UAE 20 March 2020: In line with recommended preventative measures for new coronavirus, Covid-19, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT- Abu Dhabi) has instructed all tour operators in Abu Dhabi Emirate to immediately suspend services and activities for all sea cruises, desert camps, safaris and floating restaurants.
“The suspension of activities and services comes into force with immediate effect and will be in place until further notice,” read a statement from the DCT Abu Dhabi, adding that special teams of inspectors will ensure the ban is being enforced to guarantee the health and safety of all residents, visitors and employees of these services.
“All operators are expected to comply with the ban, with penalties to be issued to any entities not adhering to the new rule,” it concluded.
UAE helps evacuation of South Koreans from Iran
The United Arab Emirates yesterday facilitated the evacuation of 80 individuals from Iran, among them 74 South Korean nationals residing there, in addition to 6 Iranian family members, in response to a request by the South Korean Government in light of the spread of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19, in Iran, said Wam.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, held a phone call with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on 5th March to discuss the two countries’ special strategic partnership. During the call, His Highness underscored the UAE’s readiness to offer all forms of support and assistance in combating Covid-19.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, held a phone call with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on 9th March to discuss bilateral relations and efforts to curb the virus’ spread.
Coordinating the evacuation was conducted by transporting the passengers from Tehran Wednesday night on a chartered flight to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, where they were subsequently transported on board an Asiana Airlines flight to Incheon International Airport in South Korea. The evacuation occurred in coordination with the competent authorities and the General Civil Aviation Authority.
Emirates Palace readies teams to tackle coronavirus
The management of Emirates Palace Hotel is deploying its human and logistical resources, such as transport, cleaning and services, to support the measures being taken in cooperation with the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, NCEMA, to counter the spread of the coronavirus.
The management said this initiative was in line with its corporate social responsibility and its desire to support efforts to serve society.
The management said a number of employees had been trained to deal with the new measures and were ready to help teams deployed.
Sharjah begins inspection of hotels
The SCTDA is intensifying its efforts to direct all hotel establishments throughout the emirate to temporarily shut their spa facilities, gaming halls, fitness clubs, children’s clubs and massage centres. The hotel establishments have been directed to postpone and cancel reservations for celebrations, weddings, events and other gatherings until further notice. They will be inspected and monitored continuously by the authority’s inspectors to verify compliance with the instructions.
In the interest of curtailing the spread of Covid-19, the SCTDA has also directed all desert tour operators to suspend desert tour and safari activities for a specified period of time.
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), has started to implement an emirate-wide awareness campaign to support local hotel establishments in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, Covid-19, in line with the nation’s continuing efforts to raise the level of precautionary and preventive measures, in response to the recommendations from the WHO.
The SCTDA also confirmed that a series of inspections will be conducted across hotel establishments in the emirate to ensure compliance and adherence to set standards and methods to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The inspections will ensure that hygiene measures, disinfection and sterilisation are all completed accurately. Hotels are also being advised on the documentation of these measures.
SCTDA’s Tourism Standards Department is in charge of following up on the disinfection and sterilisation process in hotel establishments in Sharjah, thus ensuring that the precautionary measures are carefully observed and the level of health awareness is raised in order to preserve the safety of all. The authority has also started to circulate awareness brochures online to all hotel establishments and the authority’s employees.
Increased access at Healthcare City
The Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory (DHCR), announced the ease of certain requirements related to the work of clinical facilities at Dubai Healthcare City, DHCC, including teleconsultations and home healthcare services.
The newly introduced measures, effective from Friday, 20th March, to Monday, 20th April, 2020, will contribute to the increased access of healthcare and more efficient utilisation of resources within the free zone.
Dr. Ramadan AlBlooshi, Chief Regulatory Officer, DHCA, said, “As an integral component of the UAE health ecosystem, the Dubai Healthcare City Authority is committed to providing the highest standard of patient-centric care in line with national efforts in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are working closely with the relevant health authorities to update our measures to enhance our preparedness in responding to the requirements of this evolving situation to ensure the safety of public and healthcare professionals.”
As part of the new measures, healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and allied health professionals, can work in multiple facilities at the DHCC while providing Covid-19-related care without the need to obtain approvals from the DHCR.
Previously, healthcare professionals could work in up to four facilities and DHCR approvals were required, a statement by the Authority explained.
It noted that clinical facilities need to enter into agreements with the required healthcare professionals and follow applicable patient care safety policies and procedures during this interim phase.
The facilities are also authorised to provide home healthcare services within licensed specialities without any formal approval from the DHCR, it added, noting that this service will only be provided to existing patients.
RAK resolution on remote work
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council, issued Executive Council Resolution No. 01 for 2020 allowing delegate chairmen and directors of government departments in the emirate to issue decisions to perform specific remote transactions.
The resolution is in line with the country’s comprehensive plan and the emirate’s directives to protect public health and reduce the spread of coronavirus. It stipulates that the Secretary-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Executive Council must be notified about such decisions for approval.
Local government authorities have taken the necessary measures to ensure the provision of smart services, including the adoption of the remote working system, and raise the public’s awareness of how to handle the current situation.
The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality announced a package of services designed to ensure continuity of business, starting from Sunday, 22nd March, 2020, with the aim of facilitating the work of its partners and customers.
The municipality also opened four mobile numbers to provide personal services through the WhatsApp. Customers can send files in PDF format to access related services, providing that they have a “SmartPass.”
It launched a real estate trading service with licensed real estate offices through video conferencing, and announced that it will continue providing consultancy and contracting services on its website.
The municipality noted that fees can be paid on the website of the Ras Al Khaimah Government and the smart application, mRAK. It urged all partners and clients to follow the set-out procedures.
