Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 758 new recoveries reported; UAE mulls reopening schools, universities; over 2,000 to be tested in Sharjah

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 388 new Covid-19 cases, 758 recoveries

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 388 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 44,433. One new death was also reported. The ministry said 758 more patients have fully recovered from the virus, taking the tally of the recoveries to 31,745. As many as 34,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the country, the ministry added. With three million Covid-19 tests in record time, the UAE now leads the world in per capita testing. The country has been determined to examine the largest possible number of citizens and residents with the average daily tests in the UAE increasing from 25,000 to 40,000. In Dubai, on the first weekend after relaxed entry restrictions for children and the elderly on Friday, malls and beaches found families returning for shopping and outing.
Sheikh Mohamed, Sudan PM discuss regional affairs and coronavirus crisis

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, discussed with Sudan's Prime Minister Dr Abdullah Hamdouk, ways of further strengthening the brotherly relations between the two nations. This came over a call on Friday, during which Sheikh Mohamed assured the Sudanese premier of the UAE's support for his country in the transitional period it is going through, expressing his sincere wishes of success for the Sudanese government to achieve the ambitions of the people of Sudan for development and stability. They exchanged views over a number of regional and international issues of common interest, as well as the latest developments in the global fight against Covid-19. The pair underlined the importance of strengthening regional peace and stability while resolving disputes and differences through dialogue and peaceful means.
UAE mulls reopening schools, universities with Covid-19 safety measures

The Education and Human Resources Council, at a meeting chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was briefed on the Ministry of Education's plan and vision on the possibility of re-opening educational institutions across the country. During the meeting, Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, said that the possibility of resuming study in general educational institutions, including re-opening of public and private universities and schools, will be in next September and according to precautionary measures and depending on assessment of evolving changes related to corona virus, Covid-19, as per health requirements issued by competent authorities. The possibility of re-opening of educational institutions will take place as per a well-studied plan and within the precautionary measures taken by the UAE to contain the virus, which place the health and safety of students at a top priority, the minister added.
Tickets for UAE-Pakistan flights yet to be available as airlines await approval

Though international flight restrictions were eased in Pakistan on Saturday, stranded Pakistanis are still waiting for tickets to be available - as airlines are yet to receive approvals for special flights, sources said. Aviation sources said more special flights from the UAE and other Gulf countries are expected to start this week, but only after they receive approvals from the authorities. "No additional special flight was scheduled for Pakistan from the UAE, despite the easing of restrictions from Islamabad. The airlines are yet to meet the criteria to operate these special flights under the standard operating procedures of Pakistan and the other countries," aviation sources told Khaleej Times on Saturday. As many as five special flights were set to take off on Saturday, as per the schedule announced by Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. Pakistan International Airlines was scheduled to depart for Karachi, Peshawar and Faisalabad, while two UAE airlines were due to fly for Islamabad and Karachi.

Father's Day: UAE expat, dad celebrate special day on Covid-19 frontline

While families around the world are celebrating Father's Day today, for a father-and-son duo in the UAE, it is just another day at work - on the frontlines of the Covid-19 battle. Father's Day will always be special for Kent Gambal, 26, an ICU nurse at NMC Hospital Al Ain. After all, it was his dad - Rodel Gambal - who pushed and inspired him to be the brave frontliner that he is now. Way before the pandemic started, Rodel, 52, has been helping save lives in Dubai as part of the emirate's emergency response team. For 14 years now, the Filipino expat has been serving as an emergency medical technician at the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS). "My dad has been my inspiration when I took up the noble profession of nursing. And today, he continues to be my guiding force," Kent said.
Three Sharjah public libraries to welcome back visitors, with strict safety rules

Three public libraries in Sharjah are set reopen this Sunday, June 21, with strict safety measures in place, authorities said. The Sharjah Public Library (SPL) said its main branch in the city, as well as branches in Dibba Al Hisn and Al Dhaid, will be welcoming back book lovers, researchers, and visitors, with each library accommodating 30 per cent of its capacity. The select branches will also operate with 30 per cent of their staff. The libraries will be monitoring the number of visitors by implementing phone reservations, according to the SPL. Visitors must call the branch prior to their arrival to book their preferred time and duration of stay. Upon arrival, visitors will be instructed about the precautionary measures to follow while inside the library and they will also be notified, through a phone call, once their specified visiting hours are over.
Indian Consulate in UAE issues advisory on last rites, repatriation of bodies amid Covid-19

Authorities in UAE have advised the Consulate of India to expedite the last rites process of Indian expats. In a statement issued on Friday, CGI has urged Indian nationals in the country to cooperate with authorities in conveying information about deaths during the pandemic, so that final rites or repatriation can be arranged. A helpline number and email address has also been provided in this regard. Part of th statement: 'In the past few weeks the Consulate has observed that due to the Covid-19 situation there have been delays on the part of employers, sponsors and families in claiming mortal remains from various mortuaries. The Consulate has been advised by local authorities that the mortal remains must be claimed expeditiously and their burial/ cremation or repatriation completed. If mortal remains are not claimed and last rites completed within a short span of time, local laws permit authorities to perform the burial locally.
Phase 2 of Covid-19 screening for Sharjah government employees begins
More than 1,700 Sharjah Municipality employees and 500 Souq Al Jubail vendors will be tested for Covid-19 in the second phase of the screening programme, the Sharjah Medical District has said. The first stage of the initiative - implemented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) in cooperation with the Sharjah government and the Sharjah Committee for Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management - included home testing for 28 senior citizens and 19 of their sitters to ensure their safety, as well as to provide the best levels of health care to protect the health of the people and to enhance the safety of individuals and to contain the pandemic.
 
Avoid delays in claiming bodies, Indian mission in UAE tells employers

The Indian Consulate in Dubai has urged employers, sponsors and families to avoid delays in claiming mortal remains. This came after local authorities asked it to ensure that mortal remains are claimed 'expeditiously' and cremation or repatriation completed. "If mortal remains are not claimed and last rites completed within a short span of time, local laws permit authorities to perform the burial locally," the mission said. It said there has been an "undue delay" on the part of employers and sponsors in completing the local formalities or giving information about deaths to the consulate. "In the Covid-19 situation, this creates additional burden on mortuaries and government facilities." Social workers who assist with repatriation said the delay mostly happens due to lack of awareness among employers and sponsors on the procedures to follow.
Certification to ensure safety at hotels, tourists sites in Abu Dhabi

A certification programme launched in Abu Dhabi on Saturday will ensure that the highest health and safety standards are implemented at all hotels and tourist sites in the UAE Capital. The 'Go Safe' certification programme will be rolled out across all attractions in Abu Dhabi, including malls, restaurants, theme parks and other public spaces. The aim is to ensure that the tourist sites enforce "global standards for safety and cleanliness" to welcome visitors. The programme is in line with Abu Dhabi's efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19, the emirate's media office said. The first certification programme of its kind in the region requires destinations to undergo self-assessments according to guidelines supplied by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) - Abu Dhabi. "Once verified, they will be awarded the Go Safe certificate," the media office said.

• Dubai