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Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 375 new cases reported; robots deployed to sanitise Dubai hospitals; 100% Sharjah govt staff to return to offices next week

A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 375 new Covid-19 cases, 512 recoveries

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 375 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 512 recoveries. This brings the total number of cases in the country to 55,573 and the total recoveries to 46,025.  One death was also announced in the country as a result of the illness, bringing the total number of deaths to 335.
Dubai's community effort crucial in fight against coronavirus: Hamdan

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said on Tuesday that the Dubai community, including both citizens and residents, have played an invaluable role in fighting the Covid-19 outbreak. The keenness of the community to contribute in times of crises has always been an integral part of Dubai's social ethos, he said. "The solidarity displayed by various social stakeholders in Dubai in the face of the Covid-19 crisis will be remembered by generations to come. The remarkable cohesiveness demonstrated by the community and their commitment to meet their social responsibilities is something the world will recognise as an example of how a progressive society should respond to a crisis like this," Sheikh Hamdan said.
UAE, Chinese officials discuss trials for potential coronavirus vaccine

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), and Dr. Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi, Acting Undersecretary of DoH, on Tuesday met with a delegation from the Sinopharm China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Group 42 (G42) to discuss future plans as part of the first of three stages of clinical trials to find a potential vaccine for Covid-19. The Chinese pharmaceutical group and the leading Abu Dhabi-based Group 42 delegation specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing have signed an agreement which aims to advance the clinical operations of the vaccine in the UAE under DoH's supervision. The two parties discussed the details of their coordination, including choosing the experts from both delegations who would work closely with one another to complete the clinical trials, in addition to the shipment details of the vaccines that would be produced as a result of these trials.
Dh50 Covid-19 rapid test to enter Abu Dhabi gives results in minutes

Residents who availed of a rapid testing facility for Covid-19 to enter Abu Dhabi received their test results within five minutes, they told Khaleej Times on Tuesday. A facility to conduct the Dh50 tests has been set up just before the Ghantoot border checkpoint. Residents and tourists without a Covid-negative result can enter Abu Dhabi after undergoing the rapid test at the facility set up near the last exit on the Sheikh Zayed Road. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee and the Department of Health said they have implemented a laser-based technique at the facility. A negative result will allow entry to Abu Dhabi, while those testing positive will need to undergo a PCR test, the emirate's media office said.
Robots deployed to sanitise Dubai hospitals, health centres

Smart robots have been deployed to sterilise Dubai Health Authority (DHA)-affiliated hospitals and health centres, it was announced on Tuesday. This comes as all diagnostic and therapeutic services have been restored at Dubai healthcare facilities. "Using smart technology makes the sterilisation process thorough, efficient and less time-consuming," the DHA said in a statement on Tuesday. Kholoud Abdullah Al Ali, project manager and leader of the DHA's Dubai future accelerators team, said the authority is using eight "intelligent robots" to perform UV sterilisation scans in all rooms and corridors at its health facilities.
Abu Dhabi pharmaceutical teams hailed

Abu Dhabi Health Services Company's (Seha) pharmaceutical teams are playing a prominent role in combating Covid-19 on the frontlines. Pharmaceutical teams have joined medical, nursing, and administrative staff in the nation's fight against the virus, making it their national duty. Clinical pharmacists in particular are on the frontlines, supporting Covid-19 patients every day. These teams are part of Seha's Allied Health arm - responsible for medical prevention, diagnostic treatment programmes for a range of conditions and illnesses, in synergy with other multidisciplinary health teams to provide the best patient outcomes. 
Catholic church in Abu Dhabi prepares to reopen on July 20

A catholic church in Abu Dhabi will reopen from Monday, July 20. St Joseph's Cathedral, the seat of the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, is getting ready to welcome the faithful after months of closure with Covid-19 precautionary measures, including online appointments for mass, the parish priest said. Following the guidelines of the Department of Community Development, elaborate arrangements are made to ensure safety and well-being of everyone. The three facilities inside the premises: St Joseph's Cathedral, St Therese Church and the parish hall will have only 30 per cent occupancy, which will be 80 people per service. An average 15,000 faithful visit the church on weekends spread over 15 services but the number will be now down to 3,500. To manage the expected rush of faithful, an online platform to book appointments for service will be launched.
Don't let Covid-19 wreck your credit score

When you're struggling to make ends meet, it is easy to cross out loan and debt payments from the long list of bills you have to settle for the month. However, experts warned this could lead to bigger problems in the future, and they are not only referring to interest and late payment charges: They are talking about your credit score. Credit scores are tools that lenders use to determine whether you are qualified for a loan, credit card or mortgage. It tells them whether you are a "good borrower" who is likely to pay dues on time. Keeping a good score would help you get access to financial relief when you need it most.
All Sharjah government employees to return to offices next week

All employees of the Sharjah government will be back in their offices from Sunday, July 19, the emirate's directorate of human resources has announced. A circular issued under the directive of the Sharjah Executive Council stated that the 100 per cent capacity will apply to all government departments and entities. All institutions should be ready to welcome their staff back, it added. Employees with chronic illnesses may be exempted, provided that a medical report is submitted. The decision comes as part of the emirate's comprehensive plan for Sharjah's gradual return to normal life, said Dr Tariq Sultan bin Khadem, member of the Sharjah Executive Council and chairman of the Sharjah Directorate of Human Resources.
With more flights from UAE to India, ticket sale sees a surge

With more special flights operating in the fourth phase of Vande Bharat Mission from the UAE to India, the number of people at the ticket booking office in Abu Dhabi has swelled. Till Tuesday afternoon, a total of 51 flights are announced for this month from Abu Dhabi, much more than June. The Air India Express office in Abu Dhabi has seen the number of tokens issued to people jump from 350 per day to 450 within a week of temporarily moving its operations to the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC).