Coronavirus: UAE announces 483 new cases, 103 recoveries

The UAE on Wednesday announced 483 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bringing the total number of infected persons to 8,238 as of Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

During the routine virtual press briefing on Covid-19 on April 22, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, said 103 patients have fully recovered from Covid-19, taking the total number of recoveries to 1,546.

Six new deaths of Covid-19 patients were also reported on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 52.

The official said 31,807 new coronavirus tests were conducted across the country over the past day.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," said Al Hosani.

She said as Ramadan is around the corner, people will have to change the way they conduct themselves during this year's holy month.

"We have to change our social behaviors during this Ramadan. Let's avoid Iftar and Suhoor gatherings with friends due to the prevailing situation," said Al Hosani.

"Ramadan this year will be difficult for many of us. But it will be an opportunity to stay home and practice healthy behaviour including exercising and eating healthier. Let's be close to our children."

She advised people to continue donating to charity throughout Ramadan and to keep giving through smart platforms and applications.

"Let's continue practicing the precautionary measures, including social distancing, avoid gatherings, wearing face masks when going out, washing hands and stay home to keep safe throughout the holy month of Ramadan," she said.

Remote Quran learning, online preaching services during Ramadan

Imam Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, spokesman for the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), said Awqaf in coordination with government bodies in the country has made an optimal preparation for the holy month through a number of Ramadan initiatives, including introducing smart platform and virtual classes for learning and memorisation of the Holy Quran throughout Ramadan.

"Preaching services will also continue online with religious programmes," he added.

"The authority will continue to provide all its preaching services remotely with religious programmes online and on television and radio channels in the country. Also, there will be religious lectures through Instagram live to ensure religious awareness among members of society," said Al Shamsi.

He noted that Official Fatwa Centre will continue working remotely and provide three different services from 8am to 8pm throughout Ramadan.

"Fatwa majlis through Instagram live and radio programmes will give fatwas on fasting. Fatwa line for those working on the front lines will also be available to answer their religious enquiries," said Al Shamsi.

UAE has sufficient food supply

Issa Al Hashemi, official spokesman for the Emirates Council for Food Security, said the UAE gives priority to food security and that there were sufficient food supplies to cater to everyone throughout Ramadan and beyond.

"I would like to reaffirm that we are capable of responding to all the needs of the public and ensure the available of food supply to markets from both local produce and that imported from abroad," said Al Hashemi, adding that the volume of exports and imports of food are the same compared to the same period last year despite the current Covid-19 challenges.

He noted that the total imported food during the first quarter of 2020 reached more than 3.5 million tonnes and was valued at more than Dh13 billion. The volume of food exports during the same period was about 918,000 tonnes with a total value of more than Dh3.7 billion.

"We assure everyone that we shall be providing all the essential food items for Ramadan and we are capable of dealing with any new situation," said the official.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

Ismail Sebugwaawo

ismail@khaleejtimes.com