Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: Russian vaccine trial to begin; tests at malls in Dubai; how UAE airlines make testing easier

Abu Dhabi - Around-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 1,064 Covid-19 cases, 1,271 recoveries, 1 death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 1064 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1271 recoveries. One death was also reported. As many as 78,483 new Covid-19 tests were carried out in the country, the ministry said, taking the total to over 11 million tests so far. Continuing the crackdown on Covid-19 violations, the Sharjah Police fined 5,432 individuals in a month for violating safety rules. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Major-General Saif Al Zeri Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of the Sharjah Police, said the police intensified patrolling because of the increase in daily Covid-19 cases. Patrolling units found that the most common violation was exceeding the number of people allowed to travel together in a car.
 
Dubai shuts down restaurant for flouting Covid-19 rules, 8 businesses fined
A restaurant has been closed down in Dubai for violating coronavirus Covid-19 precautionary measures, while eight businesses have been fined. Dubai Economy tweeted on Monday that a restaurant was closed in cooperation with Dubai Tourism for not adhering to precautionary measures issued by authorities to limit the spread of Covid. DED also fined eight establishments for violations including not wearing face masks and not taking the right measures for social distancing - 3 shops were issued warnings for not applying social distancing stickers. Meanwhile, 853 businesses were found compliant. Dubai Economy emphasizes on the importance of following the precautionary measures and urges public to report any violations through the Dubai Consumer app.
 
Now, get Covid-19 PCR test at shopping malls in Dubai
Residents can now book appointments to get a Covid-19 PCR test across malls in Dubai, the DHA announced on Monday. The PCR testing stations, located in Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, are receiving customers seven days a week from 11am to 6pm with prior appointment, the Dubai Health Authority said. Appointments can be booked by calling the DHA toll-free number 800DHA (800342). Those who have a fever or any respiratory symptoms should not get tested at the mall as this service is specifically for those who require a PCR test result for travel and other non-medical purposes.
 
UAE volunteers to offer mental support to Covid-hit residents
A programme launched in the UAE will train volunteers in offering psychological first aid to those affected by Covid-19. The Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Volunteering Programme launched the first-of-its-kind scheme to help residents overcome the psychological impact of the pandemic. The programme will train volunteer field medical teams in offering mental support. Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, secretary-general of the General Women's Union (GWU), said the initiative will boost "specialist capacities". It will prepare volunteer teams to promote mental health awareness in the UAE, coinciding with the annual World Mental Health Day that's marked on October 10. The scheme is being implemented in cooperation with mental and psychological experts and specialists.
UAE researchers develop 100% biodegradable mask
A 100 per cent biodegradable mask has been developed in the UAE, it was announced on Monday. A team of researchers from the Khalifa University developed the first working prototypes of the environment-friendly NavaMASK. It is a fully biodegradable and biocompatible anti-viral adaptive face mask. It is made of nano-fibers, giving it strong anti-microbial properties. "We recognised the need for an environment-friendly alternative to the currently available face masks in the market, (while) ... maintaining the highest safety and breathability standards," said Dr Shadi W. Hasan, associate professor chemical engineering at Khalifa University.
 
UAE to trial Russian coronavirus Sputnik V vaccine
Trials for the Russian adenovirus-based vaccine are set to commence in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced on Monday. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia's sovereign wealth fund, is partnering with Aurugulf Health Investment on the UAE trials of the vaccine, which was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The vaccine, named Sputnik V, was first licensed by Russian authorities for domestic use in August, and is currently being tested on 40,000 volunteers in Moscow.
 
How UAE airlines make Covid-testing easier for travellers
Air travel bubbles and agreements have initiated a 'new normalcy' and airlines are taking great efforts to ensure passenger safety. Major UAE- based airlines, such as Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia, are all gradually resuming flights to routes across the globe. Initiatives such as affordable and accessible pre-travel Covid-19 testing, stringent social distancing measures at airports and the launch of the CommonPass travel initiative is making international air travel more attractive to people across the region. Major airlines and healthcare facilities are now offering mandatory pre-departure real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test at affordable prices in the UAE.
 
Covid-19 crisis to impact women's progress: Experts
The Covid-19 pandemic has a great impact on the girls' education and economic empowerment in the region, female leaders in gender advocacy and women empowerment have said. At a high-level private roundtable meeting co-hosted by Save the Children and NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (Nama), the leaders looked at possible ways to improve opportunities for women and girls in the region. The meeting, held against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 pandemic and the imperilling of hard-won progress for girls, coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for Women - a historic moment when the world came together to define gender equality.

• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai