Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 470 new cases reported; vaccination policy hailed; 80,000 frontliners battle Covid-19

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UAE coronavirus , Wuhan, Covid-19, China, warning, travel, Coronavirus outbreak, lockdown, pandemic, Combating coronavirus

A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.

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Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Tue 8 Sep 2020, 9:06 AM

Last updated: Tue 8 Sep 2020, 11:41 AM

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 470 Covid-19 cases, 438 recoveries, 2 deaths
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 470 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 438 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported. Over 57,500 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, the ministry said, taking the total to more than 7.5 million tests so far.
UAE national vaccination policy hailed by Minister of Health
Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), on Monday stated that the adoption of a national vaccination policy guarantees sustainability and efficiency in countering communicable diseases. The national vaccination policy was approved by the UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The policy is a multi-sectoral national framework for combating communicable diseases and reducing their risks to individuals and society, the UAE Government said on Twitter. Remarking on the move, Al Owais stressed that the policy represents a milestone in the planning and drafting of related policies that ensure health security, which is a national priority of the UAE, through the continuing cooperation between all relevant national authorities and the entire community. 
UAE visa expired? You have three days to exit without paying fine

Visitors or tourists in UAE whose visas expired after March 1 now have only three days left to regularise their status or exit the country without incurring overstay fines. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in August announced a one-month extension for visitors whose entry permits expired after March 1. The extension that began on August 11 will end on September 11. 

Abu Dhabi resumes valet parking under strict guidelines

Valet parking services have resumed under strict guidelines in Abu Dhabi. These include mandatory Covid-19 tests for valet parking workers, washing and sanitising of their hands after parking each car and regular temperature checks. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) on Monday said it recently issued a new circular allowing licenced facilities across Abu Dhabi to resume their valet parking services. The department had ordered the temporary suspension of this service following anti-Covid measures issued by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema). Many shopping malls, hotels, resorts, companies and government entities offer valet parking services to their visitors and customers. 
Support scheme records 80,000 frontliners protecting UAE from Covid-19

A national database of over 80,000 frontline workers and volunteers actively protecting the UAE and its residents from Covid-19 has been set up. The database established by the Frontline Heroes Office is a significant milestone in an initiative to care for and champion those who put themselves on the first line of defence against the virus. The registry includes healthcare practitioners, police, essential service providers, crisis managers, security and emergency service providers, humanitarian agencies, sterilisation personnel and volunteers. It aims to not only recognise and champion their commitment to public service but also to support their ongoing well-being through a wide range of targeted support services and programmes.
Covid-19 job scam that duped 150 applicants busted in Dubai

A gang that tricked 150 job-seekers into transferring cash for non-existent career opportunities has been busted in Dubai. The scamsters created a bogus recruitment agency and defrauded the victims with fake jobs. Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jalaf, director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation (CID) at the Dubai Police, said: "The gang would lure victims by posting fake job opportunities with attractive salaries. They would then ask the victim for money for made-up reasons such as recruitment fees, taxes or for booking an interview appointment. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise in the number of job-seekers, the gang managed to defraud 150 individuals." Colonel Salah Jumaa Bousaiba, director of the Economic Crimes Control Department, said the team received a tip-off about the bogus agency run by an Asian.
UAE-based teen avoids physical meetings with friends to stay safe

Understanding the true essence of collective responsibility, 15-year-old Aaditya Gandhi has been refraining from physical social interactions. The young boy has been holding himself back from meeting friends face-to-face. "Apart from following all mandatory precautions pertaining to Covid-19, I haven't physically met my friends in a very long time. I connect with them on virtual platforms due to social distancing protocols," said Aaditya. The boy has taken part in virtual plays based on Covid-19 themes. "I participated in an online theatre production called 'Scenes from a quarantine'," said the Grade 10 student of Gems Winchester school. The teenager said one can get anxious, overwhelmed and stressed during the pandemic.


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