Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 393 new recoveries; no Covid-19 deaths; rapid test at Dubai-Abu Dhabi border only for families

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:
No Covid-19 deaths in UAE in last 24 hours: Sheikh Mohamed

There hasn't been a death related to Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said. "Today we announce no deaths related to Covid-19 in the UAE in the last 24 hours," the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince tweeted. He expressed his "deepest gratitude to our frontline heroes" and also hailed residents "for their commitment to adhering to precautionary measures". "We must continue our collective efforts in tackling this challenge," he advised.
UAE reports 275 new Covid-19 cases, 393 recoveries

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 275 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 393 recoveries. This brings the total number of cases to 55,848 in the UAE and the total recoveries to 46,418. Earlier today, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that there hasn't been a death related to Covid-19 in the last 24 hours in the country. "Today we announce no deaths related to Covid-19 in the UAE in the last 24 hours," the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince tweeted.
Dh50 Covid-19 test at Dubai-Abu Dhabi border only for families

A new screening facility at the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border that provides Covid-19 test results in five minutes will only accept families for the time being, a senior official has said. "The testing facility is currently available only for families. Women can also avail of the test," Abdullah A Rashdi, spokesperson for Tamouh Healthcare, an Abu Dhabi government-run medical company that is responsible for managing the new testing centre, told Khaleej Times. Rashdi said arrangements will be made to accept all residents "within a few days". Since Tuesday, hundreds have turned up at the tent located just before the Ghantoot border checkpoint near the main highway to take the test that costs only Dh50.
Laser test to enter Abu Dhabi moves to appointment only

People wanting a rapid Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi will have to book an appointment via the website https://ghantoot.quantlase.com/appointment/update-details/. The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Committee said pre-booked appointments had been instigated due to high demand for the laser-based DPI screening to enter the emirate. Travellers with a negative Covid-19 test (PCR) result will continue to be allowed to enter the emirate within 48 hours from receiving the result. Due to high demand for the laser-based DPI screening to enter #AbuDhabi, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Committee approved a new process in which the service provider will only offer screening based on pre-booked appointments via the website.

Mass testing, government support keep Covid-19 death rate low in UAE: Doctors

The UAE on Wednesday, July 15, declared that not a single Covid-19 death was reported across the emirates in 24 hours, an update that sent a wave of hope among residents amid the pandemic. Health experts attributed the achievement to the outstanding crisis management and proactive steps taken by the country's leaders. Dr Syed Nadir, who has been treating a number of Covid-19 patients, thanked the UAE government for its full support in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. "It is indeed a big achievement and I think it was made possible due to the collaborative effort of the frontliners, volunteers and proactive thinking of the UAE leaders," said Dr Nadir, acting head of internal medicine at Adam Vital Hospital in Dubai.
UAE coronavirus updates available on new website

A new website, https://covid19.ncema.gov.ae, has been launched to provide the latest coronavirus updates in the UAE. The website is the result of a collaboration between three authorities: the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority (FCSA). It provides the latest coronavirus news and statistics such as total tests, cases, deaths and recoveries. Announcing the website on Twitter, the NCEMA said it had been launched 'to promote a culture of transparency and exchange reliable information about Covid-19'.
Covid-19 test validity for Indians travelling to 3 UAE cities

Indian passengers travelling to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah have different requirements when it comes to the validity of the Covid-19 test they take before travel. According to a Facebook post by Air India Express, for Indians travelling to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the PCR test can be taken up to 96 hours before departure. For expats travelling to Sharjah, the test should have been taken no later than 72 hours before departure. Furthermore, the test should be taken from a government-approved laboratory. Full list of labs across India can be found here. Three UAE airlines are among five carriers that are operating special repatriation flights to take Indians home and for residents currently in India to return to the UAE from July 12 to 26.
Hospitalised for Covid-19 in Dubai, woman uses 30-day stay to spread cheer
A Dubai-based psychologist who was hospitalised for over a month after testing positive for Covid-19 found ways to spread optimism and hope from her ward. Dr Alka Kalra, who is also a life coach and motivational speaker, heads one of the biggest online summer camps in Dubai. She was busy conducting webinars and workshops to help students, school staff, families and frontliners stay calm amid the pandemic when tragedy struck. Dr Alka, her husband Navin Kalra, their wheelchair-bound daughter Shobhika and son-in-law tested positive for the disease. It was time to practise what she had preached to hundreds around her - to stay positive, hopeful and emotionally strong.
UAE sends second medical aid plane to Kazakhstan in fight against Covid-19

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday sent a second aid plane carrying eight metric tonnes of medical supplies to Kazakhstan. This aid will assist approximately 8,000 medical professionals as they work to contain the virus, bolstering the country's efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. "The UAE has spared no effort to provide the best health outcomes and medical assistance to support Kazakhstan and strengthen its capabilities to face the repercussions of the Covid-19 crisis," said Dr. Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan. He added, "Kazakhstan was one of the first countries to receive medical assistance from the UAE during the current pandemic. In April, the UAE sent an aid plane carrying 13 metric tonnes of various medical and preventive supplies to Kazakhstan, to support the efforts of 10,000 medical personnel, to help contain the pandemic."

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