Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 674 Covid-19 cases reported; teachers can opt for vaccine; celeb held for Dubai parties

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 674 Covid-19 cases, 761 recoveries, no deaths
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Sunday reported 674 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 761 recoveries. No new deaths were reported. More than 92,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, the ministry said, taking the total to 8.7 million tests since the pandemic broke. Yesterday, the Emirati health minister received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine that's being trialled in four Arab countries, including the UAE. AbdulRahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, received the jab days after he announced an emergency approval to administer it to frontline health workers.
 
Abu Dhabi teachers can opt for Covid-19 vaccine
Teachers of public schools in Abu Dhabi have been given the option to register to get a Covid-19 vaccine that is being trialled in four Arab countries, including the UAE. Principals have received an official circular that confirmed the inclusion of teachers, administrative staff and their immediate family members among the priority categories to obtain the vaccine. A part of the circular said: "The UAE has announced the emergency use of the vaccine for frontline workers who deal with Covid-19 patients, with the aim of safeguarding these heroes and protecting them from any dangers they may face due to the nature of their work. We would like to inform you that teachers and other academic staff have been included among the priority groups for getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
 
Celebrity held in Dubai as party videos show Covid violations
The Dubai Police have arrested an Arab actress (M.H) for organising birthday parties at two restaurants. The celebrity posted videos of the parties on Snapchat where she and her guests can be seen celebrating with scant regard for Covid safety rules around social distancing and mask use. Brigadier Jamal Salem Al Jallaf, director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation at the Dubai Police, confirmed the arrest. He said organising gatherings and celebrations is punishable with a Dh10,000 fine. The officer reiterated the police's zero-tolerance approach to violations of precautionary measures against the spread of Covid-19.
 
Abu Dhabi's new guidelines for weddings, funerals
Health authorities have issued guidelines for weddings and funerals in Abu Dhabi, which includes a maximum of 10 attendees and wearing of face masks all the time. The rules are part of the new set of safety guidelines to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Twitter: "In line with the directions from the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health has issued guidelines for weddings and funerals, which include a maximum of 10 attendees. Taking a Covid-19 test 24 hours before a gathering is also recommended." The guidelines also prohibit condolence gatherings and people have been advised to offer condolences through telephone or other communication means.          
 
From a woman who fed many to living on kindness of others in Dubai
Until a few months ago, Kameshwar Jaykumar was a salon manager who simultaneously ran a restaurant in the city and now the woman who once fed many, can barely manage two square meals a day for herself. Once, she lived happily with her family in an independent accommodation in Dubai, while her husband worked in the telecom sector. But when the pandemic hit, both of them lost their jobs and the restaurant business declined sharply. "I lost our savings with the restaurant business going down. It is also now caught up in a rental dispute," said Kameshwar. She is making extraordinary efforts to make ends meet for her family who now live in Andhra Pradesh, India.
 
Dubai closes salon, smoking areas among 9 businesses for safety violations
Dubai Municipality undertakes rigorous inspection of environmental health establishments, food establishments and their markets in order to ensure that Covid-19 precautionary measures are not violated. In a tweet, Dubai Municipality stressed that data monitoring of establishments related to environment and health is done to assess compliance of public safety standards and necessary precautionary measures. Dubai Municipality revealed that 350 visits were made to various establishments following which 8 violated safety measures and 9 establishments were closed down. While 333 establishments were found to be committed, taking the total commitment ratio for all establishments up to 95 per cent.

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