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SASKATOON
ASIAN NEWSWEEK
www.sask-asiannews.com Monday, April 6, 2020 Vol.85 FREE
Emergency Support Program for The Pandemic will Plunge the World
Saskatchewan Small Businesses into a New Great Depression
Canada’s Special Immigration Canada Still Processing Visa, eTA,
Measures Study, and Immigration Applications
Canadian Parliament
For the
Forsafety of our
the safety ofcommunities,
our communities,Saskatoon AsianAsian
Saskatoon Newsweek would
Newsweek like to
would remind
like you that
to remind you due
that to the
Covid-19 virus if you are returning from out of the country, stay home and self-isolate for
due to the Covid-19 virus if you are returning from out of the country, stay home and self- 14 days, keep
a social distance for at least 2 meters, wash your hands frequently and communicate with
isolate for 14 days, keep a social distance for at least 2 meters, wash your hands frequently your friends
and loved ones by text, with
and communicate phone, orfriends
your face time.
and loved ones by text, phone, or face time.
Stay Stay
a safea and
safe strong. We will
and strong. Weovercome this situation.
will overcome this situation.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Saskatoon AsianAsian
Saskatoon Newsweek.
Newsweek.
Saskatoon Asian Newsweek Contents
302-914 Heritage View, Saskatoon SK S7H 5T1
www.sask-asiannews.com 4. Coronavirus: Latest Update on Canada’s Special Immigration Measures
5. Canada Still Processing Visa, eTA, Study, and Immigration Applications
info@sask-asiannews.com
6. Students with Soon-to-Expire Quebec Acceptance Certificates Granted Extension
Tel. 306-241-8262 6. Canada is Sending the Right Immigration Signals to the World
8. Coronavirus: The Disease Covid-19
Jon Park: Publisher / Editor
jonpark@sask-asiannews.com 9. Emergency Support Program for Saskatchewan Small Businesses
10. 13 New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Saskatchewan
Edward Park: Editor-in-Chief
epark@sask-asiannews.com 10. Saskatchewan Launches Business Response Team
Georgina Bone: Senior writer 11. Premier Announces Financial Support Plan for Saskatchewan Employers and…
lee.gina@sasktel.net 18. Researchers: Micro-Organism Protects Mosquitoes from Malaria
Dr. Daniel Huang : Senior Editor 19. Protestants in China Fear their Churches will Become Invisible
Danielhuang@sask-asiannews.com
19. Chinese Diplomats and Doctors at Kim Jong-un's Deathbed
Maria Yoo: Reporter
ayyoo@sask-asiannews.com 20. Hong Kong Scientists Say China had Four Times More Coronavirus Cases than ..
Mary Joyce Malayba: Editor 20. Indonesia: The Epidemic Also Stops the Mudik
mjmalayba@sask-asiannews.com 21. South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan: Beating the Pandemic without a Lockdown
Md Majharul Islam: Web & Graphic Designer 22. Coronavirus: Seoul, only 13 Infections Today. Churches Reopen
shovon0014@icloud.com
22. Dhaka, 15 Thousand Textile Workers Lose Their Jobs in Coronavirus Crisis
Rebecka Park : Photographer
rpark@sask-asiannews.com 23. Duterte Threatens Martial Law for Those who Violate Anti-COVID-19 Rules
Isagani Fabi: Editor 23. COVID-19: Taiwan Donates 500,000 Masks to Italy
isagani.fabi@yahoo.ca 24. North Korean Exile Thae Yong-ho Wins a Seat in Seoul's Parliament
Teresa Kim: Editor 24. IMF: The Pandemic Will Plunge the World into a New Great Depression
hjkim@sask-asiannews.com
25. South China Sea: Philippines Criticises China, sides with Vietnam
Kevin M. Jung: Editor
kjung@sask-asiannews.com 26. Contaminated COVID-19 Testing Kits 'Made in China' Sold in US
26. Community info. /
For advertising or subscriptions call 306-241-8262 or send an e-mail to info@sask-asiannews.com
Coronavirus: Latest Update on Canada’s Special
Immigration Measures
A summary of major Canadian immigration developments over the past three weeks
their situation. They can expect IRCC to applications. However, Canada has
advise them about the next steps. postponed the opening of the 2020 parents
and grandparents immigration program.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Canada (IRCC) recommends checking their Canada considers the following to be
webpage for the most recent updates before immediate family members:
travelling to Canada.
spouses and common-law partners
It is also mandatory for all travellers to self- dependent children
isolate for 14 days after their arrival to dependent grandchildren
The Canadian government has made Canada. As of today, April 15, all new arrivals parents or step-parents
sweeping changes affecting travel and to Canada must wear a mask or face covering a parent’s or step-parent’s spouse or
immigration services during the before they can proceed to their final common-law partner
coronavirus pandemic. destination. They must also have a credible a guardian or tutor (same legal concept)
quarantine plan, or they will be forced to Travellers who fall into one of these
Canada has implemented travel restrictions stay in a hotel. categories must self-identify to airlines by
and modified immigration policies to both presenting documented proof of their
help contain the spread of the coronavirus What do Canada’s special relationship to a Canadian citizen or
while at the same time serving the needs of measures mean for immigrants? permanent resident.
immigrants, foreign workers, international Economic class: Express Entry and PNP
students, and Canadian employers. draws continuing Refugee class significantly affected
during coronavirus response
Here is an overview of major immigration- Four Express Entry draws have happened
related developments since the federal since March 18. Two of them happened on Canada has temporarily paused its refugee
government began rolling out changes in the same day last week. In addition, Alberta, resettlement programs.
