Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: Dubai shuts more places for violations; 626 new cases reported; Over 200 from India barred from Dubai flight

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 626 Covid-19 cases, 918 recoveries, 1 death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 626 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 918 recoveries. The new cases were detected through additional 76,888 tests. MoHAP also reported one death. As of today, total number of cases in the country stand at 92,095 with 81,462 recoveries. Death toll rises to 413. Nearly 9.5 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE so far. Continuing to crack down on establishments not adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, authorities in Dubai shut down six sports facilities and warned 10 others yesterday, while two salons were also closed.
 
Pre-travel Covid-19 test result from four Indian labs not accepted in Dubai
Pre-travel Covid-19 test results from four laboratories in India will no longer be accepted in Dubai, according to diplomatic sources and India's national carrier. These RT-PCR testing laboratories include Suryam Lab in Jaipur, Microhealth Labs in Kerala, Dr P Bhasin Pathlabs Ltd in Delhi, and the Noble Diagnostic Centre in Delhi. Negative test results from these Indian Council of Medical Research-approved centres shall be deemed invalid, Air India Express announced on Monday. Passengers travelling to Dubai are advised to obtain pre-travel RT-PCR reports from Pure Health-approved laboratories, the airline said in its latest blog post.
 
Two Dubai salons closed for violating Covid-19 norms
Two salons in Dubai were shut and 18 businesses were fined for violating Covid-19 safety rules, authorities announced on Monday. The salons in the emirate's Nayef area were caught flouting regulations in the latest round of inspections carried out by the Dubai Municipality. As many as 2,528 establishments were inspected, during which 58 violations were recorded, and 70 warnings were issued. The Dubai Economy also slapped 18 commercial establishments with fines as it continued its monitoring drive. Six of them are in the retail sector, two are trading ready-made garments, four in textiles and fabrics, and four were selling perfume, mobile phones, electronics, and computers, respectively. Two gyms were also fined in cooperation with the Dubai Sports Council.
 
Over 200 travellers from India barred from Dubai flight over invalid Covid-19 tests
Over 200 Dubai-bound Indian passengers were barred from boarding their flights on Monday because their Covid-19 test results were deemed invalid, airport authorities said. They were carrying RT-PCR reports from blacklisted laboratories. A total of 117 passengers were denied permission to board an Air India Express flight from Kerala's Kannur International Airport, which left for Dubai at 2pm (UAE time) on Monday, Rajesh Poduwal, head of operations at the airport, told Khaleej Times. Around 100 passengers were also reportedly stranded at Kozhikode International Airport. "Only 66 adult passengers and one child were allowed to board the flight on Monday. As per my understanding, the airline denied the passengers entry as they were carrying test reports from a laboratory that has been blacklisted by Dubai authorities," Poduwal said.  
 
Flu shot boosts immunity against Covid-19, other lung diseases
A new four-strain flu vaccine will be available to residents at primary health centres by the end of the week, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) said on Monday. All Emiratis, as well as residents at high risk of contracting influenza, will be able to get the jab for free. As it kicked off its annual National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign on Monday, Mohap introduced the new vaccine that has been designed to protect against the four most common strains of the flu virus: two strains of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and another two of influenza B. It will be the first time that Mohap will be administering this flu shot, which gives broader protection. Among the residents who can get the vaccine for free are those suffering from chronic diseases, children under five years of age, pregnant women, elderly and health workers.  

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