Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 725 new cases; Golden Visa for 212 doctors announced; rapid viral tests banned; expats exempted from visa fines

Here's a round-up of all the latest developments you need to know:
Sheikh Mohammed announces 10-year 'Golden Visa' for Dubai health workers

Ten-year golden visas will be granted to 212 expat doctors at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), it was announced on Wednesday. The move is in implementation of the directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Government of Dubai Media Office said it is an expression of gratitude to Dubai's first line of defence against Covid-19. Announced last year, long-term golden visas are typically granted to investors, entrepreneurs, professional talents, researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and outstanding students. There is a huge respect for the UAE's healthcare workers, who are hailed for their sacrifices in the line of duty. Sheikh Mohammed had in March launched an online campaign to thank them.
All UAE expats exempted from visa fines

A grace period of three months, starting from May 18, has been set for all expats who are staying in the UAE in violation of the UAE Foreigners' Residency and Entry Law, said a senior official of the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (FAIC). During a virtual Press briefing for the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) on Wednesday, Brigadier Khamis Al Kaabi, official spokesperson of the FAIC, said that as per a gesture from the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Cabinet issued an order, exempting all expats, including holders of entry permits and residency visas, whose violations of the law happened on or after March 1. "We urge all expats to register at the FAIC portal to avail of the grace period that shall start on May 18 up to three months. All breaches related to expired Emirates IDs and labour cards will also be cancelled," Brigadier Al Kaabi pointed out.
UAE announces 725 new cases, 511 recoveries

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday announced 725 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, as well as 511 new recoveries. The total number of cases in the country has reached 20,386 and the total number of recoveries has also reached 6,523. As many as 34,869 new tests have also been carried out, the ministry added. 3 people have succumbed to the illness, bringing the total number of deaths to 206 in the country. The UAE's daily testing average is equivalent to a four-month screening average in other countries, and the country has conducted over 1.5 million Covid-19 tests so far, the ministry had said earlier.
Have patience, we're on the verge of a breakthrough: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, urged people to have patience as the world is facing the Covid-19 pandemic. Sheikh Mohamed was addressing the participants of the third episode of his virtual majlis on Wednesday. "We are on the verge of a breakthrough. It's true that until that happens, things will be challenging," he said. "Despite the lockdown and quarantines, we will get through this." Sheikh Mohamed said he was sorry that people cannot have access to places of worship, or meet relatives and friends. "Please, let's have patience. Everybody is willingly locked down because the globe is facing one enemy."
UAE ministries may be merged, authorities changed, says Sheikh Mohammed

The UAE will review the size of its government and introduce changes to make it more flexible, the country's Vice-President has said. He hinted at merging ministries and changing authorities as part of the country's post-Covid-19 strategy. Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the country needs a "more agile, flexible and speedy government".  "We need a flexible government to deal with the changes and new national priorities. The world will not be the same after Covid-19," he tweeted. This came as a three-day virtual government meeting to prepare for a post-Covid-19 future ended. The meeting brought together over 100 ministers, government officials, economists and experts who brainstormed the future of six major sectors: Health, education, economy, food security, society and government.
Abu Dhabi opens new field hospital in just 9 days

A state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi field hospital has been built in just nine days and work on four similar facilities is under way, it was announced on Wednesday. The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for the Covid-19 pandemic has inaugurated the Al Razeen Field Hospital as part of a field hospital initiative instigated by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The initiative has been implemented to support the health sector's capabilities and increase its capacity to manage Covid-19. In a statement, Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for the Covid-19 pandemic said: "Al Razeen Hospital was built according to the highest international standards, with an area of 46,500 square feet. The field hospital has a capacity of 200 beds and 50 ICU (Intensive Care Unit) beds. The hospital includes examination centres, X-ray units, pharmacies, medical-storage areas, rest accommodation, restrooms and restaurants."
Ruler brings back mother of 7-year-old boy to UAE stranded in UK due to coronavirus

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has directed concerned authorities to bring home to the UAE the stranded mother of a seven-year-old boy who wrote him a letter, telling them that the country will always be a beacon of humanity in this world. Jessica Fitzjohn travelled to the UK more than 50 days ago to attend the funeral of her father but was unable to return because of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak. Her son, Archie Appleyard, and husband, Richard, live in Ras Al Khaimah and the situation prompted Archie, a seven-year-old pupil at RAK Academy, to send a hand-written letter and drawing to Sheikh Saud explaining their predicament and asking for his help.


IGM/IGG rapid tests for passengers are approved, say UAE health officials

UAE authorities clarified on Wednesday that all passengers who are being sent back on repatriation flights are undergoing an approved rapid test mechanism, called IGM/IGG, before departure. IGM/IGG are blood tests to detect antibodies against Covid-19 in patients' serum and the results take 5-10 minutes. The tests have been approved by the Dubai Health Authority and Ministry of Health and Prevention. Speaking to Khaleej Times, a source at the healthcare authority said that IGM/IGG tests conducted at the airport for passengers being repatriated are also a type of rapid tests, but those have been checked and approved by all UAE health authorities. "There are a number of rapid tests for Covid-19 but this particular one that has been banned is the use and sale of the rapid laboratory screening kits that many individuals began using to detect blood antibodies against Covid-19," the source said.
4 special flights to fly to India from Abu Dhabi starting May 17

