The world has reached the grim milestone of its millionth officially recorded case of coronavirus, but global health officials and policymakers are warning that it is still the early stage of a longer, arduous journey. Experts believe that there remains a very large number of undetected cases all over the world, especially in poorer countries and isolated areas. Our shared challenge in the months to come will be to address the trials faced by the world’s poor and vulnerable, as well as to provide assistance to less developed nations, where the virus is likely to wreak havoc.
In Iraq, for instance, where nearly 700 people have tested positive thus far, the World Health Organisation said that cases of coronavirus are expected to rise significantly. Baghdad’s biggest challenges are its crumbling healthcare infrastructure and scarce number of testing kits, compounded by a lack of funds. Although authorities have established a nationwide curfew and restricted travel, many Iraqis have blatantly disregarded these measures. Militia leaders have encouraged reckless behaviour, with populist cleric Moqtada Al Sadr initially urging his followers to go about their business as usual and spreading conspiracy theories about coronavirus.
But even in places where such rhetoric is less of an issue, it is difficult to convince the poor, many of whom rely on daily wages to make ends meet, to stop working without providing any compensation. In Tunisia, hundreds of protesters have gathered in working class neighbourhoods to demonstrate against stay-at-home measures. "Never mind coronavirus, we're going to die anyway. Let us work," one bricklayer shouted. "Let me at least bring bread home for my children." Social safety nets are needed to allow working people to afford staying in. Low-income earners, those without savings and those who rely on daily wages face tough times ahead.Stimulus packages are also important to keep the economy afloat and to save millions of jobs.
In times of pandemic, nations can only be as healthy as their most vulnerable people. Coronavirus is especially dangerous for those over the age of 60, patients with underlying medical conditions, and the health workers who care for them day and night. In Spain and Italy, thousands of medical staff have contracted Covid-19. A shortage of personal protective equipment in the US and Europe has made it difficult for doctors and nurses in these places to stay safe.
In times of pandemic, nations can only be as healthy as their most vulnerable people
But staying at home and having access to financial aid and protective gear is sometimes not enough. For victims of domestic abuse, staying in can mean being trapped in a confined space with their aggressors for an indefinite amount of time. This is all the more dangerous as police, charities and hospitals are now overwhelmed with coronavirus cases, with their resources and attention stretched. Women and children trapped in abusive homes must not become the collateral victims of Covid-19. Authorities have to work on identifying those who require help, and offer them alternative shelter away from their aggressors.
Everywhere in the world, Covid-19 has not erased existing problems, such as domestic abuse, poverty and under-resourced healthcare services. On the contrary, it has put additional strain on issues that have not previously been dealt with. To truly keep as many people as possible safe during this pandemic, we must also address these underlying causes.
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
Chelsea 2 Burnley 3
Chelsea Morata (69'), Luiz (88') Burnley Vokes (24', 43'), Ward (39') Red cards Cahill, Fabregas (Chelsea)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11 What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time. TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
The bio
Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi
Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup
All matches in Bulawayo Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
