Covid-19 bulletin from UAE: Dubai announces 24-hour sterilisation program; Metro, tram suspended; malls, entertainment places in Abu Dhabi remain closed

The UAE government has also recommended that everyone wear masks when stepping out.

Dubai announces 24-hour sterilisation program
With Dubai announcing a two-week, 24-hour sterilisation campaign from tonight, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has stressed that residents need to #StayHome. Anyone violating the restrictions will face stringent legal action. "The compliance of all people is vital to the success of measures to combat the virus and ensure the highest levels of protection," the committee added. Individuals are permitted to leave home only for essential purposes as outlined below. All people leaving home should wear a mask, gloves and ensure they keep a safe distance from others.
Everyone in UAE recommended to wear masks to combat coronavirus spread
The UAE government has recommended that everyone wear masks when stepping out. This is a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19, as some positive cases were found to have not exhibited any symptoms and infected others. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the health sector in the UAE, said this as she addressed a virtual Press briefing on Saturday. "Based on our continuous follow-up with latest studies and international recommendations, we affirm that a number of people can contract the virus without showing any symptoms and can infect others. Therefore, we recommend that everyone should wear masks when going out," she said.
Family routines in UAE revealed as homes turn into schools, offices, gyms
As the Covid-19 pandemic spreads, self-isolation is one of the key strategies in "flattening the curve" of infection rates. With routines disrupted and family members thrown into close quarters, coronavirus has literally changed the face of our homes. Home is increasingly becoming all the places we used to go. It is now doubling up as office, gym, theatre, play area, classroom and more. Work-from-home parents and kids practising distance learning are now together for more time and restrictions to go out have made them explore new opportunities to make their time at home more fruitful.Taking a sneak peek into UAE homes, many are trying to adapt to new routines while skillfully managing different roles.
Beware of fake masks; here's how to spot one
Even as Covid-19 continues to spread its tentacles, there are many unscrupulous dealers cashing in on the situation by selling fake face masks. Experts and specialists are calling on the people to be wary and buy what they call the "first defence tools" from trusted sources.
During the recent raids across the country, thousands of fake masks were seized. They were of unknown origin and didn't meet the prescribed standards, while posing health hazard. Mohamed Kiwan, a physician, said one cannot safeguard his life or that of his beloved ones with unhealthy or risky masks that "provide no protection at all against Covid-19".
1 death, 241 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed
The UAE Government has announced the detection of 241 new coronavirus cases among various nationalities, taking the total number of infections in the country to 1,505. The UAE Government also announced the full recovery of 17 patients after receiving the necessary medical care, taking the total number of recoveries to 125 to date. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Health and Prevention during a regular media briefing on Saturday, wherein Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, highlighted the latest Covid-19 developments in the country and the measures taken by Emirati authorities to combat the spread of the pandemic.
Dubai Metro, tram operations suspended from April 5
Metro and tram operations in Dubai will be suspended from tomorrow, Khaleej Times can reveal. This is part of the emirate's precautionary measures against the spread of Covid-19. Also read: 24-hour disinfection program in Dubai for 2 weeks. When Khaleej Times called the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) call centre, an executive confirmed that the Metro and tram won't operate from Sunday "until further notice". The executive added that the buses will continue to operate as usual.
RTA announces closure of Customer Happiness Centers from April 5
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the closure of all its customers happiness centres, and centres it jointly operates with Dubai Municipality and other service providers, effective from Sunday till further notice. This is following the decision of Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management to extend sterilisation operations to 24 hours a day for a renewable period of two weeks, starting from Saturday evening. The RTA has invited customers to use online platforms to complete their transactions. The Authority said the progress Dubai has achieved in smart transformation has allowed it to establish a strong infrastructure to provide government services efficiently and reliably. Strong collaboration between all stakeholders is critical to ensure the success of the fight against COVID-19, RTA said.
Taxi fare discount, free bus rides announced in Dubai
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday announced its free public bus services for individuals permitted to leave their homes during the extended two-week sterilisation period. Additionally, Dubai Taxi vehicles and franchised taxis will offer a 50 per cent discount on normal fares.Also read: 24-hour Dubai disinfection drive announced. The decision follows an announcement made by Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, in coordination with the Command and Control Centre for Combating Covid-19, to extend the sterilisation programme to 24 hours a day for a period of two weeks across all areas and communities in the emirate as part of enhanced preventive measures in the community.
Malls, entertainment places in Abu Dhabi remain closed until further notice
Commercial centres, shopping malls and entertainment places in Abu Dhabi will remain closed until further notice, authorities have announced. The Department of Economic Development (DED) on Saturday issued a circular extending the temporary closure of commercial centres, shopping malls, cinemas, electronic game halls and other entertainment destinations in the emirate until further notice. "The extension of closures supports ongoing preventative and precautionary measures being implemented to help combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and further maintain the health, safety and security of community members," Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a Tweet.
Busy mornings, evening bonding for Pakistani family in UAE
Uzma Tabassum has never relished so much of family time before. Born in a conservative family in Gujranwala, Pakistan, her busy life has overwhelmed her with continuous social and economic struggles. However, she earnestly wishes this crisis period may soon be over for everyone. Overcoming all societal impediments, Uzma, a teacher in Al Basma British School in Abu Dhabi, is successfully managing time between the demands of her professional and personal life, all from the confines of the house. Precariously placing her laptop on the kitchen counter, Uzma keeps answering students' queries, as she skillfully watches the curry on the stove, from the corner of her eye.
Expat boy writes 2-part Covid-19 pandemic comics
A 10-year-old Abu Dhabi student is sending out a positive message through his comic presentation titled the Perfect Pause in the times of Covid-19. Jason Joseph, Year 6 student of GEMS Cambridge International School, narrates through his character Tim, the brighter side of the present situation - world uniting in fight against a common cause, working from home and e-learning resulting in more family cohesion, new health and hygienic norms slowly becoming a habit, authentic news prevailing over fake ones and much more.
Communities step out to be Good Samaritans
As the number of Covid-19 cases rise in the country, community members have volunteered to ease the burden on authorities. People from different nationalities, backgrounds, creed and colour have united to assist those under quarantine through by providing food packets and essentials. People in the UAE realise that it's time haves were out to help the have-nots. Community leaders, in coordination with local authorities, are feeding thousands of low-income people, either in quarantine, or rendered jobless due to the Covid-19 impact. Volunteers are making efficient use of WhatsApp groups and make daily flowcharts to provide food at the doorsteps of all affected bachelors and families.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com