March 2020. B.C., Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have held
Provincial Nominee Program draws. In addition, Canada will no longer interview
refugee claimants in person or process
Who is exempt from Canadian
Last week, B.C. also invited 18 refugee protection claimant document
travel restrictions?
entrepreneurs to take the next steps toward renewals in person. IRCC will contact
The following are among the list of people
obtaining permanent residence. refugee claimants, who had scheduled
allowed to enter Canada by land or air while
interviews, to let them know when the new
the travel restrictions are in place until June
IRCC has confirmed that Express Entry interview will be.
30, 2020:
draws will continue, and they will also
continue to process applications for Refugee claimants who need to update their
*Canadian citizens
permanent residence. However, IRCC has contact information can use the IRCC web
*Permanent residents
indicated there may be delays in processing form.
*Immediate family of Canadian citizens and
for those who are approved for permanent
permanent residents
residence after March 18. These applicants Immigration loan collections are also being
*Permanent resident applicants who had
will likely not have their application suspended until September 2020. IRCC
been approved for permanent residence
processed within six months. offers these loans to eligible immigrants,
prior to March 18 and who had not yet
mainly refugees, providing them access to
travelled to Canada
Family class least impacted by funding that would otherwise not be
*Temporary foreign workers
special measures available to them. Questions pertaining to
*International students who held a valid
immigration loans can be forwarded to IRCC
study permit or who had been approved for
Family class immigration has been the least by calling 1-800-667-7301.
one before March 18
affected by the travel restrictions.
*Transiting passengers
Immediate family members of citizens and Temporary foreign workers
Confirmation of Permanent Residence
permanent residents are still allowed to exempt from travel restrictions
enter the country, spousal and common-law Foreign nationals are still allowed to travel
(COPR) holders who are unable to travel
sponsorship applications are being to Canada for work, even with the travel
because of coronavirus-related disruptions
processed as usual, with IRCC allowing some restrictions in place.
can contact IRCC via its web form to explain
flexibility in submitting incomplete
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 4
The worker may not be required to organization. This letter may come from a
obtain a work permit if they are: federal, provincial, or municipal government If in-class courses were moved to an online-
entity for emergency services providers, only format in response to the coronavirus
Providers of emergency or medical services teaching institutions for medical students or outbreak, international students will still be
for the protection or preservation of life or shipping agents for people joining vessel eligible for the Post-Graduation Work
property (such as firefighters); crews. Permit (PGWP) program.
Students in a health field, including as a
medical elective or clinical clerk at a Canada is also easing the process for This includes students who have a study
Canadian medical teaching institution, if employers to hire foreign workers in critical permit, or who were approved for a program
they have written approval from the body industries such as agriculture, food that is starting in May or June, but who are
that regulates that field; processing and trucking. Employers hiring unable to travel to Canada amid travel
Foreign nationals seeking to enter and for 10 occupations from these industries can restrictions. International students in this
remain in Canada solely to become a skip past the advertising requirement for situation can begin their classes while
member of a transportation crew, including their Labour Market Impact Assessment. outside Canada and may complete up to half
a vessel engaged in international of their program while abroad if they cannot
transportation. International students travel to Canada sooner.
These foreign nationals can self-identify to International students who were approved
airlines by presenting documents such as a for a study permit on or before March 18 are April 15, 2020 By Shelby Thevenot
letter of invitation from a relevant Canadian exempt from travel restrictions.
Canada Still Processing Visa, eTA, Study, and Immigration
Applications
IRCC will do its best to process study permit applications in time for the fall 2020
registration cycle
In an announcement made on April 10, 2020, Current travel restrictions have caused the
IRCC also stated that study permit suspension of processing of non-essential
applications will continue to be processed visitor visa applications, which IRCC said
“to the extent possible” ahead of the fall will allow resources to be reallocated and
academic term. concentrated on essential services.
Study permit applicants now have 90 days The global spread of COVID-19 has led to the
instead of the usual 30 days to provide introduction of new immigration measures
biometric data. Many visa application affecting foreign nationals, particularly
centers that provide this service are temporary foreign workers, their families
temporarily closed, as a special measure, and international students. Despite these
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship due to the coronavirus pandemic. recent developments, IRCC has announced a
Canada (IRCC) says it will continue to significant number of exemptions and has
Only students with a study permit issued
process visa and electronic travel repeatedly stated that it will continue to
before travel restrictions took effect on
authorization (eTA) applications for those process applications submitted under its
March 18, 2020, are currently allowed to
who are exempt from travel restrictions, various immigration programs.
come to Canada.
with a particular focus on temporary foreign Workers, students, and visitors, who qualify
worker applications related to essential Applications for permanent residence
for an exemption to travel restrictions, are
medical services and food supply chain continue to be processed as well. However,
being asked to apply online. April 14, 2020
services. only permanent residents who have been
By Alexandra Miekus
approved before March 16, 2020, can come
to Canada at the moment.
www.sask-asiannews.com
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 5
Students with Soon-to-Expire Quebec Acceptance
Certificates Granted Extension
announcement on Thursday, April 30, and to renew their study permit with the federal
said the decision was a response to the government because they will temporarily
concerns of its many partners in the not be required to have to go through a CAQ
education sector during the current renewal process.
pandemic.
“These students can therefore submit an
“This decision is intended to facilitate the application to the federal government as
steps that must be taken by foreign students soon as possible to have their study permit
who were in the process of completing their extended without having to include a new
study program but who must extend their CAQ, which will allow them to maintain valid
stay in Quebec due to the current health temporary residence status and to complete
state of emergency and the temporary their study program when their courses
interruption of their courses,” states the resume,” says the government.
