News update: UAE Ministry of Health calls on citizens and residents to avoid travelling abroad

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Preventive measures will be taken upon return to the country.

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Community Protection has called on citizens and residents to avoid travelling due to the current situation of the coronavirus outbreak and its spread in several countries.

The Ministry of Health in its statement revealed that if travel is a must, preventive measures will be taken upon their return to the country.

Decision will be taken by responsible officials according to assesments done upon return of the passengers.

Read more at: Gulf News

News update: Covid-19: DHA answers five common questions

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Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of health promotion and education section at DHA answers five common questions that UAE residents have on the Covid-19. From self-isolation to verification of rumours, here’s all you need to know about the virus outbreak in the country.

Read more and listen to her at: Khaleej Times

News Update: All UAE schools to close for 4 weeks from Sunday as coronavirus precautionary measure

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Early start of spring vacation in UAE, states Ministry of Education.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Education announced late on Tuesday the early start of spring vacation for both public and private schools, colleges and universities and a distance learning initiative.

The move forms part of “preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students and is in line with efforts and measures taken at the national level, aimed at reducing the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19),” according to an official statement.

The announcement states that “schools and higher education institutions are to close for four weeks, starting Sunday.”

Read more at: Gulf News

News Update: Mystery shopper app to rate govt services launched in UAE

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A phone app that lets UAE residents evaluate government services has been launched, it was announced on Monday. The UAE Mystery Shopper app is available in eight languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Spanish, Chinese, French and Russian to cater to the needs of customers from different nationalities in the country.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, took to social media to announce the app’s launch.

Read more at Khaleej Times

Information Update: Dh500,000 fine for posting photo online without permission in UAE

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Offenders can also be jailed.

Q1) I attended a wedding in the emirate of Al Ain last month, where I made the acquaintance of many guests, who graced the occasion. I also came in contact with a woman who was friendly in her interaction with me, and with whom I went on to pose for photographs. Thereafter, I posted a selfie clicked with her on one of my social media accounts as a story without seeking permission from the said woman, considering that she too had posted many photographs of herself and others from the same wedding on her social media platform. However, now the said woman has threatened to file a case against me for posting a photograph (in which she is present), without her consent. Further, the photograph I had posted is no longer there on my account. Will there be any legal implications?

Read more at: Khaleej Times

News Update: Safety first: UAE suspends major events to beat coronavirus

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Safety first: UAE suspends major events to beat coronavirus

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-outbreak/coronavirus-threatens-large-scale-events-in-the-uae–1

Many upcoming major entertainment events in the nation’s capital and Dubai are under consideration following the new coronavirus outbreak in the UAE. (Coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates)

Tips to protect oneself at an event: 

– Maintain mouth and nose barriers by wearing masks

– Maintain optimal hand hygiene

– Use a hand sanitizer with 90 per cent alcohol

– Clean surfaces of mobile phones and other gadgets

– Avoid touching surfaces

– Wash hands repeatedly

– Avoid touching your face

– To sneeze, use wipes or cough on to a sleeve

– Don’t share food and beverages at venues

– Use disposable plates and cutlery

– Don’t share cutlery

– Organisers must ask staff members to stay alert and appoint health inspectors onsite

– Avoid handshakes and hugs if possible

Read more at: Khaleej Times

News Update: Emirates tells employees take leave due to coronavirus slowdown

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‘Measurable slowdown’ in business prompts airline to offer leave options.

Dubai: Emirates Group has started to feel the brunt of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 with a “measurable slowdown” in business, and has offered staff the option of taking paid or unpaid leave.

 

On Sunday, an Emirates spokesperson told Gulf News: “We can confirm the email was sent to our employees around unpaid leave. Point to note – the leave we are asking employees to take is voluntary. It is at the employee’s discretion if they want to take it or not.”

 

The internal email was sent out recently to all Emirates staff, which includes more than 21,000 cabin crew and 4,000 pilots, according to a Reuters report.

“A particular challenge for us right now is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19. We’ve seen a measurable slowdown in business across our brands, and a need for flexibility in the way we work,” said the email, which was quoted in Reuters. The email also encouraged staff who have “accrued a significant balance of annual leave” to take paid leave.

Read more at: Gulf News

News update: Coronavirus: UAE ministry issues warning about use of masks

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The Ministry of Health and Community Protection in UAE has warned residents against the usage of N 95 masks, as a preventive measure for the coronavirus.

The ministry’s statement as posted on Wam official Twitter account said that N95 masks are only meant to be used by medical staff working in entities treating coronavirus patients. Use of these masks by the general public may impose pressure on the user’s respiratory system and may cause respiratory diseases among its users.

The use of these masks is also strictly forbidden for children.

Read more at: Khaleej Times

 

News update: Coronavirus in UAE: ‘Don’t wear face masks,’ says ministry

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Ministry of Health and Prevention explains it may cause stress on the respiratory system.

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday advised the public not to wear the N-95 facial mask as it may cause stress on the respiratory system and lead to future respiratory diseases.

Children are categorically prohibited to wear this mask, the Ministry added.
Read more at: Gulf News

News update: UAE Central Bank seeks measures to mitigate economic impact of coronavirus

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Banks asked to reschedule loans and reduce fees and commissions.

Dubai: The Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) on Saturday asked banks to reschedule loans and reduce fees and commissions as part of measures to mitigate the economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

The country is a regional business hub and major transit point for passengers travelling to China and other destinations in Asia.

“Financial institutions are expected to implement measures such as re-scheduling of loans contracts, granting temporary deferrals on monthly loan payments, and reducing fees and commissions for affected customers,” Reuters quoted a central bank said statement .

Read more at: Gulf News