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Wed, Dec 04, 2024 | Jumada al-Aakhirah 3, 1446 | DXB
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Coronavirus bulletin from UAE: 1.5m tests conducted; Dubai Tram back on track; timings for shops, malls relaxed
A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.
The UAE has done 1.5 million Covid-19 tests so far, the health minister said on Tuesday. Elaborating on the country's massive testing drive, Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said the UAE's daily testing average is equivalent to a four-month screening average in other countries. "The UAE acted proactively with extreme transparency since the early days of the outbreak and managed to respond quickly to the virus. Notably, it was the first country in the Middle East to report a confirmed case, one of the first countries to begin coronavirus testing and early detection, and among the few countries that are still performing strict testing," Al Owais said in a UAE government remote meeting on Tuesday. Testing initiatives were also bolstered with the establishment of drive-through screening centres and the launch of isolation and quarantine programmes for people returning to the UAE from foreign destinations.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday announced 783 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus. 631 cases of recovery and two deaths were also announced. The UAE has been seeing a steady rise in daily recoveries, with today's 631 being the highest in a single day. As many as 32,000 new Covid-19 tests have also been carried out, the ministry added. With this, total number of cases in the country stands at 19,661, total recoveries are at 6,012, while total deaths stand at 203. The government has been repeatedly reminding residents to adhere to preventative measures, warning that some families continue to hold gatherings and distribute food to neighbours, thereby causing the virus to spread.
The UAE Vice-President has paid an emotional tribute to the humanitarian legacy of the country's beloved founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Taking to Twitter, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, posted a powerful video with a simple caption: "What would have Zayed done today?" Today, Ramadan 19 - which is the death anniversary of the late Sheikh Zayed - is marked as the Zayed Humanitarian Day in the UAE. The day this year is being marked even as the UAE fights the Covid-19 pandemic. True to his humanitarian legacy, the UAE has been carrying on its beloved founding father's mission by dispatching medical aid to other countries, helping them weather the crises brought about the outbreak.
The future-oriented vision adopted by the country's leadership has placed the UAE in a better position to respond to the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, has claimed. "Under the leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and upon the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE is now well geared up for the post-Covid-19 world," Al Gergawi said. His comments came during the UAE Government's remote meeting which convened on Monday under the title, "Preparing for the Post-COVID-19 Period," to discuss the impact of the health crisis on the country's key sectors in terms of opportunities, challenges and future preparations.
The Dubai Tram will resume regular service starting Wednesday, May 13, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced today. Commuters are obliged to wear masks to ensure maximum protection of both riders and operators, the authority said. "Dubai Tram, marine transport and shared transport will resume regular service as of Wednesday, 13th May. Proactive and preventive health measures will remain enforced including physical distancing, especially aboard public transport means and in stations," the RTA said in a tweet. The tram will operate from Saturday to Thursday from 7am until 11pm, and on Friday from 10am until 11pm. "If you're planning on boarding the tram, head to the station 30 minutes prior, and don't forget to wear a face mask; it's mandatory," the authority said.
Dubai public parks opened for gatherings of five people or fewer from Tuesday in the latest easing of restrictions in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the UAE. The latest Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management update also allow the refund and return of goods and use of fitting rooms in shopping malls and retail outlets, on the condition that strict precautionary conditions aimed at ensuring the safety of customers are observed. All previous preventive measures in shopping malls and retail outlets still apply, the update said. Hotels are allowed to reopen their private beaches only to their guests while enforcing stringent preventive measures, the most important of which is mandatory physical distancing between individuals.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has dismissed a widespread rumour that it has discussed the closure of shopping malls and retail outlets in the UAE. This comes after a social-media post had circulated, which MoHAP says actually dated back to March 23, 2020, at the start of the Covid-19 crisis. The Ministry, in a circular, made it clear that all information it issues is published through its official accounts, and advised people to ignore the rumour and obtain the correct advice from official government sources only.
As the body of four-year old Vyshnav Krishnadas lies listless in an Al Ain mortuary, his parents are inconsolable. Krishnadas and wife Divya from Palakkad, Kerala, have no time to grieve peacefully as they are knocking on all doors to be able to fly the mortal remains of their son to Kerala at the earliest. Vyshnav died of leukemia on Friday at Al Tawam hospital in Al Ain, a close relative told Khaleej Times. "We have been trying all means to repatriate his body on a special flight. His parents and elder sister also want to accompany the body and cremate the body with all religious rites," said the boy's uncle, Sivadas Cheppilakattil. "The boy was diagnosed with blood cancer 15 days ago. Until then, everything was fine and he was healthy and happy."