Quebec Immigration Ministry website.
Quebec’s Immigration Ministry announced
Foreign students will not be required to pay
that foreign students whose Quebec
Most individuals who intend to study in any fees for extending their CAQ.
Acceptance Certificates are set to expire
Quebec must obtain a CAQ before they can
have been granted an automatic extension
apply to the Canadian federal immigration The measure announced today does not
until December 31, 2020.
authorities for a Study Permit. apply to students who wish to obtain a CAQ
The Government of Quebec will
for the fall semester or those who have a
automatically extend Quebec Acceptance
Quebec’s Immigration Ministry wants to CAQ that expires after December 31, 2020,
Certificates (CAQ) issued to foreign students
avoid unfairly penalizing foreign students the ministry said.
if they were set to expire between April 30,
who may not have been able to complete
2020, and December 31, 2020.
their program of study as planned in the Quebec has nearly 90,000 foreign students.
winter or summer of 2020 because of the Its international student population has
The Ministry of Immigration, Francization
coronavirus crisis. The automatic extension doubled since 2013.
and Integration (MIFI) made the
of CAQs will make it easier for these students
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Canada is Sending the Right Immigration Signals to the
World
After coronavirus, Canada will be viewed in a positive light globally for the efforts it
is taking to accommodate immigrants.
But, it is also seeking to strike a balance The most notable measure was the decision
between containing COVID-19 while to restrict travel into the country until June
enabling global talent and foreign nationals 30th, although several major exceptions
into the country. This is due to Canada’s were made.
recognition that newcomers are part of the Recognizing that the immigration system
solution to supporting its economy during would face significant disruptions due to
this challenging period, as well as the developments that are both within its
country’s unwavering commitment to control as well as beyond its control, Canada
reuniting family members even in the wake has taken additional steps to try to keep its
of its travel restrictions. immigration system running as smoothly as
possible.
Canada may be the most open country on Canada doing everything it can to For instance, Canada has stated that no
the planet right now. accommodate immigrants immigration application will be refused due
Countries around the world have shut their to incomplete documentation. Rather, the
borders, closed their airports, and imposed On March 16, 2020, Canada unveiled federal government will provide applicants
lockdowns to fight the deadly coronavirus. special immigration measures related to the with more time to obtain their documents
Canada, too, has implemented such coronavirus pandemic. before it makes a decision on their
emergency measures. application.
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 6
Make no mistake about it, Canada’s The decision to allow some international foreign workers. Irrespective of their
immigration system is facing disruptions. students to pursue online study and remain immigration status, individuals within
Canadian government officials must work eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit Canada may be eligible for vital government
remotely to protect their health and safety was a major one. The majority of Canada’s income support such as Employment
as well as the safety of their families, friends, international students are interested in Insurance or the new Canadian Emergency
and communities. They are also responding transitioning to permanent residence. Hence, Response Benefit.
to competing priorities to navigate this crisis the PGWP is a critical stepping stone in Here, Canada is telling the world that even
which is requiring them to divert their helping them achieve their immigration goal. if you are not a citizen or permanent
attention from their day-to-day immigration Canada recognized it would be unfair to resident of our country, we will stand by you
responsibilities. deem students ineligible for the PGWP due to provide you with as much support during
Factors beyond Canada’s control include to circumstances completely out of the this difficult time.
people overseas facing lockdowns, travel student’s control (that the student was
restrictions, service disruptions, and other forced to pursue online instructions due to Immigration will help Canada
obstacles that are hindering the ability of the cancellation of classes to prevent the recover from the coronavirus
foreign nationals to come to Canada or spread of the coronavirus). crisis
submit a completed immigration application. Time will only tell if Canada chooses to take
Nonetheless, Canada is doing its best to its PGWP flexibility one step further. We are currently living in an
adapt which is sending the right signals to If public health officials advise the federal unprecedented moment in history that is
foreign nationals around the world. government to extend its coronavirus taking a significant toll on the emotional,
That is: we will do everything we can to containment measures, Canada may feel the physical, and financial health of us all.
accommodate your immigration goals and need to enable the September 2020 cohort Nevertheless, it is important to remember
help you during this period of need. of international students to also be able to that we will eventually get through this
access online courses while remaining difficult period and once we get a chance to
Permanent residents eligible for the PGWP. catch our breath, we will look back at how
This may be necessary anyway, given governments around the world responded
Consider that despite all that is happening international students may struggle to find to the crisis.
in the world, Canada continues to hold available flights or face other disruptions On the immigration front, it is difficult to
Express Entry draws. that could prevent them from being in criticize Canada’s response and it appears
Four Express Entry draws have taken place Canada in time for September 2020 classes. very likely that Canada will be lauded for the
in the three weeks following the travel compassion it has shown to immigrants of
restrictions being announced, including two Foreign workers all stripes during a period where it is very
draws on April 9 that saw Canada issue a well within its right to shut down its borders
total of 3,900 invitations to apply for Temporary foreign workers (TFWs) are and immigration system.
permanent residence. largely exempt from the travel restrictions Immigration has various short-, medium-,
In addition, British Columbia, Alberta, given how important they are to Canada’s and long-term benefits for Canada and a
Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have all had economy. Canada has sought ways to make very strong argument can be made that
Provincial Nominee Program draws. it easier for employers to hire TFWs by facilitating immigration even during this
Permanent residents outside of Canada are loosening Labour Market Impact crisis is necessary.
being accommodated in a number of ways. Assessment rules in priority occupations in In the short run, permanent residents,
They are still able to travel to Canada. And, the agri-food and transportation sectors. foreign workers, and international students
those who received a confirmation of Such flexibility is crucial to helping will help to stimulate economic activity in
permanent residence (COPR) prior to March employers access workers to help sustain Canada which will help to alleviate the
16 are also able to come to Canada. Canada’s food supply. economic strain Canada is currently under.
