian ships by representatives of the South African Army , the Mayor ’ s Office and the public PRETORIA , April 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Navy ’ s guard ship Yaroslav Mudry and sea tanker Yelnya have called at the port of Cape Town in South Africa , a spokesperson for the Russian Consulate General in that country told TASS on Tuesday .
`` The ships have arrived from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies in South Africa for accomplishing upcoming missions in their long-distance deployment .
The ships have arrived in the republic after their anti-piracy watch , '' the spokesperson said .
A coronavirus quarantine is in effect in Cape Town and on the entire territory of the Republic of South Africa .
That is why , the ceremony to welcome the Russian ships by representatives of the South African Army , the Mayor ’ s Office and the public on March 31 has been cancelled .
`` Unfortunately , Cape Town has been unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their crews due to the restrictions imposed in the Republic of South Africa over the coronavirus spread , '' Consul of the Russian Consulate General in Cape Town Yevgeny Kosenkov told TASS .
The Yaroslav Mudry and the Yelnya will stay in the port of Cape Town for several days .
As South Africa ’ s Defense Web portal reported , the two Russian Navy ships are following the pipe-laying vessel Akademik Cherskiy , which after its stop in Mozambique sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and entered the Atlantic Ocean .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Yelnya moored at Cape Town , the Akademik Cherskiy was sailing near the coast of Namibia towards one of the ports of Angola , according to the web portal .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group comprising the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry and the sea tanker Yelnya embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet ’ s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set off for the Indian Ocean .
In December , the warships took part for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Indian drills and in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers .
On January 21-22 , 2020 , the Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group held anti-piracy drills with the destroyer Harusame of Japan ’ s Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Arabian Sea .
Following the route of Russian barques The naval ships Yaroslav Mudry and Yelnya arrived in Cape Town two weeks after the two Russian windjammers — the frigate Pallada and the barque Sedov called at the port .
The sail ships are making a round-the-world voyage devoted to the 200th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russian explorers and the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 .
The festive ceremonies held aboard the Pallada and the Sedov on March 18 to hand over two copies of the Victory Banner were the main event of the stay of the sail ships ’ crews in the south of Africa .
The copies of the Victory Banner were received by representatives of the Russian diplomatic corps and military diplomats for keeping them on South African soil .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Russia ’ s Consulate General in Cape Town are operating on the territory of the Republic of South Africa .
The Russian representatives in South Africa also received two Immortal Regiment Banners .
The Immortal Regiment march is held on May 9 in many cities of the world to commemorate those who fought or died in World War II .
For the entire Russian community in the south of Africa , the Immortal Regiment Banner is a very important symbol of unity as it has become a tradition to hold Immortal Regiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Victory Day .
This year , these marches will be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town with the original banners of this popular movement .

A coronavirus quarantine, which is in effect in Cape Town and on the entire territory of the Republic of South Africa, stalled the ceremony to welcome the Russian ships by representatives of the South African Army, the Mayor’s Office and the public
PRETORIA, April 1. /TASS/. The Russian Navy’s guard ship Yaroslav Mudry and sea tanker Yelnya have called at the port of Cape Town in South Africa, a spokesperson for the Russian Consulate General in that country told TASS on Tuesday. "The ships have arrived from the Indian Ocean and are now replenishing supplies in South Africa for accomplishing upcoming missions in their long-distance deployment. The ships have arrived in the republic after their anti-piracy watch," the spokesperson said.
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A coronavirus quarantine is in effect in Cape Town and on the entire territory of the Republic of South Africa. That is why, the ceremony to welcome the Russian ships by representatives of the South African Army, the Mayor’s Office and the public on March 31 has been cancelled. "Unfortunately, Cape Town has been unable to worthily welcome the Russian ships and their crews due to the restrictions imposed in the Republic of South Africa over the coronavirus spread," Consul of the Russian Consulate General in Cape Town Yevgeny Kosenkov told TASS. The Yaroslav Mudry and the Yelnya will stay in the port of Cape Town for several days. As South Africa’s Defense Web portal reported, the two Russian Navy ships are following the pipe-laying vessel Akademik Cherskiy, which after its stop in Mozambique sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and entered the Atlantic Ocean. At the time when the Yaroslav Mudry and the Yelnya moored at Cape Town, the Akademik Cherskiy was sailing near the coast of Namibia towards one of the ports of Angola, according to the web portal. The Baltic Fleet’s naval group comprising the guard ship Yaroslav Mudry and the sea tanker Yelnya embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet’s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set off for the Indian Ocean. In December, the warships took part for the first time in the naval phase of the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian drills and in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers. On January 21-22, 2020, the Baltic Fleet’s naval group held anti-piracy drills with the destroyer Harusame of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Arabian Sea.
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