Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: Sheikh Mohammed meets Covid fighters; Emirati, Israeli companies sign deal to fight Covid; Indians with visit visas start arriving in Dubai

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

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Sun 16 Aug 2020, 8:23 AM

Last updated: Sun 16 Aug 2020, 11:27 AM

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 283 Covid-19 cases, 98 recoveries, 2 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 283 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 98 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported. More than 77,640 new Covid-19 tests were carried out in the country, the ministry added. Authorities have said that the world's first Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine for Covid-19 in the UAE have reached the 15,000-volunteers target in less than a month with individuals from 107 nationalities participating in the programme. The trials successfully screened and vaccinated volunteers with the first of two vaccine shots they are given during the process. Volunteers will be offered a wrist-based wearable that will track their fitness and health. It will help them self-monitor their daily heart and respiratory rate, sleep performance, recovery levels and measure other key biometrics during the trials. 
Thank you, heroes: Sheikh Mohammed meets Covid-19 response team
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has paid glowing tributes to Dubai's Covid-19 Command and Control Centre. This came as the Dubai Ruler met the team at the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Sheikh Mohammed noted that the unsung heroes on the team worked heroically to contain the pandemic, treat the infected, ensure capacity at hospitals and define precautionary measures to keep residents safe. "Thank you, our first line of defence. We are proud of your performance," Sheikh Mohammed tweeted as he shared photos and a video of the meeting. Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE has succeeded in countering the Covid-19 outbreak and set a "commendable example" for the world in managing the pandemic. 
Doctors explain why you need a flu shot even if it won't prevent Covid-19
Though the flu vaccine will not protect you from getting infected with Covid-19, it can help prevent other diseases that can weaken your lungs and make you more vulnerable to the virus, health experts have said. With flu season expected to set in around September, doctors ramp up awareness efforts, explaining that the vaccine against influenza can support one's body in fighting respiratory illnesses that often come with symptoms similar to Covid-19.
Emirati, Israeli companies sign agreement to fight Covid-19

The Emirates company APEX National Investment has announced the signing of a strategic commercial agreement with the Israeli TeraGroup, to develop research and studies, on the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). The agreement was signed by Khalifa Yousef Khouri, Chairman of APEX National Investment, and Oren Sadiv, Chairman & CEO of TeraGroup at a press conference held at the headquarters of Al Qudra Holding in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The conference was attended by Ido Berniker, a representative from First Capital Group, and a number of dignitaries and officials from the two companies, in addition to representatives of the Emirati and Israeli media.   
Doctors explain why you need a flu shot even if it won't prevent Covid-19

Though the flu vaccine will not protect you from getting infected with Covid-19, it can help prevent other diseases that can weaken your lungs and make you more vulnerable to the virus, health experts have said. With flu season expected to set in around September, doctors ramp up awareness efforts, explaining that the vaccine against influenza can support one's body in fighting respiratory illnesses that often come with symptoms similar to Covid-19. Dr Ayesha Khalid, family medicine consultant at Burjeel Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi, said: "The flu vaccine doesn't offer protection against Covid-19, however, some studies suggest that the vaccine would help in reducing the severity of the virus. That is, if a person vaccinated against flu contracts Covid-19, he is likely to have mild symptoms. 
ICA approval update for returning Sharjah residents

UAE resident visa holders can travel freely and do not require an ICA approval to return to the country, Sharjah airports authorities have clarified. Passengers must visit uaeentry.ica.gov.ae to verify their UAE residence visa validity before booking the tickets, said the airport authorities on Saturday in a post on its social media account. All passengers must have the negative PCR test result issued by accredited centres not more than 96 hours before arrival in the UAE. The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) had announced last Wednesday that returning residents don't need a pre-approval to return. 
Indians with visit visas start arriving in Dubai

Visit visa holders from India have been arriving in Dubai without any issues, a number of travellers and agents have said. Visas and air tickets are issued with no problems and trips have been seamless. Afi Ahmed, managing director of Smart Travels, told Khaleej Times that a majority of visit visa holders they have assisted are students and families who are coming to Dubai to meet their loved ones. Many are university students flying to their second home. "Dubai has started issuing tourist visas since July 6. I'm noticing that Sharjah and Abu Dhabi has also begun issuing visas since August 9. A visit visa passenger for whom I booked tickets from Kannur to Dubai on August 12 has arrived in Dubai without any issues at immigration," Ahmed said.  
How Dubai schools keep students, parents calm ahead of reopening

By now, students and parents have been briefed about all the precautionary measures that come with the upcoming reopening of campuses - but preparations go beyond implementing safety rules. Schools in the UAE are also ensuring that pupils and their families are mentally prepared for the new normal. For several schools in Dubai, mindfulness is part of safety in the time of Covid-19. At GEMS Modern Academy, orientations will be different this year, with experts coming in to talk to schoolkids about their anxieties. Nargish Khambatta, the academy's principal and CEO, said: "I think children have some apprehensions, so we are getting a neuro-linguistic programme (NLP) expert to talk to children about the anxieties they are facing. 
Indian envoy lauds UAE role in combating Covid-19
Indians in the UAE marked their 74th Independence Day on Saturday. Indian Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor unfurled the Indian national flag at the Embassy. Following the social distancing norms, only the embassy personnel attended the ceremony. The entire proceedings were live streamed on the embassy's social media platforms. There was a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the ill-fated Dubai-Kozhikode flight crash. Kapoor, in his address, acknowledged the contributions of the embassy staff, community leaders and members and the role played by the associations in dealing with the pandemic situation and the smooth conduct of the Vande Bharat Mission.

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