Dario Salvi

Police identified centers that offered treatment to people with symptoms related to coronavirus. The patients were all foreigners, mainly Chinese. The fear is that the sick could still be infected and spread the virus. In the archipelago over 15500 infections and 921 official victims.

The pandemic could wipe out millions of jobs, primarily in tourism (2.5 million out of 3.9). Also, at risk are manufacturing (25 per cent) and the services sector (43 per cent). Only the food and electronics sectors are spared. Koh Lan island is set to reopen for tourism on 1 June.

Last Saturday, a man attacked the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church in Galata, Istanbul’s oldest Armenian Apostolic church. For an Armenian member of the Turkish parliament, attacks against Christian places of worship continue. Hate speech by those in power is normalising criminal behaviour. Earlier this month, the door of another Armenian church was set on fire.

Reza Ashrafi killed 14-year-old Romina in her sleep. Previously the girl had run away with a 34-year-old man. For critics, it is an example of "institutionalized violence" in a country linked to a "patriarchal" idea of ​​the family and society. The murderer faces three to 10 years in prison.

Trade reaches 5.36 billion dollars, down from 8.76 in 2019. Imports from China to Iran mark a + 3%. The reverse volume of business is falling, from Tehran to Beijing, which is down 61%. In addition to Covid-19, the drop in crude oil prices represents 80% of exports.

Lebanon’s economic crisis and the world pandemic have made life much harder for migrant workers in the Mideast country. More than 250,000 foreign migrants work in Lebanon, mainly from the Philippines, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. In the Philippine Embassy’s reception centre, safety rules and rights are not respected. For one Ethiopian activist, “We are invisible.”

The closures imposed by the virus provide an opportunity for "meditation and reflection" on Christ's teachings to mature "in faith and vocation". The crisis is "violent" but "transitory" and humanity will emerge "stronger". The return to faith, the maturation of a domestic Church with the contribution of the Holy Spirit. From religious leaders the common commitment against extremism and violence.

Starting today, the Christian leaders announce the green light to entrances, for a maximum of 50 people. Respect for social distance and the obligation to wear personal protective equipment are fundamental. In the Islamic Republic, Shiite mosques and shrines reopen. Gradual easing also for the Saudis, who set the end of the lockdown on 21 June.

Yesterday clerics from the three Churches that manage the Holy Sepulchre were able to visit the church, which remains closed to the public. For the Custody of the Holy Land, the three Churches are working out the public safety guidelines, which will include a closed number, social distancing, and safety measures.

On the fifth anniversary of the encyclical, the local Church publishes a guide to be distributed to the communities. Inside there are illustrated reflections and directives to fully live the teaching of the pontiff. Bagaforo: the Covid-19 pandemic linked to the destruction of out habitat. Fr. Gariguez: promoting ecological awareness.

One of the most important dates in Islam will be marked by lockdown, restrictions and social distancing. Most countries have banned lavish communal meals and feasts. In Dubai, the police will carry thermal detectors. People not wearing masks risk hefty fines. Public transit has been banned in Egypt.

Archbishop Hinder confirms that the medical emergency linked to the new coronavirus is getting worse. In San’a, Aden and other cities it has reached critical levels. MSF launches an appeal to the UN and donor countries. We need protection and support tools for health workers. High mortality rate, victims between 40 and 60 years old. 68 patients out of a total of 173 hospitalized.