Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 254 new cases reported; residents celebrate Eid Al Adha amid new normal; airlines' terms to accept PCR test results from locally approved labs

Abu Dhabi - A round-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 254 new Covid-19 cases, 346 recoveries, no deaths 
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported new 254 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 346 recoveries. The UAE once again recorded no deaths in the past 24 hours. The new cases were detected through additional 43,268 tests. The total number of cases as on August 1 stands at 60,760 with 54,255 total recoveries. The death toll remains at 351. The UAE has realised a new achievement as part of its continuous efforts and preventive and precautionary measures it put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of the community. As part of its intensified testing campaign, active coronavirus cases in the country have been steadily declining over the past weeks.
Now, fly to UAE with PCR results from any approved labs in your country 
Passengers arriving from the countries where there are no UAE-approved laboratories available can conduct their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test at any government-accredited laboratory in their country of departure, major UAE carriers and other airlines operating in the UAE have announced. Earlier, the UAE had announced all returning residents, visit visa holders and tourists must carry a PCR-negative test result from a Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approved laboratory in partnership with the Pure Health network of laboratories. According to the airlines, in case a UAE-approved laboratory is not in the country of departure, residents and tourists can procure a test result from any government accredited laboratory in their home country. Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways and Air India Express are among the airlines that announced a reform in the earlier ruling.
UAE residents get into festive mood this Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha celebrations may have been quiet and intimate, but for families in the UAE - it was, still, 'the best day' of the year and definitely 'an experience to remember'.  While most residents preferred to stay home and spend time with their loved ones on Eid Al Adha, others like this family headed out to a mall in Abu Dhabi for their festival outing. Though festivities were subdued this year due to the pandemic, technology helped bring people closer.
No shortage of flights from India to UAE 
Expatriates stranded in India have said they continue to face "hurdles" in returning to the UAE, even as flights between both countries resumed for a 15-day window until August 15. Some expats claimed they are struggling to receive the mandatory pre-departure approvals from the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICA). A number of UAE residents - whose children are studying in India - said they are still awaiting clarity on whether their kids can return on visit visas. Others Khaleej Times reached out to said they are finding it difficult to get their PCR Covid-19 negative results from a UAE-approved facility close to their residence. According to media reports, the Government of India has extended the suspension of scheduled international flights until August 31. However, travel will take place under 'travel bubbles' agreement India has signed with various countries.
Returning Indian residents should have their UAE visa stamped in passport
All UAE residence visa holders returning to Dubai should have their residence permits stamped on their passports and a valid ICA or GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs ) approval, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted in a response to 'frequently asked questions.' Other documents needed include a valid Negative Covid-19 PCR test report in the printed form from a government approved laboratory, a health declaration form for Dubai, and a quarantine undertaking form for Dubai to be filled and submitted at Dubai airport on arrival.
Covid-positive UAE nurse gives birth while in ICU 
A pregnant nurse in Ajman was only a few weeks away from delivering her baby - when she was diagnosed with Covid-19. Her situation quickly turned complicated that she had to give birth while she was in the ICU. As she recalled her fight against Covid-19 as a frontline superhero and survivor, nurse Priyanka of Thumbay Hospital Ajman just couldn't help but feel grateful. She and her baby are now doing fine. She has fully recovered from the virus and her newborn was not affected in any way. "I had been working here at the hospital when I started experiencing shortness of breath and fever, following which I was tested positive for Covid-19," she shared. Priyanka was hospitalised and had to be placed on a ventilator for two weeks. "What made my situation complicated was that I was in the 33rd week of pregnancy. 
UAE reunites kids with frontliner mums, dads in a big Eid surprise

Family has been at the heart of Eid Al Adha - but, remember that in this time of Covid-19, there were little kids who have not seen their frontliner mums and dads in a long time. So, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) gave them a big surprise that left everyone in tears. In a video shared by Mohap, children of Covid-19 frontliners are seen walking into a cinema hall, thinking that they are about to watch a movie. But when the video clip started rolling on the big screen, their eyes grew wide - as they saw their parents, thanking them for being patient as they spend every day at home without mummy or daddy around. "Mama will be back and will make it up to you," one of the medics said in a message to her kids. "You are in my heart. See this heart? This is for you, Shahid," said another, as she put her hands together to form a heart.

 

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