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered an aid flight to support the delivery of ventilators and other critical supplies as well as relief items to Somalia. The aid forms part of the World Health Organisation's Covid-19 response and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' flood relief efforts in the country. The Mogadishu-bound flight carrying over 35 tonnes of life-saving equipment was chartered by the International Humanitarian City (IHC) under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed to help those most in need at such a challenging time.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has directed the authorities to make Covid-19 testing free for all Emiratis and their domestic workers. He also told authorities to make the testing free for some expatriates - people of determination, pregnant women, those aged above 50 and anyone who has come in direct contact with infected individuals. The directive will come into effect from next week. The UAE has ramped up testing of its residents. It has administered over 1.3 million tests, which means that one in every 10 residents have been tested so far.
In support of healthcare staff battling the Covid-19 pandemic, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), car-sharing app (ekar) and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) launched an initiative to offer free month-long car rentals for healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi. The initiative signals recognition of the huge efforts of healthcare workers combating the virus, and aims to ease some of the burdens of healthcare professionals. "This initiative represents the cooperation between government and private sectors in their fight against the outbreak of Covid-19 and provides support to the efforts of healthcare professionals to curb the disease," the ITC said in a statement.
Dubai Economy on Sunday sent out a circular to retailers suggesting increasing the working hours of outlets from 10am to 10pm during weekdays, and up to 12am over the weekends, after Ramadan. It also recommended 10am to 10pm for shopping malls during weekdays, and up to 12am over the weekends. The notice also asked shopping malls to adhere to curfew timings announced by the federal government. In addition, it also announced the removal of the no refund and return policy restrictions, but subject to certain conditions. Retailers have been asked to sanitise goods and set them aside for 24 hours before they are sent to or used by another customer.
The Sharjah Municipality announced the resumption of commercial activities in Sharjah Central Souq from Tuesday, My 12. It has spelt out strict preventive measures and health requirements for the shops to follow. Thabet Al Tarifi, director-general of the municipality, said the civic body has taken all necessary steps to reopen the market in accordance with a systematic plan. "It allows stores to resume operating after implementing all the procedures and conditions laid down by the municipality to contain the spread of Covid-19." He added that the central souq will follow a set of protocols which includes placing marks on the floor in the corridors and in front of the shops to maintain social distancing and keeping sufficient safe space between shoppers. The municipality has made temperature testing devices mandatory at all the entrance doors to check the shoppers' temperature, and provide sterilisation materials to them.
Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters notified motorists wanting to apply for driver's licence that the Traffic and Licensing Center and the Internal and Road Driving Test Office are now operational.In a post on their official Instagram handle RAK police said that currently the offices are operating at only 30 per cent capacity, and listed conditions that applicants must adhere to while appearing for driving test.
Criterion for driving test applicants:- Applicants are required to show coronavirus test certificate, not exceeding 48 hours from the issuance. - Whilst at the driving test center, applicants should be wearing masks and gloves. - They should follow strict social distancing in the waiting hall.
Dubai Tourism on Tuesday issued a set of guidelines for a proposed restart of outdoor tourism and sporting activities in the wake of social-distancing measures implemented in the UAE to curb the spread of coronavirus. The body also announced an ease in restrictions for private beaches in hotels and other sporting activities. While it is not known yet when the proposed guidelines will come into effect, the circular indicates that any outdoor tourism or sporting activity that comprises 1-5 people will be allowed. Watersports, boating and biking activities will be permitted and the authorities will issue equipment for the same. This also includes jet-skiing and sky-diving. Any outdoor activity exceeding five people will remain prohibited, as will indoor activities, parties and other events.
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has responded to a request from a Grade-1 student to return his mother to the UAE. Archie Appleyard, a seven-year-old RAK Academy Al Hamra student, wrote to Sheikh Saud to tell him his mother had been stuck in the UK for 52 days due to coronavirus travel restrictions. "I was pleased today to respond to a letter from Archie, the British boy whose mother was prevented from returning from the UK to Ras Al Khaimah due to the current circumstances," said Sheikh Saud in his response to the handwritten letter. Archie's letter said: "It has been 52 sleeps now that I have been apart from my mother. "I feel so sad because we have never been apart for this long and all I dream and wish for is my mummy's return."
Hundreds of Indian workers are stuck in labour accommodations across Abu Dhabi and wish to return home through the India government's Vande Bharat Mission. Mostly from the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Kerala, they were in Abu Dhabi to work at a production unit on an island. However, they are stranded for more than a month in remote areas of Al Ain and Ruwais and await special flights to their states. "We are about 350 people in Al Ain. Some 200 of us are from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. We came here in January and our project got over by March. We received our salary that time and sent it to India. We should have left by March 29, but for the last 45 days we are fending for ourselves. Many people have lost their dear ones back home; there are medical emergencies and social engagements to attend to. Everyone is getting anxious and losing hope," Indrajeet Yadav, a worker from Uttar Pradesh, said from his accommodation in Al Khazna.
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