Dubai - A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.
Published: Wed 23 Sep 2020, 9:14 AM
Updated: Wed 23 Sep 2020, 11:41 AM
Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 852 Covid-19 cases, 939 recoveries, no deaths
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 852 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 939 recoveries. No deaths were reported. More than 98,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, the ministry said, taking the total to over 8.8 million so far. Continuing the crackdown on erring individuals and establishments, the Dubai Police yesterday announced that a fine of Dh10,000 had been slapped on a woman for not complying with anti-Covid measures while hosting a private party with a live band. Those present at the party didn't follow social distancing rules and didn't wear face masks as precautionary measures to stymie the spread of the virus.
UAE health ministry officials receive first dose of Covid-19 vaccine
Senior officials of the UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) received a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Monday.
Among the latest batch of UAE health officials who took the jab were Dr Youssif Al Serkal, assistant undersecretary for the hospital sector and director-general of the Emirates Health Services Corporation; Dr Hussein Abdel Rahman Al Rand, undersecretary of the ministry's health assistant sector, health centres, and clinics; and Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, assistant undersecretary of the support services sector.
100% e-learning for Abu Dhabi students in grade 6 and above
All students studying in grade 6 and above in Abu Dhabi will e-learn from the safety of their homes, authorities announced on Tuesday. The Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Committee to Combat Covid-19 in Abu Dhabi said distance learning will be applied for these high school students as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus. Students in grades 9 to 12 have been given the option to attend in-person classes as required to take international exams. These classes are those that are needed to qualify them for university.
UAE medical, nursing staff get first dose of Covid-19 vaccine
With a Covid-19 vaccine approved for frontliners' use in the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has started administering the shot to the medical and nursing staff of Al Qassimi Hospital for Women and Children in Sharjah. A number of top Mohap officials also received the first dose of the jab, following the vaccination of the country's health minister on Saturday. The move comes as part of the ministry's plan to get frontline health workers vaccinated. "This step clearly underlines the interest and support of the wise leadership for all workers in the health sector and its commitment to providing them with the highest levels of safety," the ministry said.
UAE's Covid-19 cases down 21% in July-August
The UAE ranked first in testing its residents for Covid-19 in July and August, a top official said on Tuesday. During these two months, the total number of cases went down by 21 per cent. The country also saw its Covid mortality rate go down by 5.7 per cent. The official UAE government spokesperson, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, said: "August saw more than two million lab tests nationwide (2,018,274) - the eighth highest in the world. There was an increase of 36 per cent in comparison to the tests conducted in July, when over 1.4 million tests were done." Only 0.47 per cent of those tested were positive for the virus. The official reiterated the government call to avoid gatherings.
4 Dubai businesses fined for flouting Covid-19 safety rules
Dubai continues to crackdown on establishments that are flouting Covid-19 precautionary measures. In a statement issued by Dubai Economy department on Tuesday, four more businesses were fined for flouting coronavirus safety rules. Dubai Economy tweeted that 18 other shops were issued warnings while 691 businesses were found to be complying with precautionary measures. DED officials are conducting daily safety checks to ensure adherence of anti-Covid measures to curb the spread of the virus - and have also urged people to report violations on the Dubai Consumer app or calling 600545555, or by visiting the www.Consumerrights.ae website.
Health authority to visit Dubai schools, teach kids how to stay safe from coronavirus
Health officials are set to visit schools in Dubai to raise students' awareness of Covid-19 and teach them the steps they need to take to stay safe on campus and beyond. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Tuesday started the month-long awareness drive that will cover students of primary and secondary schools. A team from the DHA's public health protection department will initially visit eight private schools and, at a later stage, the campaign shall move to more schools, with discussions held either on-site or virtually. Kids in primary schools will be learning about Covid-19 in fun, interactive sessions, complete with quizzes and puzzles. Those in secondary schools will have more detailed briefings about daily sanitation routines, school bus safety tips, and ways to boost their immunity.
721 beachgoers in Dubai fined for violating anti-Covid measures
A total of 721 fines were issued to beachgoers in Dubai as they soaked in the sun and sand without adhering to Covid-19 safety rules. The fines were issued from March till September 20, the police said. Colonel Saeed Al Madhani, acting director of Dubai Ports Police Station, said the force won't tolerate residents flouting measures laid out to keep residents safe. Beaches and parks in the emirate reopened on May 30 - weeks after they were closed as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus. Beachgoers are required to wear a face mask, maintain adequate social distance and not go in groups of more than five, except members of the same family. Not wearing a mask and failing to ensure distance are punishable with a Dh3,000 fine.
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