Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 883 new cases reported; nurseries seek reopening guidelines; store fined Dh50k for flouting Covid rules

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 883 Covid-19 cases, 416 recoveries, 2 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 883 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 416 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported. More than 85,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry added, taking the total to over 7.7 million till date. The last time 883 cases were reported was on May 27, 2020. Yesterday's infections are the fourth highest recorded in the UAE: - May 22: 994 cases - May 21: 894 cases - May 20: 941 cases However, at 0.5 per cent, the country has one of the lowest death rates in the world. It also has among the highest recovery rates in the world at 90 per cent.
Bags, shoes must be sanitised daily: Dubai's early learning centres get reopening guidelines

Bags and shoes of staff and kids must be cleaned and sanitised as soon as they arrive at early learning centres (ELC) in Dubai, education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has said. This came in a 79-point circular issued by the authority to reopen ELCs in the emirate. "Nappy changing areas, and the bathroom usage routine for the little children should follow specific guidelines for disinfection and sanitisation as per Dubai Municipality guidelines for child development and day care centres," the circular stated. Child care providers should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling infant bottles prepared at home or at the facility.
Dubai store closed, fined Dh50,000 for not following Covid-19 norms
Dubai Economy shut down a department store and issued a Dh50,000 fine against it on Wednesday for not adhering to Covid-19 precautionary measures. A large crowd had gathered inside the store due to a discount sale, according to the Dubai Media Office.
This UAE expat's life went online so his little guests stay safe
Being an employee of an indoor entertainment destination for toddlers, children, and young adults comes with a big set of responsibilities. Chandan Baherwani, a marketing manager at Fabyland Entertainment Centre, totally cut interactions with the outside world for the sake of the safety of kids who visit the facility. He realises that children can be carriers of the virus that causes Covid-19 and transmit it to others. Baherwani, who was travelling when the UAE imposed movement restrictions to curb the spread of the virus, returned to the country in mid-July. After returning, he underwent a Covid test and adopted a set of rules over and above guidelines specified by the government and his company. 
Sharjah parents hail two-week extension of e-learning

Parents in Sharjah have hailed the two-week extension of distance learning in the emirate, saying the decision would help keep their children safe from Covid-19. Working mothers, however, are hoping for some flexibility in their job schedules so they could attend to their kids at home. The Sharjah Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Team and the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) have announced that 100 per cent e-learning will be extended from September 13 to 24 for all grade levels in private schools across the emirate. For the first two weeks of the new academic year, all Sharjah students attended their classes from home. The initial plan was to implement remote learning only until September 10. The decision to extend these virtual classes further comes as part of the government's efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus. 
UAE nurseries seek 'same reopening guidelines' as schools

The UAE Nurseries Group, which represents several nursery operators, has expressed concerns over reopening guidelines specified for them. The group said the guidelines for a tentative reopening in October "cannot be met by most nursery operators". The operators are seeking a meeting with the authorities to resolve the issues. A major cause for concern is that more than two Covid cases detected would result in permanent closure of the nursery. The group said schools and other educational institutions are allowed to switch to distance learning when an infection is detected. "Nursery operators are understandably wary of reopening when two cases, even if contracted externally, can close down their business and their life's work," the group said. 
Live events are back in Dubai with sold-out socially distanced shows

All the sold-out shows and concerts in Dubai in recent months prove one thing: The beat is back in the emirate's events sector. The live performances of an array of regional and international artists heralded the restart of an industry that is a key pillar of the city's tourism destination proposition and a growing contributor to its economy. Reopening the events sector in Dubai has been made possible by the citywide management of the global pandemic. Shows and entertainment activities resumed in phases. Event organisers also received a boost from the Dubai Tourism, which gave the green light for hosting live events, indoor and outdoor concerts. 
Social, cultural associations resume activities in Abu Dhabi

Social and cultural associations in Abu Dhabi have been given the green light to resume activities, according to a notification from the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD). From March, all association events and activities had been stopped to contain the spread of the virus. According to the notification, the groups have been asked to comply with precautionary measures and directives issued by the local authorities. The ministry said it had no objection to the reopening of social centres, provided that all safety rules are followed. After nearly six months of closure, associations like the India Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) have resumed their operations. Currently, the centre is open only to its members and no public activities will be conducted, said Yogish Prabhu, president of ISC.