In the medium- and long-term, immigrants
International students Assistance for newcomers in will be key to keeping Canada prosperous
Canada since they will spur economic activity as
Some international students are exempt workers, consumers, and taxpayers.
from Canada’s travel restrictions, but Much of the financial support announced by
Canada took a step further recently to try to Canada in recent weeks is available to April 13, 2020 By Kareem El-Assal
accommodate even more international immigrants who are Canadian citizens or
students. permanent residents, as well as
international students and temporary
www.sask-asiannews.com
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 7
Coronavirus: The Disease Covid-19
will be using your fingers to use the keys the day. Use a thin cloth and a disinfectant
Things You Should Sanitize In again for unlocking the door. So whenever liquid for cleaning the remote surface.
Your Home Right Now you return home, clean your house keys
By: Bhavesh Bhimani properly with a disinfectant spray and make 6. Courier packages
sure you leave them to dry at the door. It is very likely that you are ordering plenty
Keeping our houses clean has suddenly of stuff online these days so as to avoid a trip
become the most important part of our lives 3. Doorknobs and light switches to the crowded supermarket. While that is
right now in the COVID-19 pandemic. To Doorknobs and light switches are perhaps good, you must also be careful about the
keep the novel coronavirus at bay, one of the the most frequently touched surfaces in your delivery packages you receive. Before taking
things that have been advocated by all home. Now that most of us are quarantined the packages and products into your house,
experts is to keep ourselves and our at home, they will be touched regularly; you must sanitize the box thoroughly. The
surrounding areas free of all kinds of germs. more than we realize, in fact. It would hence delivery guy might have taken all the
Now that most of us are self-quarantined, be best to make it a habit of cleaning and necessary precautions while delivering the
everyone is desperately trying to clean every wiping down all doorknobs in the house product, but you have to be cautious. If the
part of their homes. with a disinfectant spray. You should be package has come in a box, then make sure
particularly careful about the ones leading that it is properly discarded first. Then, after
This is a good thing, obviously. But our home out and in through the front door. For the you have washed your hands, you can
consists of numerous little objects. How do switches, especially the ones by your front proceed to clean the contents of the package.
we know what to clean and what to let go of? door and in your kitchen, you can spray the
Here, we have listed 10 essential household disinfectant liquid on a clean cloth and 7. Toilet handle
things that you simply must disinfect during lightly rub it on them up and down to ensure If you knew the kind of germs and bacteria
the coronavirus pandemic. Once you have they are thoroughly cleaned. that have made your bathroom their home,
made this a habit, your home will remain a you would probably be horrified. What’s
clean and safe place always even after the 4. Work desk more, bacteria and germs find it easier to
current crisis is over. Your word desk is one of those objects in multiply in the bathroom, as it typically is a
your house that you touch frequently with more humid environment and is used
1. Smartphones your hands but tend to forget about easily. repeatedly throughout the day. Not cleaning
About a month back, if someone would have There are so many things we place on our your bathroom on a regular basis allows
asked you to clean your smartphone every work table regularly – smartphone, keys, bacteria to collect in areas we don't expect,
single day, you would have probably scoffed wallet, mugs, stationery, etc. The table can the toilet handle being one of them. Wiping
at them. But things have changed drastically be easily contaminated, but we hardly down the toilet flush handles and buttons is
now. bother to clean it routinely. the most important, as they are likely to be
This is probably that one item you touch the flowing with germs.
most today and it is unavoidable. Thus, it is In the current situation, though, it is Doing it all throughout the day is, of course,
imperative that you disinfect your phone's essential that you wipe your work table not possible. Thus, as you are about to call it
screen properly every day. Experts say that thoroughly at least once a day. Use a cloth a night, just sanitize the toilet flush handle
not wiping down your mobile phone screen and a multipurpose cleanser for this by spraying some good germicidal liquid on
every day with a disinfectant might end up purpose and clean the desk ideally at the end it.
neutralizing the benefits of handwashing. of the day. Also, make sure that the surface
Also, remember that your mouth comes in of your work table is not unnecessary 8. Bathroom sink
close contact with the phone every time you cluttered with items. The emptier it is, the The sink is the second most infected area in
are on a call. We don’t know what easier it will be to clean. the entire bathroom. As much as 71% of its
contaminated particles might have latched surface is covered in bacteria, according to
themselves on the screen. The best way to 5. Remote controls experts. The entire sink area, including the
counter this is by wiping down your mobile Another household item that you are taps, can be infected with deadly bacteria
phone screen at least twice or thrice a day. inadvertently touching a lot right now is like E. coli, Streptococcus and
your TV remote control. This is because Staphylococcus. So, you might be feeling
2. House keys most of us are watching a lot of television at good about using the sink tap to wash your
Even though you might be quarantined at present after being forced to stay shut inside hands to avoid being infected by the
home, you cannot stop using your house our home. That, however, also means that coronavirus. But do remember that in these
keys. You touch them regularly, at least once the TV remotes (along with other controllers) times, you never know what else you might
or twice a day while locking and unlocking need to be consistently cleaned right now, as be bringing in accidentally in your hands
the door. You might also be putting the keys your fingers are constantly touching their while touching the sink. An anti-bacterial
in your pockets while going out to buy buttons. The best thing to do is to wipe them spray is hence a must to get rid of all those
groceries. When you return, you might well clean at night as you are winding down for nasty pathogens.
