Coronavirus news bulletin: Dubai shuts down restaurant; 3-day pay cut for violators; medics hails vaccine use approval

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

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Wed 16 Sep 2020, 8:53 AM

Last updated: Wed 16 Sep 2020, 10:59 AM

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:
UAE reports 674 Covid-19 cases, 654 recoveries, 2 deaths
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 674 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 654 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported. Nearly 87,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, the ministry added. So far, nearly 8.3 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out across the country. In a breakthrough announcement yesterday, the health ministry gave an "emergency approval" for use of a Covid-19 vaccine that's being trialled here. The vaccine will be available to the frontline workers who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, a minister announced. This will protect them from any dangers.

Ajman Crown Prince hails DED inspectors' Covid-19 response in moving letter
Ajman's Crown Prince has penned a heartfelt letter to inspectors of the emirate's Department of Economic Development (DED), praising their efforts in protecting the economy from the impact of Covid-19. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, who is also the Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, presented a memento of the iconic Al Murabba Watchtower to 27 inspectors of the department. The mud-brick fort has been the city's first line of defence since the 1930s. Commissioned by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and restored in 2000, the watchtower is a key landmark along the Corniche. In his letter, the Ajman Crown Prince wrote: "My brothers and sisters, the first line of defence heroes, greetings to you. Thank you for everything you do for this nation, its citizens, residents and visitors."
'My 67-year-old mum got the virus from me and spent 28 days in ICU'
Dubai resident Faizal Abdul Karim still remembers the guilt and helplessness he felt when he learnt that his 67-year-old mother had contracted Covid-19. He knew it was his fault. She stayed at a different apartment and, since the pandemic began, he visited her only twice. They also took all necessary precautions, including maintaining a three-metre distance, but still - the virus struck their family. "We have big family living across the UAE. My two sisters and their extended families stay here, and my parents are living with my younger brother and his family. "Usually, I would see my parents every single day before Covid hit but, from March onwards, we all stayed locked up in our houses and I didn't see them until June, when the lockdown eased," the 44 year old Dubai resident told Khaleej Times.

Another Dubai restaurant shut down for not following Covid-19 rules
A restaurant in Dubai's Al Safa 2 area was shut down for not following Covid-19 preventive measures, authorities announced today. "Dubai Economy closed a restaurant in Al Safa Second area for not adhering to the precautionary measures, specifically social distancing," Dubai Economy said in a tweet. Nine shops were also fined as staff were not wearing masks and social distancing measures were not adhered to, DED said. Sixteen other shops were warned for not applying enough social distancing stickers. As many as 762 businesses were found compliant, the authority said.

Medics in UAE hail approval for Covid-19 vaccine use
Medics in the UAE hailed the approval of the Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, saying it shows how much the government cares for its frontliners. Less than six weeks since the Phase 3 trials of the inactivated Covid-19 vaccine started in the country, 31,000 volunteers of 125 nationalities have participated. No adverse reactions or complications were reported, authorities said. On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced that the vaccine will now be available to frontline workers who are at highest risk of contracting the virus. Gilbert Jr. Frias, a Filipino nurse in Abu Dhabi who volunteered for the clinical trial, said: "This step shows how the government prioritises us, healthcare workers, and makes all our efforts count."

Wear mask, gloves during household maintenance work, advises UAE authority
Authorities in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday urged residents to following Covid-19 guidelines while household maintenance work is carried out. "Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic urges community members to adhere to precautionary and preventative measures while conducting household maintenance operations to enhance the safety of all community members," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said. Procedures include mandatory wearing of face masks and gloves by all maintenance workers, technicians and residents during maintenance operations, observing physical distancing, and sterilising all areas and surfaces touched during maintenance work.

UAE federal govt staff face 3-day pay cut for not following Covid-19 rules
Federal government employees who break the Covid-19 rules at their workplace will face a three-day salary cut, authorities have warned. The Federal Authority for Human Resources (FAHR) on Tuesday issued the warning in which it urged all federal government workers to strictly adhere to safety measures and instructions put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. "Hefty penalties will be imposed on those breaking the Covid-19 rules at workplace," said authorities. In the circular issued to all federal government departments, the FAHR reminded authorities there to raise the awareness among their employees so they can fully adhere to the instructions issued earlier by the authority and other government entities regarding the precautionary measures aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19.

Flu shot crucial for kids this Covid-19 year: UAE doctors
Every child in the country above the age of six should get vaccinated for influenza, doctors in the UAE have reiterated. This comes on the back of a new study by Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which stated that half of influenza patients in Dubai were younger than 10 years old. Dr Jamuna Raghuraman, peadiatrician at Medeor Hospital, said: "We have a very safe and successful vaccination programme in the nation. It is very helpful and protects children from flu. Unlike in the past years, we are fighting a pandemic now. Flu vaccination is crucial against this backdrop. Vaccination is the best way to protect children from influenza."


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