The second phase of Vande Bharat Mission will see four special flights operating to Indian airports from Abu Dhabi. There are three services to state of Kerala and one to Andhra Pradesh. First service is on May 17 to Kochi, then first flights from Abu Dhabi to Kerala state capital of Thiruvananthapuram on May 18 and Kannur on May 23. Also, first service to Andhra Pradesh will be to Visakhapatnam on May 19. While Air India Express will serve Kerala sector, Air India will operate to Visakhapatnam. India aims to double the number of repatriation to 30,000 people is the second phase starting from May 16. "In the first phase of Vande Bharat Mission, we were to bring back 14,800 Indians on 64 flights. 8,500 Indians have already returned till this morning. More flights are underway," Indian Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said.
KT for good: Keep safe, stay 6 feet away to combat coronavirus

When it's time to step out of your home, remember that you still can't get too close with people around you. People who do not know that they have the Covid virus -including you - can transmit the disease, doctors said. And this is where maintaining a safe distance from others can serve as an important step to curb the spread of Covid-19. Dr Daffodills Guevarra, general practitioner at Prime Medical Centre (Deira), said social distancing means deliberately keeping a proper physical distance between you and others. "The World Health Organisation and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a distance of about six feet (two metres) when possible," Dr Guevarra said.
Jobless man, pregnant wife forced to stay in Dubai parking lot

Indian couple Pradeep Kumar and his 32-week pregnant wife Premalatha are living in the constant fear of having to return to the parking lot where they had spent days after losing their jobs and accommodation. The couple hails from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Kumar worked at a hotel in Dubai and Premalatha at a private firm. Due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, both lost their jobs in March. Kumar's employment visa was cancelled and Premalatha's visa expires in June. Since the couple couldn't afford to pay rent, they were dislodged from their flat and forced to spend days in the underground parking lot. Luckily, a well-wisher offered them temporary accommodation. But with no flight to Tamil Nadu in Phase-2 of Vande Bharat Mission, the couple is assailed by the looming fear of returning to the same parking lot - a nightmare that haunts them.
Dubai's Emirates to resume scheduled passenger flights

Dubai's Emirates has announced its plan to operate scheduled flight services from May 21 to nine destinations: London Heathrow Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, Sydney and Melbourne, subject to government approval. The airline will also offer connections in Dubai for customers travelling between the UK and Australia. These flights will be available for booking on emirates.com. Travellers will only be accepted on these flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries. This includes an approval from the Federal Authority for Identify and Citizenship (ICA) for UAE residents who wish to return to Dubai.
Shoppers reminded to follow safety rules as Abu Dhabi mall reopens

As Abu Dhabi's Al Wahda Mall reopens, shoppers are reminded to observe social distancing and follow safety measures to help curb the spread of Covid-19. Customers must wear gloves and masks as they enter the mall, but those above 60 years old and kids below 12 years will not be will not be allowed inside. All common areas and prayer rooms will remain closed, and lifts will be available only for people of determination. Occupancy is limited to 30 per cent of the original capacity, while parking is limited to 50 per cent. Al Wahda's reopening guidelines are all in line with the health and safety measures rolled out by the Department of Health and Department of Economic Development. It will be open from 12pm to 9pm, however, essential outlets like groceries will be open from 8am to 10pm. Pharmacies and money exchange houses' operating hours will be from 9am to 10pm.
Dubai shops maintain high level of compliance with Covid-19 guidelines

Dubai Economy on Wednesday announced that 1,065 outlets were inspected on Tuesday and 1,063 were found compliant with precautionary measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Two shops were issued warnings and no outlet was shut down or issued a fine on Tuesday for not abiding by the precautionary measures. The regulator earlier this week sent out a circular to retailers increasing the working hours of outlets from 10am to 10pm during weekdays and up to 12am over the weekends after Ramadan. As a result of increased inspection after the reopening of the economy, the compliance rate by the commercial outlets has been staying very high.
Post-Covid-19 societies will enjoy close family ties: UAE minister

The world after the Covid-19 coronavirus period will herald a positive outlook for social welfare and sustainable development sectors, given the elaborate precautionary measures enforced to contain the pandemic, notably social distancing, said Hessa Bint Issa Buhamid, Minister of Community Development. These remarks were made by the minister during her address at the session titled 'Covid-19 implications on the United Arab Emirates - Opportunities and Challenges', which examined the key implications and potential impacts on the social welfare sector in the UAE and the world, the general lifestyle of individuals due to Covid-19. The minister indicated that the UAE government meeting for the post-coronavirus Covid-19 period embodies the UAE leadership's directives to foresee the future with a difference.
Masks made by inmates distributed to Abu Dhabi workers, healthcare facilities

In line with the directives of Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Punitive and Correctional Establishments (PCE) has distributed medical masks manufactured by inmates to healthcare facilities and workers in Abu Dhabi. The PCE initiative was launched to mark the 'Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action' and to contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19. Teams from the PCE distributed 30,000 masks, produced as part of the interior ministry's rehabilitation programmes, to workers in industrial areas. The masks were manufactured as per the highest international standards and specifications of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
DHA bans rapid viral tests for coronavirus

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has banned the use of rapid viral tests for Covid-19 due to the inaccuracies in the results of the tests. The test is said to give false negative and positive results for Covid-19 and has just a 30 per cent accuracy rate, studies have shown. In a circular issued to all licensed private hospitals, outpatient care facilities and pharmaceutical establishments in Dubai, the DHA requested them to refrain from using or selling rapid laboratory screening kits to detect blood antibodies to the Covid-19 virus. It stated: "This method (rapid viral test) has not yet been proven to be feasible and has not been universally adopted as a reliable diagnostic method. The DHA is continuously testing the effectiveness of these devices and will inform you in the event of any change in this matter."