DUBAI 4 April 2020: On April 3rd 2020, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), announced 240 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the UAE, bringing the total number of cases to 1,264.
MoHAP said in a statement that the new cases were detected upon examining people who came in contact with previously infected patients and did not adhere to preventative measures or maintain sufficient physical distance.
”A number of cases resulted from international travel. The newly diagnosed patients of various nationalities are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary medical care,” MoHAP affirmed.
MoHAP also announced the full recovery of 12 cases as a result of receiving the necessary medical care, taking the number of recoveries to 108.
MoHAP announced the death of a 51-year-old Asian patient, who suffered from chronic diseases, including kidney failure. The number of Covid-19 fatalities has now reached nine.
The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for all patients.
The Ministry and other local health authorities called upon the public to adopt healthy practices to safeguard against contracting contagious diseases and adhere to social distancing for the safety and well being of all.
Only 91 remain stranded at DXB
Dubai Airports has been working with airlines, embassies and government authorities to provide the necessary solutions for passengers who have been stranded at Dubai International, DXB, following the decision to suspend the majority of passenger flights at 11:59 pm local time on Tuesday, 24th March, as part of a comprehensive array of measures designed to combat the Covid-19 global pandemic.
With solutions having been found for a large number of stranded passengers, only 91 passengers remain. Passengers awaiting either further repatriation flights – or for health and immigration formalities to be completed – are being provided with rooms and meals in the hotels inside DXB where heightened precautionary measures have been implemented. Solutions are likely to be put in place for the remaining passengers over the next few days.
Over 600 passengers were affected by the suspension, either because their onward journeys were curtailed beyond DXB, or they were seeking to enter the UAE after restrictions had been placed on entry. Significant efforts have been made to either repatriate travellers stranded at the airport, or subject them to the necessary health checks to enable entry into the UAE, whereupon strict quarantine measures have been applied. During their stay at DXB, travellers have been given food and drink, welfare and support to ensure that they are properly looked after.
“These are unprecedented circumstances and our primary focus is to ensure that those passengers who are stranded at DXB receive the necessary levels of care and attention” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “We have worked closely with the airlines and the authorities to either clear passengers through health checks and immigration formalities to enter the appropriate quarantine arrangements or helped to organise flights to repatriate passengers to their home or onward destinations.”
Every day, repatriation flights are taking off from both Dubai International, DXB, and Dubai World Central, DWC, taking passengers to their point of origin or intended destinations. Airport service staff are on hand at all times of the day and night to provide assistance to passengers as and when required.
Abu Dhabi events ban extended
In line with the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to ensure public health and safety, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, DCT Abu Dhabi, has extended the ban on all events and wedding parties, and the closure of venues in Abu Dhabi until further notice.
In addition, DCT Abu Dhabi has extended the period of suspension of all tour services and activities related to sea cruises, desert camps and tours (safari) as well as the operation of floating restaurants until further notice.
On March 19, 2020, DCT Abu Dhabi announced the decision to temporarily suspend all events and nightclub operations, as well as a temporary ban on wedding parties, in the interests of the safety of guests, staff, and the general public.
As safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance, DCT Abu Dhabi has indicated that routine checks and inspections will be carried out in all hotel and tourism establishments, nightclubs, floating restaurants and other tourist attractions in order to verify compliance with the Department’s instructions. Those failing to comply with the instructions will be subject to legal measures.
