Abu Dhabi - A round-up of Covid-19 developments in the country.
Published: Tue 21 Apr 2020, 9:31 AM
Last updated: Tue 21 Apr 2020, 11:39 AM
Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE announces 484 new cases of Covid-19, 74 recoveries
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday announced 484 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus. The ministry also announced 74 new recoveries. With this total cases now stand at 7,265, while total recoveries now stand at 1,360. The ministry also announced two new deaths, taking the total to 43. The UAE has also conducted 25,795 fresh coronavirus tests, it was revealed. After the success of the initial round of the nationwide sterilisation campaign, Dubai on Friday announced an extension of the campaign for another week.
Deadline announced for school fee assistance applications in Abu Dhabi
The Authority for Social Contribution - Ma'an, has set April 23 as the deadline for receiving school fee assistance applications from the Abu Dhabi-based private school students' parents affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Through 'Together We Are Good' programme, Ma'an will help the affected residents in paying school installments and getting tablets as per a set of criteria, including, the annual private school fees are less than Dh20,000. Parents who have lost their jobs due to the current situation are also eligible for the assistance. Eligible beneficiaries can apply over the coming days by calling toll-free number 800-3088 or visiting www.togetherwearegood.ae launched by Ma'an.
Campaign distributes 500,000 free meals in Dubai
Volunteers who registered for the 'Your City Needs You' campaign have contributed significantly to easing the suffering of the most vulnerable members of the community. Under the umbrella of the campaign, 500,000 free meals were distributed in Dubai's high-density areas.The 'Your City Needs You' campaign is part of the 'Day for Dubai' app launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai in March. The volunteer efforts support the comprehensive sterilisation programme and preventive measures undertaken to counter the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). Government teams along with volunteers from all over the emirate are working around the clock to secure the safety and health of the community.
Dubai builds state-of-the-art coronavirus facility within days
It took just a week for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to complete the preparation of an integrated building, with the highest international standards in place for self-isolation and intensive care at Rashid Hospital. The facility was built to enhance the hospital's capabilities and raise its capacity.
Earlier, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, unveiled a state-of-the-art field hospital at the Dubai World Trade Centre(DWTC). The DHA released a series of photographs and videos on their Twitter page to showcase the new facility. The hospital is also built in compliance with the international standards. Sheikh Hamdan also toured the facility adhering to all medical guidelines sand intersecting with medics whilst painting safe distance from them.
All employees in Dubai must have active health insurance, firms reminded
Companies and employers must ensure that all employees are covered by an active health insurance policy, especially amid the Covid-19 coronavirus situation, a top official said on Monday. Saleh Al Hashimi, CEO of Dubai Health Insurance Corporation, reminded employers and sponsors that the insurance coverage is mandatory under the Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013. "Therefore, if an employee's policy needs to be issued or renewed, the employer or sponsor should fulfill his obligation," Al Hashimi said. Al Hashimi urged businesses and companies to meet the minimum insurance criteria, highlighting that patients require medical insurance to receive care across government and private hospitals and health centres.
Coronavirus patients' families will be taken care of: Red Crescent
The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) assures that all the needs of Covid-19 patients in the country - including the education of the kids of those who died - will be taken care of, a senior official announced on Monday. In a virtual Press briefing, Mohammed Al Fahim, official spokesperson for the ERC Authority, said: "The Emirates Red Crescent Authority has coordinated with various government bodies and will study the needs of the families of Covid-19 patients. We will provide them with the required education support. "We are currently working on a community initiative, in cooperation with private schools and colleges, to reduce tuition fees for families affected by the repercussions of the crisis."
Pakistani family of four in UAE finds home after having to sleep in parks
Love and support poured in for a Pakistani family of four who has had to sleep rough after losing their jobs in the wake of Covid-19. Thanks to people's generosity, they are now able to rent a decent flat. Khaleej Times highlighted their plight in an article published earlier this month. Uzma Farooq, 28 - along with her siblings Rabiya and Bilal and their ailing mother Khalda Farooq - had to sleep on park benches, in mosques, and even on hospital corridors for over a month, before she decided to reach out to Khaleej Times. Little did she know, countless people were ready to help them out. KT readers from across the globe offered them food supplies and financial aid that allowed them to secure a roof over their heads.
Choppers to check illegal transportation of workers
As part of the intensified inspection campaign to prevent private companies from transporting workers between Sharjah and other emirates, the Sharjah Police have launched an air surveillance system. Sharjah had issued an order last week, banning transportation of workers from and to other emirates as part of the precautionary measures to combat the spread of Covid-19. The inspection campaign was launched by Major-General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, in coordination with the Air Wing at the General Department of Security Support in the Ministry of Interior.
UAE fights Covid-19 with over 100 incentives in 45 days
The number of economic incentives launched by the federal government and local governments in the country's emirates exceeded 100 over 45 days, as per a survey conducted by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. These incentives include providing banking facilities to various economic sectors and small and medium-sized enterprises, SME, in addition to individuals, as well as granting exemptions, postponing dues and opening other related facilities, which will result in positive outcomes during the second quarter of 2020. The Abu Dhabi Government launched several financial incentives that aim to support the community and companies, in coordination with local banks and in cooperation with the departments of Finance and Economic Development, to provide individuals and SMEs with immediate support, reduce financing costs, and maintain the flexibility of the local economy.
Istijaba service launched in Abu Dhabi, facilities can now exchange resources, doctors
Boosting Abu Dhabi's Covid-19 response, healthcare facilities in the Capital will now be able to coordinate and exchange resources more efficiently with the recently added features of the Istijaba E-System, the Department of Health (DoH) has announced. Through this e-system, the DoH has introduced technologies to facilitate connectivity between both the public and the private healthcare sector; identify their requirements; and efficiently manage resources. Resources, including doctors, nurses, beds, and medical necessities, can now be exchanged as needed - as Istijaba shows real-time information about the capacity of facilities that provide treatment for positive coronavirus cases.
Indian mission assists 4,000 individuals with food, supplies in UAE
Consul General of India in Dubai Vipul told media via a press note issued on Monday, April 20, "We have helped more than 4000 people with food packets, rations or both through our Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) and with support from various community organisations and Indian associations." "Three labour camps with 150, 190 and 90 workers have also benefitted from the initiative and we have also arranged accommodation for at least 60 people from the ICWF," added Vipul. The Consulate has been coordinating various efforts and activities to support the Indian community in Dubai and Northern Emirates in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, including repatriation of mortal remains of 17 deceased Indians.
UAE residents to cut down on costs amid #StayHome Ramadan
Most families are forgoing their otherwise lavish Iftar spread this Ramadan in the light of the changing global situation. The practice of grand fast-breaking meals is set to be muted this year with many families facing an uncertain financial future. Syrian expat, Majd Al Khatib, says "moderation" is the way forward, especially this year. "We will not be preparing gala spreads as no one will be visiting us. It'll just be family meals cooked in lesser quantities. I will also be going out less frequently as there are lots of restrictions pertaining to stepping out," he said. Indian expat Farooq Shaikh added that people should be more responsible while making purchases, without dampening the festive spirit of the month. "Many families are experiencing a cut in their monthly salaries. If you put extra food on the table that may get wasted later, you must reconsider the quantities. For us, buying new clothes is out of the question this year."
Charities to provide meals at doorstep during Ramadan in UAE
With no Iftar tents being set up this year during Ramadan, charities across the UAE are endeavouring differently to help the needy amid the pandemic situation, Khaleej Times has learnt. Many organisations are delivering ready meals directly at labour accommodations, while others are distributing essential supplies so that people can cook to their own liking. Dar Al Ber Society, one of the UAE's foremost charity organisations, has readied special teams to reach out to blue-collared workers in the country.
London-based Zayed Centre for Research playing a vital role in fight against Covid-19
The Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children (ZCRRDC) in London, which brings together hundreds of clinicians and researchers under one roof, is using its expertise and latest technology to better understand and mitigate the risk of Covid-19. The Centre is playing an important role in the testing of(GOSH) staff and patients for Covid-19 in London to help gain a picture of how the virus is spreading. The data will help to inform public health planning both locally and nationally. The team, led by Professor Judith Breuer from University College London (UCL) will be contributing a large number of patient samples from London which, as the UK epicentre for the current Covid-19 epidemic, is critical in understanding the spread to other parts of the country.
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