Combating coronavirus: #WeAreAllResponsible, reiterate UAE residents

Dubai - Resident Karen Lobo said her family still orders their groceries online and sanitises them as soon as they bring them into the house.

Concerned residents who remain committed to following safety rules have urged everyone to do the same. Comments poured in in light of authorities' recent observations that the number of Covid-19 violators has increased.
The UAE recently lifted all movement restrictions across the country, now that the National Sterilisation Programme has been completed. However, authorities reminded one and all to continue adhering to measures - or risk fines and even imprisonment
Mum-of-three Katy Rice said that despite restrictions being eased, she is still opting for home delivery services for the family's groceries.
The founder of Eco Souk said the Zoom app has been their go-to alternative to connect with friends and family, as they continue to limit their social interactions.
"We celebrated my youngest child's first birthday at home, and instead of inviting friends over, we enjoyed a Zoom party with our relatives in the UK. We even had Zoom quizzes, cook-offs and baby showers. I believe this is - and will remain - our new normal for a while."
For expat Sanskriti Sanjeev, it's concern for her elderly parents that motivates her to err on the side of caution.
"With parents at home whose age puts their health at risk, I take utmost precautions in limiting my outings to only necessities, such as groceries and pharmacies. I owe it to them to ensure I never leave without gloves, a mask and a sanitiser, and to maintain the six-feet distance between myself and the next shopper," she explained.
The founder of Haul in One urged everyone to follow the government's guidelines. "We are all in this together. We are all responsible," she said.
Dubai resident Karen Lobo is a self-professed "outdoors person". However, despite the freedom to move without restrictions, the 23-year-old said she has been opting to stay home.
"It's been a long time since we visited our relatives, but we've decided not to do so just yet for everyone's safety," she said.
"I used to go out a lot at night, too, but my outdoor movements have greatly reduced of late. My idea of a hangout now is to go for a drive in the car with one other person."
The restrictions may have been lifted, but the young resident understands that the threat of Covid-19 is no less real.
"We still order our groceries online and sanitise them as soon as we bring them into the house," she said.
Kathryn Jones, founder of skincare brand KJ Serums, said: "We are lucky to live in a country where, together with the authorities, we've all tried really hard to suppress Covid-19. A sense of normality is gradually returning, but we can't afford to risk a relapse."
The entrepreneur added that staying cautious is the only way to beat the coronavirus.
"We need to remain aware of our actions and how we are behaving when we are in public spaces. It's our ongoing responsibility to keep our families and communities safe by following the approved guidelines. This is ultimately how we'll all beat this pandemic."
karen@khaleejtimes.com