Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: India flight ticket prices surge; 2 shopping centres closed; woman fined Dh10,000 for Dubai party

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 679 Covid-19 cases, 813 recoveries, 1 death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 679 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 813 recoveries. One death was also reported. More than 72,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry said, taking the total to nearly 8.8 million Covid-19 tests. Yesterday, it was revealed that teachers of public schools in Abu Dhabi have been given the option to register to get a Covid-19 vaccine that is being trialled in four Arab countries, including the UAE. Principals have received an official circular that confirmed the inclusion of teachers, administrative staff and their immediate family members among the priority categories to obtain the vaccine.  
Woman in Dubai fined Dh10,000 for hosting party violating Covid rules
The Dubai Police slapped a Dh10,000 fine 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. Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, director of the general department of criminal investigations at Dubai Police, said the violator was fined as per resolution No. (38) for 2020, which states that a fine of Dh10,000 is to be imposed on whoever hosts or organises gatherings, meetings, private and public celebrations. He added that the members of the band and guests at the party were each slapped a fine of Dh5,000.
2 shopping centers in UAE temporarily closed for coronavirus violations
Two shopping centers in Ajman were temporarily closed by Ajman's Department of Economic Development for not complying with the UAE precautionary measures to contain the spread of coronavirus Covid-19, according to a statement issued on Monday. Majed Alsuwaidi, Manager of Inspection and Follow-up Section, said that "the extensive inspection campaigns carried out to the Emirate's markets ensure the extent of compliance of facilities with the applicable precautionary measures and health requirements to curb the pandemic spread. Inspection Team dealt only with two shopping centers which showed leniency on abiding by such measures". "Both centers were temporarily shut down for the public safety and health and they will be opened later after ensuring all conditions and requirements are complied with", he added. 
UAE-India flight ticket prices surge as Covid-19 situation in Emirates improves
Air ticket prices from most major destinations in India to the UAE have increased substantially, according to travel agents and air ticket price aggregators. The hike in prices was recently noticed by travellers from India to the UAE, and travel agents are citing better job opportunities, improving weather conditions and a safer Covid-19 situation as some of the primary reasons for this trend. Ticket prices on the Kerala to UAE route are among the highest, given that the highest number of repatriation cases flew to the South Indian state since May this year. According to travel aggregators, a return ticket from Kozhikode International Airport to Dubai is priced at Dh829- Dh1087 for a round-trip on Air India Express.
UAE-based doctor narrates ordeals in emergency ward
An intensive care unit (ICU) is a stressful place for not just patients, but doctors, too, said an intensivist engaged in the fight against Covid-19. Dr Karthikeyan Chinniah, specialist emergency medicine, Lifecare Hospital Mussafah, said amid the pandemic, residents must act responsibly to avoid the "painful weeks" in critical care. "I request people to take care of themselves. The fight is not an easy one. If a person gets infected, he or she may spend a minimum of 10 to 15 days in the ICU. Many patients take 30 to 45 days to recover. We shifted a patient (to the ward) after three months. There was another case where a husband turned positive while his wife was pregnant. It was a very distressing period for the entire family and us. He was in the ICU for 50 days before getting discharged."
New 3-minute laser Covid testing centre opens in Ras Al Khaimah
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, has inaugurated a first-of-its-kind Covid-19 testing centre in Ras Al Khaimah that utilises laser technology to provide test results in three minutes. The centre is located in Al Bayt Mitwahid hall and is staffed by more than 80 employees and volunteers, who are working throughout the week from 10am to 10pm. The facility, operated by Tamouh Healthcare Company, has an operational capacity of testing up to 4,000 people per day.

• Dubai

Ismail Sebugwaawo

ismail@khaleejtimes.com