Coronavirus news bulletin: UAE has high recovery rate; one person infects 45 people; 22 outlets warned for breaking rules

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 644 Covid-19 cases, 410 recoveries, one death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 644 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 410 recoveries. One death was also reported. More than 71,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out across the country, taking the total to more than 7.6 million Covid-19 tests. On Monday, the UAE approved a national policy that will ensure that quality vaccines are readily available across the country. It will also raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and support innovation and research. The policy includes provisions to safeguard public health during emergencies and disease outbreaks.
 
UAE has low death rate, high recovery
The UAE has conducted a total of 7.5 million Covid-19 tests since the start of the pandemic, a top official has said. 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. Dr Omar Al Hammadi, official spokesperson for the UAE Government, said: "The high rate of recovery is largely due to the modern and innovative treatment methods, the expansion of the scope of examinations, the availability of medical personnel and supplies, the increase in the capacity to receive cases, and the availability of a strategic stock of medicine."
 
Hospitals, clinics across UAE slash prices of Covid-19 PCR tests
Covid-19 PCR tests across the country are now available at cheaper prices. These highly accurate nasal swab tests would typically cost Dh370 but now, rates have gone down to less than Dh300. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DoH) has capped the price at Dh250. According to sources, the DoH circular titled 'Diagnostic test for Coronavirus (Covid-19)', a copy of which KT has obtained, states: "Please note that the cost of the PCR test is updated and shall be covered by the individual directly, with a maximum amount of Dh250 for cases with no symptoms or medical indication for testing." The test remains free of charge for those suspected to have contracted the virus and others who are classified under vulnerable groups.
 
One person infects 45 people in UAE
A Covid-positive UAE resident failed to follow the due safety measures, spreading the infection to three families. Despite showing symptoms of the virus, he did not self-isolate and spread it to his wife and 44 others. His callousness resulted in the death of an elderly relative of his. Dr Omar Al Hammadi, official spokesperson for the UAE Government, said the infection spread because the resident did not avoid a family gathering. "The relative who died was in her 90s who had multiple underlying medical conditions, including leukaemia, high blood pressure and heart diseases. Due to these, she had an underlying deficiency in her immune system. After she was infected, she was admitted to the intensive care unit, where she passed away," said Dr Hammadi. The tragic infection spread has resulted in renewed calls for avoiding gatherings
 
This UAE resident distributes free masks among workers
Bharathi Pai, a socially active Abu Dhabi resident, initiated different approaches to tackle the pandemic crisis. She explored her creative side to address the social needs of individuals. She strictly follows preventive measures at home; stitched 300 masks for blue-collar workers; started free yoga sessions for friends and family to beat stress; and made bags and bedding items out of used scrap material. "I ensured family members follow personal hygiene habits, preventive steps and yoga. I insist kids do cycling and catch some sunlight. My kids Neha and Siddharth and husband Ganesh have to do everything seriously." An Abu Dhabi resident since 2005, Bharathi said the crisis is an opportunity to give back to society.
 
Students found bullying kids who recovered from Covid-19 could be suspended: Sharjah Police
A student could get suspended from school for bullying a child who has recovered from Covid-19, education authorities and the Sharjah Police have warned. The police have also appealed to parents to report any bullying incident, so that the abuse can be immediately stopped. A top official at the Ministry of Education (MoE) said schools have a crucial role to play in both understanding and responding to the various challenges arising from the pandemic, including the impact of bullying on a child's mental health. Education authorities in the country have instructed schools to deem bullying against young Covid-19 patients as a dangerous violation under the 'Student Behaviour Management Regulations' spelt out by the MoE, he said.
 
Air India Express offers home Covid-19 tests for Dh190
Passengers flying from the UAE to India may now get their Covid-19 (RT-PCR) tests done at home for Dh190, budget carrier Air India Express (AIE) has announced. Those who don't require home services could get tested for Dh150, with the airline's new partnership with NMC Healthcare, the AIE said in its latest blog post. Testing is facilitated in various NMC clinics and hospitals across the UAE, including 11 centres in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai, eight in Sharjah, and one in Ras Al Khaimah. Though it is not mandatory for India-bound passengers to get a negative RT-PCR test result, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India has said "it is highly recommended".
 
22 Fujairah outlets warned for flouting anti-Covid measures in 2 months
As many as 22 outlets have been issued warning letters by the Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality for not observing the precautionary measures enforced to curb Covid-19 pandemic. Taleb Abdullah Yahyai, director of the civic body, said the erring outlets were detected during 257 inspections and raids launched across the city in July and August this year. "Inspection campaigns are carried out on a daily basis in health and food institutions all over the Dibba Al-Hisn city in the emirate of Fujairah." The civic body spares no effort to ensure public safety of its residents and visitors, he pointed out. "All anti-Covid-19 measures are strictly complied with to stymie spread of the virus."

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