be carrying some germs in your hands and
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 8
Doing this routinely will keep your dining water bottles, hair ties, etc. All of these items
9. Dining table and kitchen counters table and kitchen counter area free of have the risk of being infected with germs
Do you clean your dining table and kitchen bacteria and grime, and it will also ensure from your hands at some point during the
counter every night after dinner? If not, then that you don’t pass on any germs to the day. Also, the nightstand is generally close to
consider it. Your dining table and kitchen person who sits on the table after you. Also, your head, making you even more
counter have to be a germ-free zone always; if you have dirty dishes that you can’t do vulnerable. Thus, make sure you have
now more than ever. Thus, after each meal, before bed, then simply soak them in the cleared the clutter off your bedside table
you should first use a simple cloth to clean sink overnight as they will be easier to wash before going to sleep and don’t forget to give
the surface of the table of any leftover in the morning. it a good wipe to keep it germ-free.
crumbs. Then, use a multi-purpose cleaner
to spray on the entire area and proceed to 10. Bedside table News released April 8, 2020
wipe it with the cloth. You keep a lot of things on your bedside
table – books, eyeglasses, phone, keys, coins,
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Support Program for Saskatchewan Small
Businesses
Released on April 9, 2020 To give maximum flexibility to businesses, waiving Workers Compensation Board
the grant is not dedicated to specific cost premium penalties until June 30, 2020.
pressures. Through the consultation
“COVID-19 is having a significant impact on
process, many businesses made it clear they
business and our economy,” Regina and
are facing acute cash flow pressures in the
immediate term due to fixed overhead costs, District Chamber of Commerce CEO John
Hopkins said. “We applaud the Government
such as rent and lease payments. The SSBEP
of Saskatchewan for introducing the
will help businesses address these
Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency
immediate pressures.
Payment and for hearing our concerns about
the lack of business cash flow because of
COVID-19. Many businesses are facing
To be eligible for the SSBEP, a business
critical decisions about the future and the
must:
need for cash flow now to help with
Saskatchewan small businesses will receive -have been fully operational on February 29, expenses like rents or leases. The reality
additional provincial support to help deal 2020; that the payment will be expedited is also
with current COVID-19 challenges through vital at this time of need and we commend
the new Saskatchewan Small Business -have ceased or curtailed operations as a the government for its understanding of the
Emergency Payment (SSBEP). result of the COVID-19 public health order; plight of business.”
The $50 million program will provide -have less than 500 employees; and “CFIB is pleased the Government of
financial support to small and medium-sized -commit to reopen business operations Saskatchewan has heard the concerns of the
businesses that have had to temporarily following the cancellation of the COVID-19 business community and appreciates this
close or significantly curtail operations as a public health order. support, which will help to address
result of the COVID-19 pandemic. immediate cash flow issues businesses are
dealing with,” CFIB Vice-President Western
“We have heard from our business
The development of SSBEP is the result of Canada and Agri-business Marilyn Braun-
community and understand the
extensive consultations with the business Pollon said. “The flexibility and timeliness of
unprecedented challenges that they are
community since COVID-19 restrictions this funding will help businesses allocate the
facing,” Premier Scott Moe said. “Our
began. The program was designed to be dollars as needed during this difficult time.”
government is providing critical support for
businesses that have had to fully or partially simple and provide businesses with timely “Our members are experiencing significant
close their doors to protect public health and access to funding. cash flow issues as the result of this
reduce the spread of COVID-19. This is a pandemic and we appreciate the provincial
The Government of Saskatchewan will be
significant first step in our economic government stepping up with this new
requesting that the federal government
recovery efforts and we are committed to program,” North Saskatoon Business
exempt the SSBEP from business income for
continuing to work with businesses through Association Executive Director Keith Moen
tax purposes.
this uncertain time.” said. “This funding will provide some much
The SSBEP supplements previously needed support for businesses to help with
The SSBEP provides a one-time grant for
announced supports for businesses, these challenges.”
small and medium-sized enterprises directly
including waiving penalties and interest
affected by government public health orders Further details and applications will be
charges for three months for late PST
related to COVID-19. Grants will be paid available on April 13. For more information,
returns, zero-interest bill deferral for up to
based on 15 per cent of a business’ monthly businesses can visit
six months for all Crown utilities, and
sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000. www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 9
13 New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Saskatchewan
As of April 2, 2020, Saskatchewan has 13 region, nine from the south and three from Under the current public health order, all
new, confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the far north. private and public gatherings – inside and
the provincial total to 206. Currently, there outside – are limited to a maximum of 10
Six cases involve people 19 years of age and
are four people in hospital in the province. people. As a general rule, however, you
under, while the remainder are adults.
should not have anyone visit your home at
Two people are receiving inpatient care in
Ninety-three cases are in the 20-44 age this time who does not live at your residence.
Saskatoon, while two people are currently in
range; 74 are in the 45-64 age range; and 33
intensive care – one in Regina and one in Instead, connect with friends and family
are in the 65-plus range.
Saskatoon. Six more people have recovered safely via video, phone or social media as
from COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, bringing Fifty-five per cent of the cases are males and much as possible to maintain your social
the provincial total to 36. 45 per cent are females. connections and mental health. If it’s
essential to have a small gathering of no
Of the 206 cases in the province: Three deaths related to COVID-19 have been
more than 10 people, everyone at the
reported to date.
