Naif area: Dubai Police rise to the challenge
TIt was like a carnival, everyone was cheering and people from different nationalities were singing the Emirati national anthem from their apartments and balconies.”
Brigadier Tarik Tahlak | Director of Naif police station
he containment strategy followed by Dubai Government in the Naif district to contain the outbreak of Covid-19 can serve as a perfect example of how important a role Dubai Police played in managing the pandemic.
As the authorities carried out a mass Covid-19 testing and disinfection drive in one of Dubai’s oldest districts, Naif Police Station was the focal point in the implementation of precautionary measures that helped save the lives of thousands of residents and visitors. The expertise of the police personnel in surveillance and investigation, their familiarity with the area and their close connection with the community in one of the most densely populated areas of Dubai helped control the situation as the area was put under a strict 27-day containment, from March 31 to April 26, to curb the spread of the virus.
Today, almost 18 months after the 24-hour movement restrictions were lifted, Brigadier Tarik Tahlak, Director of Naif Police Station, recalls those moments of relief and celebration when the area was declared Covid-free.
“It was like a carnival, everyone was cheering and people from different nationalities were singing the Emirati national anthem from their apartments and balconies,” Brig Tahlak told Gulf News. “It was a joyful moment that made one feel happy and that was ample reward for the hard work,” he added.
Dubai Police are not only the first responders to any crisis, but they are also the key players when it comes to assisting the civil administration in arranging resources and maintaining law and order, while performing all their routine responsibilities at police stations. Going back to those challenging days of Covid-control, Brig Tahlak recalled when reports about Covid-19 cases came from Al Ras area of Dubai.
Dubai Police then reported the matter to the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and the decision to impose containment measures in the entire Naif district was taken after sunset on March 31, 2020.
One of the happiest moments was the arrival in Naif of the first bus of residents who had recovered from Covid-19. That was during the third week of restrictions.
“They received a warm welcome from the other residents and there was a celebration organised by Dubai Police and the residents. It was an unforgettable moment.”
What Naif police station did during the restrictions
More than 10 teams were formed in Naif police station to implement the government’s strategy to curb the spread of the pandemic. One team, for instance, was responsible for monitoring all the entry-exit points in the area. This team was responsible for disinfecting all the people and vehicles going in and out of the area. All entries and exits were registered.
“Then there was another team for logistical support to arrange the movement of food and medical supplies into the area. This team also arranged to have the ATMs in the area replenished with cash,” Brig. Tahlak said.
Charity organisations also pitched in, providing meals for the people in the area. Officers from Dubai Police helped distribute more than 20,000 meals per day during the period that restrictions were in force.