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Coronavirus: UAE reports six new cases; schools, colleges get early break

The six individuals include two Russians, two Italians, one German and one Colombian.

All schools and higher education institutions in the UAE will close for four weeks from Sunday as a precautionary measure while six new cases of coronavirus were reported in the country. (Coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates)

"The Education Ministry announces early start of spring vacation for schools," state news agency Wam tweeted late on Tuesday.

Spring break, which was due to begin on March 15 will now begin on March 8 and last for four weeks instead of the originally planned three. According to the tweet, students will attend classes virtually through its distance learning initiative during the break.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday announced six new cases of coronavirus. The six individuals include two Russians, two Italians, one German and one Colombian - all connected to the previous cases associated with the UAE Tour cycling event.

The ministry said the individuals are in a stable condition and are receiving all necessary care required.
"The total number of coronavirus cases has reached 27," the ministry said, adding that five of the previously reported cases have fully recovered.

Earlier in the day, the UAE Cabinet reviewed procedures and plans to prevent Covid-19 spread in the country and assured that normal activities across all sectors in the country will continue uninterrupted.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the Cabinet meeting, was briefed on the latest developments and preventive measures taken by all national authorities to protect the community from Covid-19.

"The public and private sectors, as well as the UAE federal and local authorities, have undertaken strict measures to implement the highest standards of sanitation, health and safety protocols. All operational guidelines are being reviewed by all appropriate institutions and as such, all normal daily activities across all sectors in the country will continue uninterrupted and unchanged," a statement said.

The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday announced that it will temporarily suspend its international patient care services that sends Emiratis abroad for treatment. This decision comes in line with the DoH’s precautionary measures in light of the outbreak and to limit the risk of contagion.

The UAE Shariah Ifta Council issued a fatwa saying it is haram, or prohibited, for anyone suspected to be Covid-19 positive to show up or mix with people in public places. "They are urged to remain home and not attend congregational prayers, Friday sermon or Eid prayers," it said.

The UAE airlines advised passengers to improve their hygiene levels in line with international standards for the safety of all passengers and crew.

The carriers said they were also taking the serious measures such as cleaning the aircraft as well as keeping their staff updated with any new guidelines about Covid-19.

Events cancelled or postponed

The first Ultra Music Festival Abu Dhabi, an electronic dance music festival scheduled to take place on March 5 and 6, has been cancelled

 The K-Pop concert, Music Bank in Dubai, scheduled for March 21 at the Coca-Cola Arena, has been postponed

American rapper Russ has ?postponed his Dubai concert that was to have taken place on ?March 27

 Art Dubai scheduled for March 25-28 has been postponed. Instead, a programme tailored to the local cultural community will be staged

Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation ceremony that was to be held on March 9 postponed to August 31