Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: Medics ramps up stem cell trials; 561 new cases announced; UAE, India exchange aid, medics; Sharjah eases restrictions
Published: Sun 3 May 2020, 8:55 AM
Last updated: Sun 3 May 2020, 5:00 PM
Here's a round-up of all the latest developments you need to be aware of:
UAE's stem cell treatment fights symptoms of Covid-19, not cure itClinical trail for the new treatment for Covid-19 using stem cells is underway for the first time in the UAE, Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Head Hematology and Oncology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, said on Saturday. She said the breakthrough by the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center is a national achievement. "Up to 28 specialist and researchers formed the team that came up this treatment," said Dr Fatima, who is also an assistant researcher at stem cell project. Addressing a press conference on Saturday, the official clarified that new breakthrough supports and doesn't entire cures a patient during treatment period. "We have utilised all our scientific potentials to deal with Covid-19 crisis. We are proud to have developed this new treatment. It is undergoing clinical trials for first time in the UAE. It's a national achievement. This treatment is supportive and doesn't provide entire cure. It helps patients overcome the symptoms caused by the virus but doesn't kill it.
UAE announces 561 new cases of coronavirusThe UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday, May 2, announced 561 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 13,599. The authority also announced 121 new recoveries, taking the total number of recoveries in the country to 2,664. 8 new deaths were also announced in the country, with the total number of deaths reaching 119. On Friday, UAE authorities said an innovative treatment against Covid-19 infections using stem cells has been developed and has been used to treat 73 patients. The treatment was developed by a team of doctors and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSCC). Stem cells from the patient's blood are taken and is reintroduced into their bodies after activating them.
UAE, India exchange aid, medics in war on Covid-19The UAE and India are extending a helping hand to each other in the fight against the deadly coronavirus that has so far claimed more than 240,500 lives worldwide. The UAE on Saturday, May 2, sent an aid plane containing seven metric tonnes of medical supplies to India to help in curbing the spread of the Covid-19 while India has reciprocated by sending a team of 88 medics to the UAE. The UAE aid will assist approximately 7,000 medical professionals in India as they work to combat the virus. Commenting on the aid delivery, Dr Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Banna, UAE Ambassador to India, said, "The UAE is committed to extending critical support to nations seeking to bolster their fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The UAE assistance to India comes in recognition of the profound and brotherly ties our two countries have shared throughout the years."
Indian medics flying in to help in UAE's fight against Covid-19The first batch of Indian medical team consisting of 88 specialist doctors are on their way to UAE to support the country in its fight against Covid-19. Heeding to UAE's request, India government has allowed to send the first batch of medical team of 88 specialists, doctors and nurses to UAE, the UAE embassy in New Delhi tweeted. "Within the framework of the keenness of @UAEembassyIndia to support efforts of UAE in combating #Covid_19, Indian authorities allowed to send first batch of medical team of 88 specialists, doctors & nurses to UAE within short period to support UAE's efforts in fighting #Corona," tweeted the embassy on Saturday. "This reflects the special importance the Indian government attaches to bilateral relations between two countries," it added.
Distance learning evaluation for all UAE schools from mid-MayA Distance Learning Evaluation (DLE) is set to begin by mid-May for all UAE public and private schools amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has posted introductory information about the evaluation initiative on its 'Safety at Schools' webpage. The DLE has been developed to create shared expectations of distance learning for schools, parents and students and to provide educational institutions with feedback in order to help them improve its key aspects. Teams from Ministry of Education (MoE), KHDA, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) interviewed principals and teachers at public and private schools across the UAE to discuss the implementation of distance learning by their institutions, and to gain an understanding of how it can be improved.
Sharjah reopens malls, salons and dine-in facilities from todayCommercial establishments, including malls, salons and eateries will reopen today in Sharjah. Strict safety guidelines will have to be observed after the reopening to protect public health, according to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (Sedd). Commercial centres will operate from 12pm to 9pm, while food stores and pharmacies will work round the clock. "Circulars have been sent to all establishments in the emirate about the measures to be adhered to after the reopening. This includes maintaining an occupancy ceiling of 30 per cent in all common areas at commercial centres and installing instruction signboards at the entrance of premises with the number of visitors allowed and social distancing regulations," said a Sedd official.
