Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: Nurseries seek guidelines for reopening; free Covid tests for residents postponed; no test needed for U-12 kids flying from India

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 271 new Covid-19 cases, 352 recoveries, 1 death
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 271 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 352 recoveries. One new death was also reported, the ministry said. As many as 27,000 new Covid-19 tests have also been carried out, the ministry added. The ministry affirmed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment. The UAE has stolen a march over other countries in the quest for a vaccine against Covid-19 with the launch of the final phase 3 human trials. Coordination is underway to open registration for nationals and residents across the UAE who wish to volunteer for Phase III clinical trials of inactivated vaccine. The clinical trial will last for about three to six months. The trails will rope in 15,000 volunteers to further test the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
 
No Covid-19 tests needed for children under 12 flying to UAE from India
A Covid-19 test report is not required for children under 12 travelling from India to the UAE, announced Air India Express in a recent update. "For children below 12 years, Covid-19 PCR Test is not mandatory," the airline said on its website. The airline posted: "A valid Covid-19 PCR test, from a government-approved laboratory, no older than 96 hours prior departure is required for travel back to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah." Replying to a tweet from a passenger who was concerned about getting her infant tested before flying to UAE from India, the airline said: "As per the recent update, it is mandatory only for passengers above 12 years of age. But please check out our blog often to know the recent updates as it may change accordingly."
 
Nurseries in UAE seek guidelines for reopening in September
Operators of nurseries in the UAE requested the authorities to issue guidelines for their reopening when the schools resume classes in September. In a virtual Press meeting on Monday, nursery owners said nearly 50 per cent of the institutions will have to shut down if they are not allowed to reopen, voicing their concerns about the challenges. They said with no rent reliefs in view of the Covid-19 situation, early learning centres and nurseries have started feeling the pressure as many of them had been asked to move out of their premises. Many of them have projected that around 10,000 nursery staffers will lose their jobs across the UAE if their nurseries and centres are not allowed to reopen by September. While recreational centres, swimming pools, gyms, child-care centres and shisha cafes have all received guidance to reopen, nursery owners claimed they have not received any guidance or direction.
 
Planning to take a bank loan now? Think again
Residents have to be extra vigilant while applying for a personal loan given the uncertainty that has emerged as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, experts have said. Borrowing to buy stuff we don't need might lead to selling stuff that we need in order to repay the funds, said Colin Dallas, head of Retail at National Bank of Fujairah. "Think twice! A personal loan is a deferred obligation aggravated by interest charges," said Alexey Nuzhnyy, master trainer of Finance at UV Consultants Dubai. "Do you have other options such as relatives and friends, or even your employer's support? Only when all such options are exhausted, should one approach a bank. "Define your time, target, and the bearable monthly payment. Match that with your personal earnings/spending budget," Nuzhnyy said.
 
Free Covid-19 tests for Ajman residents postponed
The Ajman Medical Zone has postponed the launch of free Covid-19 tests for Ajman residents due to some technical reasons. The screenings were scheduled to be launched today in Al Afrah Convention and Event Centre and Al Bait Al Mutwahid in Al Hamaidiya. The Ajman Medical Zone, in coordination with Ajman Municipality, will send text messages to targeted groups, including residents, labourers, employees of commercial and industrial companies, after a new launch date for the free tests is decided. Hamad Teriam Al Shamsi, director of Ajman Medical Zone, said that the health authorities are striving hard to implement the campaign, without causing crowding. "It was decided to organise the screening drive by first identifying the targeted groups and dividing the residential areas into categories, and then sending text messages to people."
 
Safe distance between passengers: 643 violations registered as Dubai RTA inspects 6,500 taxis
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has confirmed that the facilities of taxi operators in Dubai are in compliance with the Covid-19 precautionary measures in place. However, 643 violations have been registered in relation with the physical distancing of passengers. The RTA launched an extensive inspection campaign that covered 6,510 taxis of seven franchise companies and the premises of their operators in Dubai. Campaigns focused on the compliance of local taxis with the precautionary measures of fighting of Covid-19. Saeed Al Baluchi, director of passenger transport monitoring activities, said: "The RTA is keen to intensify inspection campaigns on all public transport services in Dubai, especially during the current emergency health conditions. As part of such efforts, we carried out an expansive inspection process that covered 6,510 taxis out of 11,000 taxis operating in Dubai."

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