Toomaj Salehi risks being hanged after the conviction on the Shariah charge of "corruption on Earth" by a Revolutionary Court
So far, it has recorded 2,359 cases, 12 deaths and 186 recoveries. However, it has also stepped up its countermeasures to combat the spread, with the introduction of its first drive-thru testing centres and volunteering campaigns that invite Emiratis and expats alike to join dedicated teams working around the clock to protect the community.
The country's leadership has been leading the way, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also launching an online campaign called #thankyouheroes to recognise healthcare workers in the UAE.
Here's a timeline of all the proactive steps UAE has taken to battle the spread so far.
March 8
The Ministry of Education announced the closure of all schools and higher education institutions in the UAE for four weeks, as precaution against Covid-19.
March 15
Remote working was activated for two weeks for select categories of public sector employees in the federal authorities.
March 17
Retailers reduced their opening hours from midday to 8pm only - as opposed to their regular 10am to 10pm timings.
March 22
March 24
- Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 24, 2020
March 25
- Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) March 23, 2020
March 26
- UAE began a nationwide disinfection programme to sanitise the country as it fights the spread of the virus.
Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/eF5z2D29Ri
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) March 28, 2020
March 27
Dubai Police activated radars to monitor motorists violating quarantine measures during the National Sterilisation Program.
March 29
Major UAE retailers adjusted their opening hours from 8am to 8pm as per a government mandate, and due to the sterilisation programme underway in the country.
March 31
The nationwide sterilisation program was extended to April 5.
April 1
- MOHRE_UAE ????? ??????? ??????? ???????? (@MOHRE_UAE) March 30, 2020
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued a new remote work policy for private businesses. Under the policy, office-based workers must be limited to 30 per cent of the company's workforce.
April 4
April 5
- 'Early Leave' initiative launched to enable all residents in the private sector who wish to return to their home countries to do so.
- Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai also suspended metro, tram and intercity bus operations until further notice.
April 7
Toomaj Salehi risks being hanged after the conviction on the Shariah charge of "corruption on Earth" by a Revolutionary Court
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