Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: Vaccine phase 3 clinical trials begin; cops surprise patients with roses; 105 flights to India under phase 5 of mission

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 351 Covid-19 cases, 554 recoveries, 1 death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Sunday reported 351 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 554 recoveries. One new death was reported. More than 52,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry added. The health authorities from the UAE have announced the commencement of conducting new clinical trials for phase III of inactivated vaccine to combat Covid-19. More than 10,000 people have registered as volunteer. Registration is still open to volunteers interested in participating in the Phase III trials of Covid-19 inactivated vaccine in Abu Dhabi through the website www.4humanity.ae.  Yesterday, the UAE recorded no Covid-19 deaths in 24 hours for the third time this month.
UAE cops surprise Covid-19 patients with roses, get-well cards
Patients battling Covid-19 recently got a sweet surprise from the Ajman Police, who brought them gifts, roses, cards and sweets. Wishing them a speedy recovery, the cops made time to distribute the get-well gifts to patients at hospitals and quarantine facilities. Those who have recovered from the disease also received the surprise parcels. A top official of the Ajman Police said the gesture aims to show how much they care about the emirate's residents. Besides safety and security, people's well-being is also among their priorities, he said. The police's media and public relations team took charge of all the coordination involved, making sure that the initiative will reach both patients undergoing treatment and those recovering from Covid-19.
UAE coronavirus vaccine: Phase 3 clinical trials begin
Inspired by the UAE leadership's vision and commitment to overcome the pandemic through a global collaborative effort, the Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha) has started conducting new clinical trials for phase III of inactivated vaccine to combat Covid-19. The trials are being conducted under the supervision of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, and in collaboration with G42 Healthcare and Sinopharm CNBG. "The diversity of nationalities that call the UAE home, as well as the leading role our leadership plays in tackling the virus in various countries of the world, made the country the perfect place for phase III of the clinical trials," he said. Al Kaabi commended the "overwhelming response" by the Emiratis and residents to the call for volunteers. 
RTA's new tool detects physical distancing violations on Dubai buses
A new smart platform is now being used to monitor physical distancing on public buses in Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced on Sunday. So next time you board a bus, pay attention to the social distancing guides and stick to them. The platform, which uses 'big data', is linked electronically with the control centres of the Public Transport Agency, explained Khaled Al Awadhi, director of transportation systems at the RTA agency. It helps the assigned personnel take action whenever it detects bus passengers who are seated or standing too close to each other. Big data is a term used to describe large data sets that are analysed to reveal patterns, trends, behaviour and interactions.
India, UAE agreement on special flights extended
The special travel agreement that allowed UAE residents stranded in India to fly back to the country  has been extended until further notice, an official at the Consulate-General of India in Dubai told Khaleej Times. India's Vande Bharat Mission shall also move into its fifth phase, with 105 repatriation flights set to be operated from the UAE to various cities in India, said officials at the Indian missions in the country. A total of 74 flights will operate from Sharjah and Dubai to various cities in India starting August 1 to August 15, said Consul Press, Information, and Culture Neeraj Agarwal. Meanwhile, an official with the Indian Embassy in the UAE has said around 31 special flights will fly from Abu Dhabi to Indian cities between August 1 and 15 as part of Phase 5.
Coronavirus tests at Dubai airports must for passengers from some countries
Starting August 1, all tourists, UAE residents and transit passengers flying to Dubai from select destinations will need to have a Covid-negative test certificate. The result should have been issued by a government-approved testing centre. Additionally, passengers from some destinations will also need to take a PCR test on arrival at the Dubai airport. According to information posted on the Dubai Airports website, the Covid-19 test must have been taken not more than 96 hours before departure. "Children under the age of 12 and those with moderate to severe disabilities are exempt from PCR test requirements," the airport operator said.
Don't let kids interact with delivery men, UAE families told
With home deliveries now more common amid the new normal, families are reminded not to let kids interact with delivery men to protect them from risks of contracting Covid-19, authorities said in a safety campaign. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa) has been running a social media campaign to educate residents on proper food preparation and the precautions that must be taken when ordering online, especially amid the pandemic. In its recent advice on handling home deliveries, the authority added that the exchange of cash should be limited as much as possible. Electronic payments are highly encouraged. But if cash payments are necessary, it is best to prepare the exact amount that will be handed to the courier, Adafsa said.
88% of Dubai residents satisfied with government's Covid-19 response: Poll
Nearly nine in 10 Dubai residents are satisfied with how the government has been dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, a survey revealed on Sunday. The poll, conducted by the Executive Council of Dubai, showed that 88 per cent of residents were happy with the precautionary measures taken by the government to fight the spread of the virus. The Dubai Media Office tweeted the survey's results on Sunday, July 26. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, said he is "very proud" of his team, who did all they could to maintain public safety and ensure people's happiness in the face of all the challenges arising from the pandemic.
How Dubai will revive its famed arts scene
Dubai is determined to revive its famed arts scene and see its cultural industry rise above the global Covid-19 crisis. On Sunday, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has revealed details of its recently announced six-year recovery plan. Helping local and international artists get the inspiration they need and safeguarding the emirate's heritage are among the five pillars set for the comprehensive strategy, the authority said. Last week, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of the Dubai Culture, announced the launch of the six-year strategic roadmap that primarily aims to position the emirate as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent. It creates a framework that can place the cultural industry on 'the fastest route to recovery' from the Covid-19 crisis.
Vande Bharat Mission Phase 5 to operate 105 flights from UAE to India                                       
India's Vande Bharat Mission shall move into its fifth phase, with 105 repatriation flights set to be operated from the UAE to various cities in India, said officials at the Indian missions in the country. A total of 74 flights will operate from Sharjah and Dubai to various cities in India starting August 1 to August 15, said Consul Press, Information, and Culture Neeraj Agarwal. Meanwhile, an official with the Indian Embassy in the UAE has said around 31 special flights will fly from Abu Dhabi to Indian cities between August 1 and 15 as part of Phase 5. "The formal announcement and online booking details of the special Air India and Air India Express flights will be announced shortly," said Agarwal

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai

Ismail Sebugwaawo

ismail@khaleejtimes.com