UAE combats coronavirus: Hard work, joint efforts help Dubai's Naif residents beat Covid-19

Dubai - The lockdown in the area was lifted on Sunday.

It was the hard work and combined effort of Dubai authorities and several people that made Naif area free of new Covid-19 cases, said social workers who have been active in the neighbourhood.
Naseer Vatanappally, who recently recovered after testing positive for the virus, said residents feel that the situation in Naif has significantly improved, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Police, volunteers, charity organisations and other social workers.
The lockdown in the area was lifted on Sunday.
"From the beginning, all the authorities worked together to stop the spread of the disease. I received a call from some residents, who said they have symptoms. I informed the authorities who rushed with ambulance and all other facilities," said Vatanappally.
"During the following days, intensive testing was carried out and those who were affected were quarantined. The entire area was closed down to prevent the spread of the disease, which has given a very good result."
Private hospitals, including Aster DM Healthcare, Prime Hospital and others, also joined in the drive to make the area Covid-free.
Vatanappally said that on a single day, more than 2,000 tests were conducted and people hadqueued up for testing. "Around 15 days back, we were receiving up to 200 phone calls from residents of Naif and Al Ras areas, who were in a panic condition. But with the right approach by the Dubai Government, now, all the residents are out of tension," he added.

Charities, volunteers help out
Residents were provided with food by the Dar Al Ber Society and other authorities, which was distributed by volunteers including those from the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC).
"Over 150 volunteers from KMCC have been active in the area, checking the requirements of the residents and coordinating with the authorities," said Ibrahim Khaleel from the KMCC.
"Hundreds of residents who tested positive are back to their homes after recovery. There are no positive cases being reported in the area. Still, the residents receive food as there are movement restrictions continuing in there. People are out of fear, but they still need to be cautious and follow the instructions by the authorities," Khaleel added.
Vatanappally said that after the beginning of Ramadan, charities are supplying almost 50,000 food packets to the area.
He also stressed on the need to follow precautionary measures, including wearing masks and keeping a safe distance even if the government starts easing movement restrictions.
Khaleel said: "Everyone should be safe. And the government is tking maximum effort to make it possible. What we could do is to support those efforts."
anuwarrier@khaleejtimes.com