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Coronavirus bulletin: Some Dubai stores to reopen ahead of Ramadan; UAE announces 398 new cases; Expired UAE visas valid until end-2020; 2 million cases worldwide


Some trading stores have been allowed to reopen ahead of Ramadan.

Here’s a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:

Expired UAE residency, visit visas to remain valid until end-2020

UAE announced on Monday that all visas, entry permits and Emirates ID cards will remain valid until the end of 2020, as the country battles the Covid-19 coronavirus. Talking to the media in a virtual conference today on the Covid-19 situation in the country, Colonel Khamis Al Kaabi, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship spokesperson, said  that "all visas and entry permits - expiring on March 1 - shall remain valid until the end of December, 2020," he revealed. The residency visa of expatriates, inside or outside the country and expiring on March 1, to stay valid until the end of the year.
 
UAE announces 398 new cases

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced 398 new cases of coronavirus on April 13. It also announced 172 new recoveries in the country, taking the total recoveries to 852 cases. "With today’s 172 cases, the total number of fully recovered Covid-19 patients has become 852, while three residents of different nationalities were declared dead, taking the total number of deaths to 25," Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the ministry, said. "We have also carried out up to 23,380 new tests on Monday all over the country."
 
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Governor of Nevada review developments in global fight against Covid-19

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Monday discussed the latest developments in the global fight against Covid-19 with Steve Sisolak, Governor of Nevada, US, and ways of coordinating efforts in this regard. This came in a phone call His Highness Sheikh Mohamed received from the US governor wherein Abu Dhabi Crown Prince affirmed the UAE’s solidarity with US in its battle against the novel virus, expressing hope the American people would overcome the crisis as soon as possible. He stressed the UAE’s determination to extend all possible forms of support at regional and global levels to combat coronavirus out of its belief in the growing importance of ensuring global synergy in these trying times.

Covid-19 cases cross 2 million worldwide

Confirmed Covid-19 cases worldwide topped 2 million on Monday evening local time, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

Abu Dhabi restricts entry, exit of workers

Blue-collar workers cannot leave Abu Dhabi region and those from other emirates are barred from entering the capital as per a new rule. "Companies are no longer permitted to send workers out of Abu Dhabi, and must limit their travel to within Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra," the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said. Also, entry of workers from other emirates into Abu Dhabi is restricted. "The precautionary and preventative measures are taken to protect the health and safety of workers from the spread of the coronavirus and reducing the likelihood of infection."

School fee support for Abu Dhabi parents affected by Covid-19

Parents who are struggling because of job loss, unpaid leave or salary cut because of the Covid-19 crisis can benefit from Abu Dhabi’s school fees support programme, according to authorities. The Authority of Social Contribution, Ma’an, on Sunday announced that it will use the funds contributed to its ’Together We Are Good’ programme to help families and individuals most in need across four key areas: Education, food supplies, health support and basic needs. Ma’an, with the support of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), called on those seeking assistance for education support to call a hotline or register their request for relief on a specially created microsite. According to officials, the fund is for parents with children attending private schools in Abu Dhabi who are affected by the current economic challenges. It will support parents by paying school fees or providing devices for distance learning.
 
DoH-Abu Dhabi launches app to help residents during Covid-19 crisis

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) on Monday announced, in collaboration with Injazat Data Systems, the launch of the ’Remote Healthcare’ app for smartphones that allows users easy and safe access to preliminary medical diagnostic services, information and guidelines. This is in line with the DoH’s continuous efforts to maintain the safety and well-being of all members of UAE society and provide them with necessary healthcare services without having to physically visit healthcare facilities, said a DoH press release issued on Monday. The application provides essential medical support to people with chronic diseases, the elderly, and those in need of medical prescriptions who do not want to visit hospitals given the current situation, as well as those who have been infected with Covid-19 and are in home isolation.
 
Dubai Police issues 2,527 fines against violators of movement restrictions

The Dubai Police has imposed 2,527 fines against violators of restrictions on movement during the National Sterilization Programme. The total number of fines included 2,076 warnings and 8 fines, for violating safety instructions and leaving homes without valid reason or for work purposes or for buying essentials. Other 204 warnings and one fine were issued to members of the public who exceeded the maximum allowed number of passengers (three) in a single vehicle that has been stipulated. Lastly, 233 warnings as well as five fines were issued for those not wearing medical masks in closed areas or for flaunting the minimum social distancing rule.
 
How UAE Civil Defence deals with fires during coronavirus situation

The General Command of Civil Defence has spelt out steps people must implement in case a fire breaks out in the house. It comes at a time when families are confined to their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a video posted on its official Instagram account, the civil defence stressed that all housing units must have fire extinguishers, smoke and heat alarms, which will alert people that there’s an emergency. The video said that parents and adult family members must learn how to use the fire extinguishers, so they can act immediately if there’s a minor fire. "There must always be a way to leave the unit immediately in case the blaze spreads. There should be way to the exit door or windows that can be used for evacuation," the video emphasised.
 
Dubai announces reopening of some stores in time for Ramadan shopping

Dubai Economy has announced the operational timings for various commercial activities and businesses in Dubai. In line with the preventive measures against the spread of CoronaVirus (COVID-19), Dubai Economy informs that the below commercial activities: The announcement is in line with the preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) in the country. Meat trading, Fruits & vegetables trading, Roaster, Mills, Nuts trading, Chocolate and sweets trading, Fish trading, Coffee trading, Tea trading stores can operate according to the below procedures: Store operating hours between 8am and 8pm.
 
Dubai residents can negotiate better deals if renewing existing contract

Most tenants in Dubai are negotiating better rental deals with landlords to stay in their existing apartments as uncertainty surrounding jobs limit their movement, a new research has found. A study by real estate consultancy Core said landlords are also willing to offer incentives to retain their tenants."We anticipate limited movement over the coming weeks as most tenants are expected to negotiate with their current landlords, particularly those with immediate rent renewals. We also foresee in some cases rental incentives to be provided by landlords such as partial rent waivers, higher number of cheque payments, extended rent free periods and contribution to utilities in order to help tenants while also maintaining occupancy of their unit," said Prathyusha Gurrapu, head of research and advisory at Core.
 
Abu Dhabi Police launch initiative to enhance communication with community

The General Command of the Abu Dhabi Police, ADP, represented by the Security Media Department of the Leadership Affairs Sector, launched the ’From Home to Home’ initiative on Monday to enhance its communication with the community and spread awareness messages and urgent announcements during the coronavirus crisis. The initiative aims to provide the public with advice and guidance around the clock on Abu Dhabi Police’s social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Brigadier Mohammed Ali Al Muhairi, Director of the Security Media Department, stated that Covid-19 pandemic had posed challenges to media platforms communicating information about the disease
 
Abu Dhabi disinfects shopping malls

Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) has deployed a specialised team of engineers, technicians, trainers, and qualified cleaning staff as part of its participation in the disinfection drive targeting shopping centers across Abu Dhabi. Carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the drive comes as part of the emirate’s efforts to step up preventive measures against the Covid-19 coronavirus within the framework of the national disinfection programme currently underway across the UAE. Having started on Saturday evening, the disinfection drive covers 31 shopping centers in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and aims to complement the preventive measures already taken by the emirate in its fight against the coronavirus.
 
How residents are bracing for a #StayHome Ramadan

This StayHome Ramadan will be an opportunity to boost the family bonding with a newfound togetherness, help us dedicate more time to pray together with our loved ones, and could turn out to be the most memorable one, feel Muslim residents in the UAE. They say the restrictions won’t deter or dampen their spirit as they brace for the festival in various novel ways to make the most of the situation. Ahmad Sallam, a 47-year-old Egyptian, said he has been praying indoors for over three weeks now and it’s unprecedented since he has never done so before for such a long time at a stretch in his entire life.
 
Kerala CM appreciates UAE’s care for expatriates during coronavirus fight

Chief Minister of South Indian State of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, has expressed his appreciation for the work being done by the UAE Government in protecting expatriates living in the UAE, Wam reported on Monday. The Government of Kerala has asked the Keralite community organisations in the UAE to coordinate their efforts with UAE agencies to provide relief to those affected by the new coronavirus, Covid-19, pandemic. There could be some hardships due to restrictions on people’s movement just as in India, but the need of the hour is to adhere to the protocols envisaged by the authorities, the Chief Minister pointed out.