From the Editors: Gulf News delivery boys now have an extended role

GULF NEWS DELIVERY BOYS NOW HAVE AN EXTENDED ROLE: Almost all of us are familiar with this exercise of our daily newspaper in its printed form being delivered at our doorsteps at the crack of dawn. Now, giving the concept of ‘last-mile delivery’ a whole new meaning and significance, Gulf News has allowed its delivery boys to deliver a variety of products across multiple brands and companies directly to consumers. These delivery boys are real assets when it comes to locating a certain address or charting out the shortest possible route to get to a specific location. This is because each of them has an experience of 15-20 years on an average, delivering our favourite newspaper – Gulf News -- to us readers. This experience comes in handy in extending their services to deliver multiple products to consumers, apart from the newspaper. Just as the adage goes, ‘every cloud has a silver lining’, the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a massive boom in e-commerce and demand for delivery boys has seen a phenomenal rise. That is why, using Gulf News delivery boys as couriers for delivering other products is a win-win for all concerned. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

IS END OF PANDEMIC LONG WAY OFF?: Mainland China reported its first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year. Jilin is at the heart of the current wave, with case numbers make up over two thirds of total China’s infections. In the UK, cases continue to rise with an estimated one in every 20 people infected. South Korea, too, this week saw a record number of cases — over 600,000 — even as the country, which never went into lockdown, looks to end restrictions. WHO on Friday said cases started to increase around the world last week after more than a month of decline, and that the end of the pandemic was a long way off. Now we got used to this kind of news. COVID-19 is most likely here to stay — and that it could behave similarly to influenza — with new variants cropping up. So let’s stay vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]

LEEDS SNATCH UNLIKELY WIN AT WOLVES: In a bruising and breathless Premier League encounter at the Molineux Stadium Leeds United staged an incredible comeback from 2-0 down against Wolves to win 3-2. They appeared dead and buried at half time but fought back in what proved to be an incredible clash with Luke Ayling grabbing an injury-time winner. The vital victory moves Leeds 7 points clear of the relegation zone and puts a dent in Wolves’ top 6 aspirations. The home side completely lost their way when striker Jiminez was sent off in the second 45 and Leeds stormed back into the match thanks to their numerical advantage. But nobody would have expected Wolves to collapse the way they did. It is not often teams score a solitary goal past them so to concede 3 when they were cruising will be a bitter pill to swallow. However, there is still a long way to go before the season is over and although Leeds will be breathing a sigh of relief they can still be dragged into the race for survival. Wolves have been very good this season – they will brush themselves off and pick themselves up knowing they can still qualify for Europe next season. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

INDIAN STARS SPREAD JOY OF HOLI: The Indian festival of Holi is all about fun and enjoyment, as people play with coloured powders and water. It’s no surprise that celebrities have been getting in on the festivities. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have celebrated in a grand fashion in Los Angeles, while Bollywood actors Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are some other stars who’ve participated in India. In these strange times, celebrating festivals is a great way to connect with culture and remind ourselves that there’s always something to be happy about. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]