Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 1,214 new cases reported; confirmed case rate in Abu Dhabi remains at 0.39%

Dubai - Around-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:

UAE reports 1,214 Covid-19 cases, 741 recoveries, 2 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 1,214 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 741 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported. As many as 114,653 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to nearly 14.5 million tests so far. For the UAE to be able to reach the "final recovery stage", residents' compliance with all Covid-19 safety measures is a must, a government official said on Tuesday. Calling Covid-19 the ultimate test of resilience, Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, said the UAE is one of the countries that was able to control the situation by making every possible effort. It has also entered the planning stage for recovery, for which it had set up a national committee.

Firefighters in Ajman get Covid-19 vaccine

Firefighters in Ajman have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine that’s being administered to the country’s frontline heroes. Brig Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Ajman Civil Defence, was among the officers from the department who received the jab. He hailed the vaccine, saying it will help keep frontline heroes safe from the coronavirus. The UAE’s leaders, frontline heroes, ministers and top officials have been receiving the Covid-19 jab after the country granted approval for emergency use. On November 3, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received his first dose.

Covid-19 positive cases per total tests in Abu Dhabi remains at 0.39%

Abu Dhabi has maintained a very low percentage of Covid-19 positive cases over the recent months. According to the statement issued by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the percentage of confirmed cases per total tests conducted across the emirate over the past three months remained at 0.39 per cent. Abu Dhabi's Emergency, Crisis & Disaster Committee also announced that the National Screening Programme and other testing initiatives will continue in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the emirate. This is through mass testing and providing free tests for all segments of society, including the business sectors and communities. "The Committee, the Department of Health and other authorities will continue to provide testing for all and apply the highest precautionary and preventive measures," said the statement issued by the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

UAE demonstrated tolerance while dealing with Covid-19: Minister

The UAE demonstrated its complete belief in the principles of tolerance and coexistence while battling Covid-19, a UAE minister has said. “The UAE has extended the hand of cooperation and synergy to all countries of the world to face the pandemic and address its effects and repercussions. This confirms that the values of tolerance, peace, solidarity and brotherhood in the UAE society are firm values that will continue to exist as long as humanity exists,” said Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bawardi, the UAE’s Minister of State for Defence Affairs. This came as he announced the fifth edition of the Ministry of Defence’s annual leadership conference. The ‘Wars in the 21st century’ conference will be held virtually on November 16 under the theme ‘The role of defence in national resilience beyond 2020’.

Five shisha cafes in Dubai closed for not following guidelines

Five shisha cafes and one laundry shop have been closed in Dubai for failing to comply with precautionary measures, the Dubai Municipality announced on Wednesday. As many as 2,310 establishments were inspected, of which 2,270 were found complying with the guidelines. Eight of them were fined for committing violations, 26 were given warnings, while six were closed. The shisha cafes were located in International City and Trade Centre 1 areas, while the laundry was located in Hor Al Anz.

‘On social media, some still think Covid-19 pandemic is a lie’

“Many people still believe the pandemic is a lie,” a veteran journalist and author has pointed out in a virtual discussion that raised concerns about the “credibility crisis” that have been affecting both literature and the news industry. At a recent session on the SIBF’s Sharjah Reads virtual platform, journalist and author Yasmin Alibhai-Brown said: “Truth has become very slippery today. Social media is a root cause of distortions that we no longer know what is true or false.” Equally concerned about the rise of disinformation, Muhsin Al Ramli — an Iraqi writer, poet, academic and translator — joined the conversation.

• Abu Dhabi