96 cases are travellers. gathering must be able to maintain the
To date, 11,395 COVID-19 tests have been required two-metre distance between them.
44 are community contacts (mass
performed in the province. Saskatchewan
gatherings included). Handing things back and forth is a common
continues to have the second highest rate of
route of transmission in social settings.
10 have no known exposures. testing per capita among the provinces.
Even when doing outdoor activities like
56 are under investigation by local public Case surveillance and testing information, riding a bike or going for a walk, do not hand
health. including regional locations of items back and forth between people not
confirmed/presumptive cases is available at from the same household.
Overall, in Saskatchewan: www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.
SK Released on April 2, 2020
One hundred and three of the cases are from
Public inquiries may be directed to
the Saskatoon area, 44 from the Regina area,
COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca.
38 from the north, nine from the central
Small Group Gatherings
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saskatchewan Launches Business Response Team
The Government of Saskatchewan has information webpage has also been 19, you may direct your submission to
launched a Business Response Team to developed for businesses to access procurement@gov.sk.ca.
support businesses in the province dealing information and receive timely updates on A website has also been launched to provide
with the economic challenges resulting from provincial support initiatives. The webpage information on support for workers who
COVID-19. includes information on both provincial and have had their employment impacted by the
“COVID-19 has caused significant economic federal support measures, including the current economic situation. Workers can
hardships for businesses as we all work province’s recently announced financial visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-
together to reduce the spread of this virus,” support program. workers for more information.
Trade and Export Development Minister For more information, businesses can “During this challenging time, it is critical
Jeremy Harrison said. “We know businesses contact the Business Response Team by that the government continue to take action
have questions and this response team will calling 1-844-800-8688, emailing to support both the health and safety of our
help them navigate this uncertain situation.” supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca or by visiting citizens as well as the economy, businesses
The Business Response Team, led by the www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses. and workers of our province,” Harrison said.
Ministry of Trade and Export Development, We have been contacted by many businesses, For more information, contact:
will work with businesses to identify individuals and groups who have offered Ashley Schoff
program supports available to them both ideas and solutions. As such, the SaskBuilds Trade and Export Development
provincially and federally. Single Procurement Service will serve as a Email: ashley.schoff2@gov.sk.ca
An email address and toll-free telephone central point of contact and co-ordination.
SK Released on March 23, 2020
number have been created to provide If you are a Saskatchewan business,
businesses a single point of contact to help innovator, or supplier and you think you
answer questions. A single window have a solution that can help us fight COVID-
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 10Premier Announces Financial Support Plan for
Saskatchewan Employers and Employees
-They have contracted COVID-19 or are Changes to Employment Standard
showing symptoms; Regulations
-They have been in contact with an In addition to changes made to changes to
individual infected with COVID-19; The Saskatchewan Employment Act that
-They have recently returned from introduced a new unpaid public health
international travel and have been required emergency leave and removed the 13-week
to self-isolate; employment requirement to access sick
AND leave and the requirement for a doctor’s
-If they are not eligible for compensation note to access sick leave, The Employment
including sick leave, vacation leave from Standard Regulations have been amended to:
their employer
-If they do not have private insurance -Ensure that during a public emergency,
covering such disruptions businesses will not have to provide notice or
-If they are not covered by other programs pay in lieu of notice when they lay-off staff if
such as federal employment insurance that it is for a period of 12 weeks or less in a 16-
Today, Premier Scott Moe announced a has been updated. week period.
significant financial support plan for -And if an employer lays off employees
Saskatchewan employers and employees hit Three Month PST Remittance periodically for a total of more than 12
by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deferral and Audit Suspension weeks in a 16-week period, the employees
“During this time of great uncertainty, it is of Effective immediately, Saskatchewan are considered to be terminated and are
the utmost importance that Saskatchewan businesses who are unable to remit their entitled to pay instead of notice as outlined
people know their government is here to PST due to cashflow concerns will have relief in the Act. This will be calculated from the
provide support,” Moe said. “This plan from penalty and interest charges. Over the date on which the employee was laid off.
supports businesses and employees. Most course of three-months; government
importantly, it supports the opportunity to estimates a potential deferral of up to $750 These amendments create a balance for
come back to work when we emerge from million in PST collections. Businesses that employers and employees where the
the COVID-19 crisis.” are unable to file their provincial tax difficult decision may be made to lay-off
The financial support plan outlines a return(s) by the due date may submit a employees due to public health emergencies.
number of mechanisms for reducing costs request for relief from penalty and interest In this circumstance, employees would have
for businesses and individuals, providing charges on the return(s) affected. immediate access to new federal
support to self-employed individuals not At this time, audit program and compliance employment insurance programs, while
covered by new federal support measures, activities have been suspended to allow keeping employers financially stable to
and establishes a Business Response Team businesses time to focus on the health and ensure employees have a job to return to.
