A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.
Published: Wed 22 Jul 2020, 8:08 AM
Last updated: Wed 22 Jul 2020, 5:11 PM
Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 305 Covid-19 cases, 343 recoveries, 1 death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 305 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 343 recoveries. One new death was also reported. More than 40,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the health ministry added. The ministry has affirmed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment. The UAE has stolen a march over other countries in the quest for a vaccine against Covid-19 with the launch of the final phase 3 human trials. Coordination is underway to open registration for nationals and residents across the UAE who wish to volunteer for Phase III clinical trials of inactivated vaccine.
Covid-19 test must for Abu Dhabi students, teachers before returning to schools
All students, teachers and administrative staff at Abu Dhabi private schools must be screened for Covid-19 before returning to campuses for the new academic year in September. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) confirmed the requirement to Khaleej Times. This policy shall be applied to all UAE schools and colleges, according to a report by Arabic daily Al Roeya. "All staff and students in Abu Dhabi must undergo Covid-19 testing prior to being authorised to return to the school premises. Details concerning coverage, schedules, and process will be announced at a later time in conjunction with relevant authorities," read an Adek document that was sent to schools in the Capital, after they were given the green light to reopen in September.
Abu Dhabi students to return to schools in September
Students in Abu Dhabi will return to schools next academic year as the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has given a green light to continue in-classroom learning. Adek has issued comprehensive reopening policies and guidelines to ensure the safest possible return for the emirate's students and teachers from the beginning of the new academic year. Adek has worked extensively over the last few months with schools, parent representatives, teachers and the relevant authorities to make these policies as comprehensive as possible. The policies are framed around four main dimensions: Safe operations, teaching and learning, staff and student wellbeing, and community support.
Free Covid-19 tests for all Fujairah residents
A free Covid-19 testing campaign is being rolled out in Fujairah, it was announced on Tuesday, July 21. The campaign will see all Emiratis and expats in the emirate get tested for Covid-19. The campaign will adhere to a specific timetable that will cover every neighbourhood of the emirate. Residents must take their Emirates ID to the testing centres.
Dubai doctors who got 10-year visa call it 'best gift ever'
Dubai doctors who got 10-year visas recently have called it the "best gift" they have received. Australian national with Lebanese roots Dr Mohamad Bitar, who heads the ENT surgery department at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital (AJCSH), called the honour a "touching gesture". "It was such a positive news in these negative times and it motivated me to work harder. We usually get a 'thank you' from parents when we treat their kids but this visa surprise for me was a direct appreciation from the leadership of the country. When I saw the visa letter sent to us by our hospital CEO, I got this sense of belonging to the UAE." Dr Bitar was among the 90 doctors from AJCSH - the UAE's first and only paediatric hospital - to get the 10-year golden card residency visa in recognition of their efforts to support young patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Community groups in Dubai may now resume operations at 50% capacity
Licensed community groups and non-government organisations in Dubai may now resume their operations and activities, with strict safety measures in place, the emirate's Community Development Authority (CDA) announced on Tuesday. Laying out guidelines on how the organisations can proceed with activities, the CDA said operations at their facilities must be limited to 50 per cent of capacity, social distancing must be observed, and regular sanitisation should be carried out. The authority has formed a team of inspectors to ensure compliance. Large gatherings are still prohibited. For special activities, groups are required to secure approvals from all entities concerned and follow all guidelines enforced for specific sectors and establishments, such as sports, restaurants, education, entertainment and retail.
Abu Dhabi's back-to-school safety guide
With the Capital's schools given the green light to reopen after the summer break, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has issued a comprehensive safety guide to fight the spread of Covid-19. Adek on Tuesday confirmed to Khaleej Times that all students, teachers and administrative staff at Abu Dhabi private schools must be screened for the virus prior to their return to campuses in September. A document detailing guidelines for reopening has also been sent to all schools.
Indian parents seek visit visas for children stranded back home
Long-term residents, whose children are stranded in India without residency visas, have appealed to Indian and UAE authorities to allow their children to travel to the UAE on visit visas. Parents of both minor children and varsity-going students are desperately seeking permission from authorities to allow their children to travel on visit visas so that they can reunite with their parents. In some cases, parents said their sons who have crossed the age of 21 cannot travel since the UAE does not issue visit visas for those from India. Parents also expressed fear that they will miss out on the 15-day travel deadline set by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) which expires on July 26.
Hospital helps repatriate Indian construction worker paralysed waist down
An Indian construction worker who was found lying paralysed in an abandoned building in Ajman in January has finally been repatriated home. Thanks to the generosity of the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Ajman, which provided him free treatment, and the Consulate-General of India, Ashok Kumar, a 44-year-old carpenter, was able to fly home on Monday, said general secretary of the Indian Association in Ajman Roop Sidhu. According to his medical reports, Kumar suffered from acute alcoholic pancreatitis, aspiration pneumonia and associated dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. He also had clinical features of delirium.
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