Novak Djokovic and Wife Test Positive for CCP virus

New Bank of Canada Governor Says COVID-19 Will Leave Lasting Changes on Economy

OTTAWA—Canada’s top central banker says there will be long-term economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic as the country charts a “prolonged and bumpy” course to recovery. In his first speech as governor, Tiff Macklem says the central bank expects to see growth in the third quarter of this year as people are called back to work and households resume some of their normal activities as restrictions ease. But he warns that Canadians shouldn’t expect the short and sharp economic bounce-back expected over the coming months to last. The combination of uneven reopenings across provinces and industries, the unknown course of consumer confidence, and unemployment rates will “likely inflict some lasting damage to demand and supply,” Macklem says in a speech Monday. He said ongoing physical distancing rules may mean workplaces can’t…

BELGRADE, Serbia—Novak Djokovic tested positive for the CCP virus on June 23 after taking part in a tennis exhibition series he organized in Serbia and Croatia.

The top-ranked Serb is the fourth player to test positive for the virus after first playing in Belgrade and then again last weekend in Zadar, Croatia. His wife also tested positive.

“The moment we arrived in Belgrade we went to be tested. My result is positive, just as Jelena’s, while the results of our children are negative,” Djokovic said in a statement.

Novak Djokovic and Wife Test Positive for CCP virus

Djokovic has been criticized for organizing the tournament and bringing in players from other countries amid the pandemic caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

Viktor Troicki said Tuesday that he and his pregnant wife have both been diagnosed with the virus, while Grigor Dimitrov, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist from Bulgaria, said Sunday he tested positive. Borna Coric played Dimitrov on Saturday in Zadar, and said Monday he has also tested positive.

There were no social distancing measures observed at the matches in either country, and Djokovic and other players were seen hugging each other and partying in night clubs and restaurants after the matches.

“Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions,” Djokovic said. “Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.”

Djokovic, who has previously said he was against taking a vaccine for the virus even if it became mandatory to travel, was the face behind the Adria Tour, a series of exhibition events that started in the Serbian capital and then moved to Zadar.

He left Croatia after the final was canceled and was tested in Belgrade. The statement said Djokovic was showing no symptoms.

Despite the positive test, Djokovic defended the exhibition series.

“It was all born with a philanthropic idea, to direct all raised funds towards people in need, and it warmed my heart to see how everybody strongly responded to this,” Djokovic said. “We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.

“Unfortunately, this virus is still present, and it is a new reality that we are still learning to cope and live with.”

Djokovic said he will remain in self-isolation for 14 days and also apologized to anyone who became infected as a result of the series.

Organizers of the Adria Tour said the third stage of the event, scheduled to held next week in Bosnia, has been canceled.

By Dusan Stojanovic

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report

Focus News: Novak Djokovic and Wife Test Positive for CCP virus

Germany Condemns Weekend Violence, Looting in Stuttgart

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the country’s top security official on June 22 decried an outburst of violence at the weekend in the southwestern city of Stuttgart, where hundreds of people attacked stores, vehicles, and police officers following a stop-and-search for drugs. Authorities say 24 people were arrested over Saturday night’s unrest and 19 police officers were injured. Merkel’s spokesman said the scenes “were abhorrent and must be strongly condemned.” “Anyone who takes part in such outbreaks of violence, brutally attacks police officers, and destroys and plunders shops cannot in any way justify it,” Steffen Seibert said Monday. Seibert thanked police officers nationwide, saying they “should know that the German government and millions of people stand behind you.” Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, who called for “swift and tough” punishment of…