designated to support Saskatchewan safety of their customers and staff, reduce
businesses during this time of uncertainty. impacts to their business operations, and Business Response Team to be
minimize the spread of the virus through Established
Self-Isolation Support Program reduced audit travel. To provide support to Saskatchewan
Administered by the Ministry of Finance, the businesses seeking to navigate the uncertain
Self-Isolation Support Program will provide Crown Utility Interest Deferral conditions caused by COVID-19, the
$450 per week, for a maximum of two weeks Programs Government of Saskatchewan will be
or $900. The Self-Isolation Support Program Earlier this week, government announced a establishing a single window information
is targeted at Saskatchewan residents forced crown utility interest deferral program webpage for businesses to access
to self-isolate that are not covered by recent waving interest on late bill payments for up information and receive timely updates on
federally announced employment insurance to six months. Effective immediately, the provincial support initiatives. This will be
programs and other supports. The program crown utility interest deferral program is complemented by the establishment of a
is designed to ensure that all Saskatchewan available to all crown utility customers. Business Response Team, led by the
residents are covered by either a federal or Ministry of Trade and Export Development,
provincial program to ensure no one is faced Student Loan Repayment which will work with businesses to identify
with choosing to work instead of protecting Moratorium program supports relevant to particular
their family and community from COVID-19 Effective immediately, a six-month student businesses. Once the Business Response
by self-isolating. loan repayment moratorium has been put in Team has been established, contact
The program is anticipated to cost a total of place, mirroring a similar federal provision. information will be communicated to the
$10 million and will mostly benefit self- This provides individuals with student loans public, and to local chambers of commerce
employed residents of Saskatchewan that immediate relief, and comes at a $4 million for dissemination to chamber membership.
meet the following eligibility criteria: cost to the provincial government. SK Released on March 20, 2020
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 11Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 12
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Researchers: Micro-Organism Protects Mosquitoes from
Malaria
completely protects the insects from naturally. The researchers say the next step
infection. is to study ways to release the microbe-
carrying mosquitoes into the wild.
The microbe is called Microsporidia MB. The
scientists found it inside the body and sex Malaria kills about 400,000 people every
organs of mosquitoes living around Lake year. The disease spreads to people through
Victoria in Kenya. mosquito bites. The World Health
Organization (WHO) says most of the
The researchers reported they could not find
victims are children younger than five years.
a single mosquito with the microbe that
causes malaria. Mosquito nets and insect-killing chemicals
have aided in the fight against malaria over
Jeremy Herren is an expert on insects. He
the past 20 years. This is especially the case
said, “The data we have suggest it is 100%
in African countries south of the Sahara
Scientists from Britain and Kenya may have blockage, it’s a very severe blockage of
Desert. However, mosquitoes in some areas
found a way to control malaria and possibly malaria.”
are becoming resistant to chemical products.
destroy one of the world’s most dangerous Experts say they do not know how the
diseases. The WHO predicts that the number of
microbe prevents the mosquitoes from
malaria deaths could reach 769,000 or
The scientists say they have found a microbe carrying the malaria parasite. But they
higher this year. Source voa
that prevents mosquitoes from being suspect that it affects the mosquito’s natural
infected with the organism that causes the defenses so the insect does not become
disease. infected.
A report on the research was published in The scientists estimate that about five
Nature Communications. It says the microbe percent of mosquitoes carry the microbe
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 18China
Protestants in China Fear their Churches will Become
Invisible
by Wang Zhicheng communities have turned to the Internet, one that easier to follow, closer to their
but not all of them. The situation has created sensitivity.
problems that are pushing such groups
With access to various liturgical services
towards ever greater “invisibility”.
(even ten a day), some people will have
L. cites the financial problem as the first found the online group that best suits their
reason. Since church members can no longer needs. As a result, some groups will lose
meet together, collecting funds has become members, whilst others will gain them,
impossible. Many communities, especially always online.
the larger ones, have to pay rent on meeting
Even so, X. points out that for many
places and offices. For L., if the emergency
communities, online participation is
continues for a year, there will be "massive
currently half what it was when members
problems".
came together in person.
Beijing (AsiaNews) – The COVID-19
Smaller communities have so far avoided the
pandemic is having a major impact on A third element of "invisibility" is the fact
problem. They usually need smaller spaces
Protestant Churches and their members in that Churches have been unable to work on
and have lower expenses. What is more,
China. prevention and healing, so that their
since the government lifted the emergency,
their members have already met, at least in testimony is less visible.
“If the outbreak continues for a year or two,
large churches may gradually disappear,” groups of ten people or less. L. notes that in the Middle Ages, Churches
said a Protestant minister in eastern China. were very active during epidemics and
By contrast, the larger communities are
“I think the future will emphasise a provided important services in society. At
unable to start up again, and if they do, their
community of faith rather than a visible present, “plagues like this mainly rely on the
neighbours will panic fearing the spread of
church,” noted Brother L. power of the state and society for prevention
the virus.
and control.”
The China Christian Daily published Brother
The second reason for "invisibility" is the
L.’s thoughts as well as those of two other All three ministers agree however that the
proliferation of online religious services.
ministers Brother X. and Brother M., a pastor, epidemic “will make many Christians
According to X., even after the emergency,
on Wednesday. All three are young: L. and M. thirstier for faith and pray more,” but they
people will struggle to go back to the way
were born in the 1980s; X., a youth group are not sure that this will result in a visible
things were. After relying for a long time on
leader, was born in the 1990s. increase in the number of faithful in the
the Internet to experience their faith, people
various communities. Perhaps this will
Since 23 January, almost all churches have might prefer this more comfortable style,
become more evident once the emergency is
suspended all large gatherings. Many
over.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
North Korea
Chinese Diplomats and Doctors at Kim Jong-un's Deathbed
by Kim Sang-wook "advice" on the situation of leader Kim Jong- The South Korean Ministry of Defense noted
un. This trip - announced by an anonymous an "unusual increase" in inspections of
A group of Chinese personalities in
source to Reuters - occurs as questions northern artillery and military aircraft
Pyongyang to give "advice". Rumors on the
about the health of the North Korean flights along the dividing line and along the
health of the supreme leader. An "unusual
supreme chief grow. coasts. Many of these flights have not even
increase" in checks on artillery and flights of
been announced.
military aircraft from the North along the Days ago, the Daily NK had published the
dividing line. news that Kim was in a very serious North Korea is one of the most closed
condition, having undergone a countries. The health of its leader is treated
cardiovascular operation. This is as a matter of high security, given the fear of
compounded by the fact that he is suffering real or alleged coups.
from diabetes and obesity.
