News Update: All UAE schools to close for 4 weeks from Sunday as coronavirus precautionary measure
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
Information Update: Dh500,000 fine for posting photo online without permission in UAE
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
Safety first: UAE suspends major events to beat coronavirus
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
‘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
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
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.
News update: UAE Central Bank seeks measures to mitigate economic impact of coronavirus
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.
“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
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque sees 6.6 million worshippers, visitors in 2019
ABU DHABI, 29th February, 2020 (WAM) — Over 6.6 million worshippers, tourists and residents visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during the ‘Year of Tolerance’ last year.
According to figures released by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, SZGMC, the total number of individuals visiting the iconic mosque reached 6,656,818 in 2019.
The SZGMC said that it had intensified its efforts to boost the mosque’s standing as a global intellectual platform for tolerance and a leading cultural destination.
Of the total number of visitors, the majority group were tourists visiting the site that totalled to 4,132,309. The Centre tallied worshippers at 1,562,149 individuals, fasting guests at 891,860 and recipients of weekly meals at 70,500.
The Centre noted that visitors from India lead the top ten countries visiting the mosque, with a total of 879,049, followed by China (704,680), Russia (234,849), Germany (193,234), and France (155,223).
Read more at: WAM
News update: Coronavirus in UAE: Schools to stop all meets
KHDA issues circular calling for stringent steps to safeguard kids against the virus.
Dubai: In an effort to safeguard students and others in the UAE against the novel coronavirus, called Covid 19, which has infected more than 84,000 worldwide, Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) issued a circular on Saturday morning calling for the ban of activities such as field trips and gatherings that may comprise students.
Read more at: Gulf News
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