Coronavirus bulletin from UAE: Decline in new cases; 6 new Covid symptoms; Over 52,000 fines in Dubai; Get all staff tested or face fines

Here's a round-up of all the latest developments you need to be aware of:
UAE records decline in new Covid-19 cases
The UAE has recorded a decline in the number of new Covid-19 cases on Monday, April 27. The number dipped below 500 cases for the first time in five days. The Ministry of Health and Prevention announced 490 cases on Monday - 46 lesser than the 536 reported on Sunday. The country recorded 532, 525 and 518 cases on the three days prior to that. This is not the first decline in cases the country has recorded. On April 22, 483 cases were announced as opposed to 490 the previous day. Dubai had on Sunday eased the 24-hour movement restrictions in Naif and Al Ras areas after no new cases were recorded in the densely populated areas in two days. More than 6,000 tests were conducted among residents in the areas in less than a month. The total number of cases in the country stands at 10,839, with 2,090 recoveries.
 
With deep cleaning, medical check-ups, Abu Dhabi malls prepare for reopening
Malls in Abu Dhabi have started preparations to welcome back shoppers. An array of measures like deep cleaning, sanitisation activities, installing temperature scanning equipment are in full swing to ensure a safe and infection-free environment. The development comes following a circular by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development urging owners of commercial and industrial facilities in the Capital to ensure preventive measures are implemented. The circular calls upon all workers to 'subject themselves to medical screening for Covid-19'. The new requirements are in line with directives issued by National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and Ministry of Health and Prevention to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Dubai Police issue over 52,000 fines to violators of restrictions
Dubai Police have issued 52,069 fines against violators of the movement restrictions in place during the National Sterilisation Programme. Between March 26 and April 16, officers issued 45,654 warnings and 6,424 fines for flouting safety instructions. Dubai Police reported that 38,702 fines were issued against people who left their homes unnecessarily, meaning not for work purposes or to buy essential goods. Meanwhile 10,286 fines were issued for a failure to wear medical masks inside or failure to maintain physical distance. A further 3,696 fines were issued to people who exceeded the maximum three passengers allowed in a single vehicle. Finally, 58,641 radar fines were issued across the emirate.
 
Get all staff tested or face fines and closures, Abu Dhabi tells employers
All workers at commercial and industrial facilities in Abu Dhabi must get tested for Covid-19, according to a directive issued on Monday. A circular from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) called on workers to "subject themselves" to Covid-19 screening. Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, undersecretary, ADDED, said that some company owners did not commit to sending their workers for medical testing. He warned that the department's inspectors have the judicial authority to issue fines. The authority warned of a Dh5,000 fine for non-compliance. The fine amount would be doubled for repeat offenders. The violator would be referred to the Emergency and Crisis Prosecution for a third-time offence. The department said that facilities that don't comply with the directive could even be closed for six month.
 
Sheikh Mohamed, President of Senegal discuss efforts to contain coronavirus
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday reviewed with President Macky Sall of Senegal ways to enhance bilateral relations in all fields, regional and international issues of mutual interest, and the global fight against Covid-19. Sheikh Mohamed and President Sall also exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan. This came over a phone call , during which the two leaders discussed the spread of coronavirus around the world, especially in Africa, as well as ways of supporting international efforts and measures taken by the two countries to counter the pandemic.
 
Life returns to normal for Covid-19 positive Indian family in Ajman
An Indian couple living in Ajman is busy readjusting to their normal life after they successfully fought Covid-19 together, along with their preschool daughter. Three-year-old Nivediya, the family's younger daughter also became the youngest patient to have recovered from the coronavirus in the UAE. Her mother, Geetu Shyam, first tested positive while carrying out her duties as a frontline health care worker at a medical centre in Ajman. "I tested positive on April 8, after developing symptoms suggestive of Covid-19. As a healthcare worker, I knew what was happening. I was immediately isolated myself and tests were done," said the 30-year-old nurse to Khaleej Times after being discharged from Amina hospital on Sunday.
 
Life returns to normal in Dubai's Naif district
Standing outside a makeshift kiosk that sells leather shoes, wallets, and sunglasses in Deira's Naif District, 28-year-old Anwar Mohammed dusted away a layer of sand that had settled over his wares. "My home is located right above my shop. I live with eight roommates, and we have all been inside our home for one month and three days during the 24-hour restriction. We were served good food twice a day. It was mostly biryani, some fruits, and cold drinks. It was almost like a long holiday- nothing to complain about" laughed Anwar. Like Anwar, Naif residents have said they only have gratitude for Dubai authorities. "Initially we were very scared. But every need of ours was taken care of. I am glad things are getting back to normal," said Mohammed Arshad, a garments store salesman.
 