Beware of fake WhatsApp prizes, job offersBeware of fake social media messages, promising prizes, jobs and shopping discounts amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Abu Dhabi Police warned residents on Saturday. These messages are usually shared via WhatsApp and other online platforms. Police said such fake messages are being circulated by criminal gangs that target random community members through use of advanced technology. If a UAE resident clicks on the scammer's message and follows instructions, fraudsters will be able to hack accounts and access other personal details.
No firm shut, fined in Dubai as Covid-19 compliance improvesDubai's Department of Economic Development (DED) on Saturday said no commercial entity was shut down and fined for failing to comply with Covid-19 measures during its latest round of inspections. An increased level of awareness was noted among shops and markets in the emirate. Inspections carried out by the economic department across malls and high street markets of Dubai showed that 474 companies complied with precautionary measures. However, 14 entities were issued warnings. Since Dubai started easing Covid-19 restrictions late last month, dozens of companies have been fined for non-compliance with safety and social distancing regulations.
Indian Embassy in UAE distributes 1,000 food kitsIndian Embassy Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with public-private entities, provided 1,000 food kits to Indian associations for distribution among people affected by Covid-19 pandemic. The embassy, led by Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor, collaborated with Emirates Foundation, First Abu Dhabi Bank and LuLu Exchange for this initiative. Indian Islamic Centre, Kerala Social Centre and Abu Dhabi Malayalee Samajam, which are among the associations organising Covid-19 relief works, received the kits. All the Indian associations in Abu Dhabi are working round the clock to reach out to those in need. Indian Islamic Centre general secretary M.P.M. Rasheed noted the packets will be distributed among the needy people who make calls to help desk seeking assistance.
Help light up 'world's tallest donation box' at Dubai's Burj KhalifaWith a Dh10 contribution for one meal, you can help light up the 'world's tallest donation box' at Dubai's Burj Khalifa - spreading glimmers of hope across the UAE and the globe amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Aiming to support the UAE's '10 million meals' drive, the extraordinary donation box was launched on Saturday by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with Burj Khalifa. Companies, entities and individuals may purchase lights for the world's tallest tower at Dh10 each. And for every light bought through the website, www.tallestdonationbox.com, one meal is provided to someone in need. The target is to donate 1.2 million meals or food parcels to people and families affected by the coronavirus outbreak in the UAE.
Over 150,000 Indians register on missions' repatriation websiteOver 150,000 Indians have registered on the online portal collecting data of citizens wishing to travel home amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Consulate- General of India in Dubai revealed. As of Saturday night, approximately 157,000 Indians have registered on web portal since its launch on Wednesday. About 40 per cent of the applicants are blue- collared workers and 20 per cent are working professionals, said a Consulate official. "Roughly 20 per cent have suffered job losses and about 55 per cent of the total applicants are from Kerala," Neeraj Aggarwal, Consul, Press, Information, Culture told Khaleej Times.
How these frontline medics in UAE fast while fighting the pandemicWhile the UAE's Fatwa Council has announced that coronavirus patients and medical workers on the frontline may opt-out from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, Khaleej Times speak to a few Muslim medical workers who are braving this challenge and have chosen to fast even while on the tough duty of dealing with Covid-19 patients on a daily basis. British Pakistani Rahila Bhatti, a 43-year-old endocrinologist at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital, has been serving as the Covid-19 ward in-charge doctor for the past few weeks at the hospital. Being in her protective gear most of the time during her 9 to 10-hour shift does not deter the mother of three from fasting.
Abu Dhabi Airports to use bots for sterilisationUnmanned ground vehicles (UGV) will disinfect Abu Dhabi airport premises beginning this month. The CodiBot, designed by Marakeb Technologies, will be piloted from May throughout the Abu Dhabi International Airport - staff areas, cargo facilities, cabin sterilisation etc. The robots will help eliminate the risk of human exposure and self-contamination during sterilisation of aircraft. It will also ensure operators' safety through remote control capability, using real-time video and high-speed 4G data connection. "We can reassure passengers and our frontline staff that we are taking all precautionary measures to ensure their safety. We have a clear responsibility to ensure our spaces remain clear of any virus threat. By deploying artificial intelligence, we add another layer of protection and build on our comprehensive response to the Covid-19 outbreak," said Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.