Coronavirus news bulletin: UAE active cases halve; 1,036 new recoveries reported; 5,000 volunteers register for vaccine trial in 24 hours

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 5,000 volunteers register for vaccine trial in just 24 hours

A round-up of major developments related to Covid-19 across the country.

By Web Report

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Published: Sat 18 Jul 2020, 7:24 AM

Last updated: Sat 18 Jul 2020, 3:14 PM

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE active cases halve; global situation grim

The UAE is turning the tide against the coronavirus with 1,036 recoveries and 293 cases recorded yesterday, with active cases at 7,637 down 55 per cent from their peak of 17,173 registered on June 4, 2020. However, the global situation remains of concern as fresh outbreaks were reported from Japan, Spain and China's Xinjiang region. Worldwide, confirmed cases numbered more than 14 million Friday and Covid-19 deaths totalled more than 594,000.


UAE reports 293 new Covid-19 cases, 1,036 recoveries, 2 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday reported 293 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,036 recoveries. The new cases were detected through additional 48,000 tests. MoHAP also reported two new deaths today, taking the tally to 337. The total number of cases as on July 17 stands at 56,422, while total recoveries are 48,488.

5,000 volunteers register for vaccine trial in just 24 hours
The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has announced the registration of 5,000 volunteers in Abu Dhabi for the third phase of clinical trials for an inactivated Covid-19 vaccine. The remarkable tally comes just 24 hours after the launch of the registration website http://4humanity.ae on Thursday evening. Volunteers need to submit their details and contact information to the organisers of this historic initiative. Emiratis and residents of all nationalities aged between 18 and 60 are eligible to take part in the trials if considered suitable after a medical check-up

Safety first as shisha cafes in Dubai to reopen  
After a gap of almost three months, shisha cafes in Dubai will reopen their doors to the public from today, with strict precautionary measures in place. With enhanced safety measures including constant sanitisation and mandatory mask donning, the Dubai Municipality gave the green light to reopen smoking areas and shisha cafes. As per the circular, DM has issued a strict 51-point safety measures to ensure safety and avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

Abu Dhabi reopens more public parks, beaches
More beaches and public parks are now open in Abu Dhabi after stringent sterilisation processes, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced. The parks reopening in Abu Dhabi are Delma Park, Rabdan Park and Sharea Park, Wathba Park, Shahama Park 1 and Kathem Park. In Al Ain, Green Mubazzarah Park will reopen while in Al Dhafrah, Al Mirfa Park and Zayed Al Khair Park will also reopen. Al Bateen Beach in Abu Dhabi will also reopen, as part of stage two of the reopening process.

Abu Dhabi lists guidelines for reopening of hotel pools

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi has issued a circular detailing precautionary measures that must be taken to reopen swimming pools in hotels in AbuDhabi. The measures include mandatory Covid-tests for employees and ensuring that swimming pools don't exceed a maximum capacity of 50 per cent. Safe distance between swimmers, face masks and strict sterilisation procedures are mandatory for reopening.

Visitors can get a 30-day grace period from Aug 11
Visitors or tourists in the UAE whose visit visas expired after March 1 have until August 11 to leave the country, after which they will be given another 30-day grace period to either change their status or exit the country. Previously, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) stated that those with expired visit visas have one month to leave after July 12, however, in a revised statement on Thursday, it said they will have another one month as grace period after August 11. The advisory came after the recent Cabinet decision that cancelled all previously issued resolutions related to the residency of expatriates and validity of visas, entry permits and ID cards.

E-commerce a bigger sell in UAE amid Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to leave a lasting mark on consumer behavior and drive an ever-increasing share of e-commerce in the UAE's retail sector, experts said. The pandemic accelerated the conversion to online, particularly in essential categories such as grocery shopping. Some retail companies addressed their challenges head on and took timely decisions to develop their online businesses. These are the companies that are likely to emerge as market leaders. According to a recent report by Adobe, e-commerce expenditure has exceeded expectations by more than $52 billion since the lockdown began in March.

Blackmailing active during Covid-19, warn UAE police
As people stayed home and life moved more into online activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, fraudsters also became active in the cyber world, targeting online users. With movement restrictions and other precautionary measures effective during the Covid-19 period, remote work, distance learning, online shopping and other activities kept people more active in the cyber world, which gave more opportunities for the fraudsters, police officials have revealed. Police authorities in Sharjah and Ajman intensified cyber patrols to track and detect suspicious social media accounts, fake accounts of prominent personalities and those promoting narcotic drugs and restricted medicines in the emirates.

Spacious housing in demand as social distancing turns norm 
Demand for villas, townhouses and hotel apartments has gone up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi after the pandemic outbreak, as residents are preferring to settle into spacious homes amid the coronavirus-triggered implementation of social distancing. Most common "phrases" for online searches for by residents in the recent months include "outside space, garden and pool", showing that "outdoor" has become a commodity in demand.


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