UAE offers tips to secure online work from home activities
The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) today offered tips for working securely from home. With 80 per cent of the private sector directed to work from home since March 25, as part of the precautionary measures to combat Covid-19, the guidelines from aeCERT - the national Computer Emergency Response Team - are necessary to create secure work-from-home environments. The tips tweeted by the TRA are as follows:-    Use strong passwords for your accounts-    Report any security incidents to the IT helpdesk-    Secure your router-    Do not share confidential data on public cloud collaboration tools-    Adhere to the acceptable use policy of your organisation-    Avoid using work devices for personal activities.
 
Loss of smell among 6 new symptoms
Muscle pain and new loss of taste or smell are among the six new Covid-19 symptoms that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added to its official list. The other four symptoms added to the list on Sunday are chills, repeated shaking with chills, headache and sore throat. Previously known symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is responsible for Covid-19, the agency said.
 
UAE-made sanitisers to be distributed among low-income families
Hand santisers that meets international standards and guidelines have been developed by experts at the Central Testing Laboratory (CTL) of the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC).The 60ml hand sanitiser will be distributed free of cost to low-income families and workers in Abu Dhabi. Given the importance of the availability of sanitisers among all members of the society during the current period to fight the outbreak of the new coronavirus, CTL produced a new hand sanitiser that meets the specifications. It includes adhering to the latest policy issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, said Abdulla Hassan Al Muaini, executive director of CTL.
 
Dubai warns of $10 million loan scheme fraud
The UAE residents and financial services community have been warned against a scam offering $10 million loan to support young entrepreneurs and to protect people from coronavirus. According to the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the scammers have set up a fake LinkedIn account, which contains a photograph of a current DFSA employee, claiming to be a profile of the regulator. "A post on the fake LinkedIn profile details a fictional $10 million loan with a zero per cent interest return allegedly provided by the DFSA for the purpose of promoting the Indian economy, helping young start-up entrepreneurs, supporting the good people of India because of Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19)," the DFSA said in a statement.
 
Dubai helpline addresses 229,640 Covid-19 concerns
Dubai Health Authority's contact centre has been working round-the-clock and providing support, education and guidance to customers and community members as an official source of information related to Covid-19 and DHA services. To be able to serve different customer segments, DHA contact centre agents provide information in several languages including English, Arabic, Hindi, French, German, Chinese and Malayalam. Fatima Al Khajah, Director of Customer Happiness Department at the DHA, "Our employees have been working 24/7 in shifts to serve community members and address their queries. We have seen a significant spike in the number of calls we receive and queries we address due to Covid-19 and we are have been working tirelessly to provide information to community members.
Etihad to distribute Ramadan boxes to those affected
Etihad Airways has launched the Etihad Ramadan Box initiative to bring Iftar meals to homes across the UAE. The airline has partnered with Zomato, a restaurant search and discovery platform, to deliver these meals to those affected by the Covid-19 coronavirus, including hospitals, essential workers, volunteers and communities in need. Those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, through sickness or financial impact, can request one of the Etihad Ramadan Boxes through the Zomato app, and a freshly prepared meal will be delivered directly from Etihad's Catering facility in Abu Dhabi. Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: "Ramadan is a traditional time for gathering with friends and family, but with the impact of Covid-19, this year it is more challenging to do so. In these extraordinary times, we wanted to bring a touch of our signature inflight hospitality to our local community and recognise the incredible efforts of the UAE's medical staff and essential workers."
 
Dubai shuts down 26 shops for violating precautionary measures
The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy has shut down another 26 shops, issued warnings to 234, and imposed penalties on 14 others for not complying with the precautionary measures to be adopted during the market re-opening phase in view of Covid-19. The non-compliance, detected during inspections conducted by CCCP across malls and high street markets in the emirate, were mostly related to wearing face masks and gloves, social distancing, as well as opening trial rooms and conducting promotions, both of which are prohibited. While 165 of the high street shops inspected were found to have fully complied with the precautionary guidelines, 26 were shut down, 150 warned, and eight were fined for various violations.

• Abu Dhabi

Ismail Sebugwaawo

ismail@khaleejtimes.com