Kim Yo-jong is already part of the regime's
But so far, the South Korean government, the nomenclature. Of late she often joins her
US and China itself have minimized a brother in official ceremonies, and gave her
possible alarm on the leader's health. first public speech last month. She is viewed
as a more moderate leader, who has
It is a fact, however, that two days ago KCNA,
encouraged relaxation in relations with the
the state agency issued a message of thanks
Trump administration. And maybe that's
from Kim to Bashar Assad. But it is also true
why Chinese diplomats have flocked to
that there have been no photos of him
Seoul (AsiaNews) - A group of Chinese Pyongyang.
engaging in activities or inspections in a long
personalities, politicians and doctors, have
time.
were sent from China to Pyongyang to offer
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 19Hong Kong
Hong Kong Scientists Say China had Four Times More
Coronavirus Cases than Reported
China had 55,000 confirmed cases in Between 15 January and 3 March, China’s Wuhan (Hubei), the epicentre of the
February, but the real number was National Health Commission issued seven infection.
actually around 232,000. Chinese versions of a case definition for COVID-19;
China has been accused abroad of lying
authorities used very narrow criteria to all this with the approval of the World Health
about the figures associated with the
define cases, changing versions seven Organisation.
pandemic, as well as the origin and spread of
times. The fifth one, later withdrawn, led
In an article published in Lancet, scientists at the disease.
to a surge in cases. Meanwhile, the virus
Hong Kong University’s school of public
is re-emerging in a number of provinces. Chinese authorities "fixed" the number of
health note that these changes had
deaths in Wuhan, bringing it to 3,869, 1,290
substantial effects on how cases were
more than previously reported, to include
counted.
people who died at home and in prisons.
The fifth Chinese version was published on 5
No deaths from COVID-19 was reported
February, before it was withdrawn on 17
yesterday in the country, the eighth day in a
February, after it led to a sudden jump in
row. In all ten new cases were recorded, six
cases.
from abroad.
Had it been used from the beginning, the
number of cases recorded on 20 February, at Overall, China has 83,782 confirmed cases
with 4,632 deaths. However, the virus is re-
the peak of the epidemic, would have been
emerging in some provinces, especially in
around 232,000 rather than 55,000 with an
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – China’s first wave the north.
impact also on the total number of deaths.
of coronavirus cases in February was at least Harbin (Heilongjiang) is partially locked
232,000 cases, four times the official figure The broader definition of coronavirus
down, with 78 new confirmed new cases in
provided by the government. includes mild and asymptomatic cases,
the past few days.
without requiring confirmation by both
According to research by group of scientific clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Travel restrictions and quarantine measures
researchers in Hong Kong, Chinese health remain in place in many other cities,
authorities used a very narrow definition of Initially, Chinese authorities even associated
including Beijing and Shanghai.
cases at the start of the crisis, the outbreak to epidemiological links to
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indonesia The Epidemic Also Stops the Mudik
by Mathias Hariyadi reunification during the Islamic celebration decision had also been made for all police,
of Eid al Fitri. military and other civil servants.
The government has banned the traditional
exodus of millions of people returning to Regardless of the level of traffic congestion However, a few thousand people started
their hometown to celebrate both Eid and (pictured) or how much it costs or how far their mudik weeks earlier than expected, as
the family reunion. Recent research has said you need to travel, mudik is the right time to economic activity has drastically decreased
that around three million are expected to celebrate both Eid and the family reunion. in all major cities, including Jakarta. Public
perform mudik this year. Last year, the total transportation, the entertainment industry,
So already two weeks before Eid, around 8-
number of pemudiks (the people of the and stores have been closed en masse by the
9 million citizens of Jakarta leave the city to
exodus) was around 18.3 million. local government to counter the spread of
return to their native towns throughout Java.
the virus. The workers on a daily basis
Mudik has never been easy, with therefore decided to leave the city for
skyrocketing airfares, train and bus tickets, "rational" reasons. About 24% of the total
and also with congested traffic on the main residents of Greater Jakarta (about 12
route through Java. Last year was the first million people) expressed their strong will
year that mudik became cheaper, after the to perform the mudik. "About 7% have
Jokowi administration made the road to Java already left Jakarta," said Jokowi.
free.
Recent research has said that around three
But today amid the coronavirus epidemic, million are expected to perform mudik this
mudik is officially and strictly prohibited, in year. Last year, the total number of
the struggle to slow down its spread from pemudiks (the people of the exodus) was
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Indonesia has strictly around 18.3 million. Recent research by the
cities to villages, because citizens may have
banned mudik this year due to the Indonesian Science Agency (LIPI) says that
become "potential carriers" of the virus.
coronavirus epidemic. Mudik is the 43.78 percent said mudik is still their choice
Today, in fact, the government has officially
Indonesian term to indicate the exodus of while 56, 22 percent decided to stay home.
declared that mudik is strictly prohibited
millions of people returning from their big
this year. This was stated a few hours ago by
cities to their hometown for family
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. The same
Monday, April 6, 2020 Saskatoon Asian Newsweek 20You can also read
