Covid-19: Dubai can increase capacity of hospitals, isolation centres if needed, says DHA chief

Dubai - The Dubai Police and DHA chiefs address a joint Q&A session.

The capacity of hospitals and isolation centres in Dubai can be increased if necessary to accommodate an increase in the number of Covid-19 coronavirus patients in the emirate.

"We can increase the capacity of hospitals and isolation centres if needed, and can assign specific centres, as per international standards, for quarantine, if required," said Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said on Thursday.
Responding to a question during a live Q&A session, he said the recovery time of a Covid-19 coronavirus patient could be anything from a week to a month, depending on the patient's health.
He added that the National Sterilisation Programme will be continuously measured and evaluated periodically and it is subject to renewal.
Responding to the steps taken by the Dubai Police to safeguard the residents, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander in Chief of Dubai Police, said the police has worked with the labour committee to raise awareness among the labourers.

He added the the authorities focused on the Naif area to achieve social distancing by increasing awareness programmes.
The Government of Dubai Media Office on Thursday organised a live Q&A session on the various aspects of the measures being taken to combat the Covid-19 coronavirus in the country.
Key takeaways from the Q&A session:
> 8,300 volunteers to the blood bank in Feb and March

> DHA continues to take precautionary measures to ensure the blood provided is clean, and continues to provide services to all those who need blood, including thalassemia and accident victims, said Al Qutami.

> We can assign specific centres, as per international standards, for quarantine, if required: Al Qutami

> Looking to study the opening of mobile hospitals with 1,000 beds: Al Qutami

> We have studied all scenarios and have put in place a plan to meet any requirement: Al Qutami

> The quality of healthcare available in the UAE is not available anywhere else in the world: Al Qutami

> We are dedicating 5-star hospitals for quarantine: Al Qutami

> Geared to meet any surge in the numbers, if required: Al Qutami

> Many building owners and hotel operators in the country have offered their premises to be used as quarantine centres: Al Qutami

> UAE government has been a role model, in bringing their nationals back: Al Marri

> We've provided all medical, humanitarian and social care to people stranded here: Al Marri
> Residential units of Covid-19 positive individuals will be sterilised: Al Qutami

Follow our exclusive coverage for remote press conference on Dubai channels will be held by his excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri Commander in Chief of Dubai Police and His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami Director General of Dubai Health https://t.co/qAEwlqRSPG
- Dubai One (@DubaiOneTV) April 9, 2020

• Dubai