UAE reports 490 more coronavirus cases, 6 deaths

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Health Ministry announced 490 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases to 10,839.

The Health Ministry said that they have conducted 29,984 tests.

The ministry announced the death of 6 people of different nationalities who were infected with the coronavirus. This bringing the total deaths in the country to 82.

The ministry said 112 cases recovered virus, bringing the total cure cases in the country to 2,090.

The UAE Government held a news briefing where Dr. Amna Al Shamsi, UAE Government spokesperson, and Brigadier Dr. Ali Singel, the General Health Advisor for Dubai Police, gave an update on Coronavirus developments and measures taken to mitigate its impact.

Dr Al Shamsi said, “We regret to announce that six people who tested positive for COVID-19 died due to complications. Our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

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“Recovery cases remains close to 20% and the currently infected cases who are still undergoing treatment are 8,667 as of April 27.”

Dr. Al Shamsi also said, “UAE entities closely monitor public concerns, respond to their inquiries and made guiding information available and accessible to all. It is the responsibility of all of us to act upon the guiding information to keep safe and healthy.

“UAE requires food outlets to have the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) which helps identify and control hazards that pose risk to food safety. Such a system, normally, cannot be applied to food made and distributed from home to home.

“Families are advised not to share food cooked at home with other families living in different homes. Such a tradition, though laudable in normal circumstances particularly in the holy month of Ramadan, it doesn’t meet precautionary health measures, Dr. Al Shamsi explained.

Al Shamsi stressed, “We need to reconsider some of our Ramadan’s habits that conflict with the precautionary measures in place. Families shouldn’t distribute cooked-at-home food and do that only through mass distribution initiatives organised by licensed charities.

“UAE relevant entities regularly inspect labour accommodations to ensure they abide by precautionary measures and occupational health and safety rules, including provision of sanitizers and hygiene kits, and regularly disinfect facilities and buses workers use.”

Al Shamsi said, “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister of and Ruler of Dubai, and Her Highness Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, announced a campaign to deliver 10 million meals to workers and those in need.

“UAE Red Crescent has recently announced it is providing support for all individuals infected with the Coronavirus and its support is also extended to the families of people who died of the virus complications.

“UAE introduced an ‘early leave’ initiative to help foreign workers willing to return to their home countries without risking job loss.”

Dr Al Shamsi said “It is mandatory by UAE law for employers to provide health insurance coverage for their workers. Also, UAE health authorities provide free of charge coronavirus tests and treatment to workers.”

Dr Al Shamsi said, “We are proud of the foreign workforce and their dedication. Over 200 nationalities now call UAE home and choose to live and work in our country. The UAE will always strive to recognize their contributions and protect them in challenging times such as these.

“UAE facilitated the repatriation of thousands of workers who wanted to return to their home countries. As per UAE Labor law, workers are entitled to immediate payment of their end service gratuity upon termination of contract.”

Brig. Dr. Singel urged the public to eat balanced diet, high fiber food like fruits, vegetables and grains, and consume less sugar and fat. Just like a healthy diet, exercise contributes to good health and boost immunity.

Brig. Dr. Singel said, “Several studies indicate that obesity is a major risk factor for Covid-19 complications. Also, smoking increases the risk of suffering from serious symptoms for COVID-19 patients.

“As families, we need to look at our priorities. The future is ahead of us. Let’s all make it better and brighter for our country.”

Brig. Dr. Singel warned that stress can affect the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight Covid-19 and other infections.

Brig. Dr. Singel, General Health Advisor for Dubai Police said, “People who follow healthy lifestyle are less prone to infections. We have seen elderly people beating the Coronavirus and its complications because of their health practices.”