85-year-old Emirati woman dies of Covid-19 contracted during family gathering

Al Ain - 10 family members including a seven-year-old child also infected.

An elderly Emirati woman died of Covid-19 after contracting the virus during a family gathering, according to a family member. Her four children and six grandchildren were also infected and couldn't attend her burial.
Al Ain-based Abdullah bin Qasir Al Darei told Khaleej Times on Monday that his 85-year-old aunt passed away on Saturday and was buried in Al Ain.  
"We lost our beloved aunt, Nasirah Al Darei, because of coronavirus. Her four children, who are in the hospital couldn't even see her body or attend the funeral. They didn't even have chance to receive condolences. It was only through phone calls," said Al Darei.
He said the elderly woman had contracted the disease during a family gathering, where 10 other members of the family, including her four children and grandchildren were also infected.
"Her two sons and two daughters aged between 55 and 65, had also been infected with the virus. Five of the grandchildren, including a seven-year-old, are currently under home isolation after being discharged from the hospital," said Al Darei.
He noted that the infection came from one of the family members, who had no idea that he had the disease as he didn't show any symptoms.

The Emirati noted that after the death of his aunt, he sent out a message on Twitter in which he appealed to members of the community to adhere to all the precautionary health measures put in place by authorities to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
"As our leaders have always said to us, everyone is responsible for the safety of our community. We must protect our parents and the elderly people from the virus by avoiding family visits and gatherings," said Al Darei.

"Let's continue to practise physical distancing, wear face masks and follow healthy lifestyles so that we can overcome this pandemic."

He said the country's leaders and the frontliners have made all efforts to combat the pandemic to ensure the safety of all people in the UAE. "It is now upon citizens and residents to also play their part by being responsible and avoiding crowding in order to protect our lives and the lives of those we love," said Al Darei.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi