Mohammad: Stay safe, follow rules during Eid
RECOVERIES INCREASING, INFECTIONS STABLE IN DUBAI
Citizens and residents must stay safe by following social distancing rules during Eid Al Fitr, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said yesterday.
“Let’s celebrate Eid Al Fitr with technology as we do not want infections to surge, for each infection has a huge impact on others,” he said during his virtual Ramadan majlis during which he interacted with officials and volunteers.
“Do not make a small mistake that will cost us dearly,” Shaikh Mohammad added.
UAE reports 894 new infections, four deaths
The UAE yesterday reported 894 new cases and four deaths, taking total infections to 26,898 and the toll to 237. The new cases were detected after 43,000 tests. The Ministry of Health and Prevention also reported 946 more recoveries, taking the total to 12,755.
Tiny fraction of infected cases need ventilators
Meanwhile, addressing a virtual press conference yesterday, Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said recovery rates are increasing
in Dubai and infection, quarantine and hospitalisation rates are stable and lower than the global average.
Cases that require ICU treatment or ventilators constitute only a tiny fraction of total infected cases, he said.
500 patrols deployed
At the same press conference, Dubai Police Chief Lt Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri said 500 patrols have been deployed and 63 checkpoints set up across the emirate.
He pointed out that police received 5,300 applications from people wanting to join the Dubai Police Biker initiative launched this week.
Commending volunteers and the community for helping the UAE combat the pandemic, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday urged citizens and residents to follow rules during Eid Al Fitr.
“Unfortunately, by virtue of tradition, we started seeing an increase in the number of cases. I ask all our residents and citizens, especially during the Eid period, to protect themselves and protect our families and our children,” he said.
The Ramadan majlis featured Obaid Al Hassan Al Shamsi, director-general of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE health sector and other officials.
The majlis also featured heartfelt stories from volunteers and community members working together on the frontline.
“Today, everyone in the world is fighting this battle. However, what distinguishes one country from another is team leaders, members, and
volunteers who have made the UAE among the top 10 countries in combating this pandemic,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
“Let’s celebrate Eid with modern technology, as we do not want infections to surge, for each infection has a huge impact on others,” he added, uring people to wear a mask, wash hands regularly, follow social distancing and limit trips outdoors.
“We do not want the number of cases to rise;
we want to keep our numbers low. Keeping up with the measures can be difficult, but for us, it means saving lives,” he said . “Do not make a small mistake that will cost us dearly.”
Promise to a volunteer
Shaikh Mohammad also promised to meet and hug an expat volunteer, who expressed joy over seeing and talking to him.
Earlier, Dr Al Hosani said that the UAE’s response to the pandemic from the beginning focused on testing, investigation and early detection, which helped in rapid intervention and limiting the spread.
She explained that people would need to adjust to a new lifestyle that will better protect them and their families. “We know that Covid-19 is here to stay for a while, and healthy habits should be the new lifestyle that we will need to adopt in the coming period,” she said.
Al Shamsi explored the phases of the crisis management strategy and reiterated the importance of social responsibility in overcoming this challenge. “Everyone in the UAE community has a responsibility, whether a citizen or a resident, to protect this country,” he said.
We do not want the number of cases to rise; we want to keep our numbers low. Keeping up with the measures can be difficult, but for us, it means saving lives.”
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan