As UAE opens up, people need to act responsibly

While nations across the globe are struggling to cope with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc everywhere, the speed and accuracy with which the UAE has handled the situation is not only remarkable, but has proved that its proactive crisis management measures have been immensely effective.

Most other countries will be looking at the UAE with amazement as the country’s disinfection programme for COVID-9 has successfully concluded and most restrictions have been lifted. All members of society are allowed to freely enter and exit throughout the day without restrictions.

It’s a matter of pride for the nation that the UAE ranks first in the world in terms of screening per capita, hitting the 3 million test mark in a record time.

Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has been determined to examine the largest possible number of citizens and residents with the average daily tests increasing from 25,000 to 40,000.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) have raised the capacity of shoppers and diners allowed in commercial centres and restaurants to 60 per cent while taking into consideration all relevant preventive and precautionary measures.

The MoHaP and NCEMA have already allowed children below 12 years in age and people who are not over 70 years old into all commercial centres and restaurants nationwide, reiterating the necessity of taking all COVID-19 countermeasures into consideration to ensure public safety.

On another front, Dubai Economy has announced that all economic sectors operating in the emirate can return to normal working hours as they were before the global outbreak of COVID-19, while adhering to precautionary measures.

As Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, points out, the return to normal life and allowing movement around the clock validate the role of the leadership and competent authorities in Dubai in containing the pandemic and supporting the business environment in order to ensure its sustainability and continuity.

It is important that the business community adheres to the previously announced procedures and protocols that were specified for various economic activities in order to effectively contribute to preserving the health and safety of society.

Sports enthusiasts will be happy to hear that the 2020-2021 football season in the UAE will kick off on September 3 with the Arabian Gulf Cup, while the Arabian Gulf League will begin just less than a week later, on September 9, as per UAE Pro League officials. The Arabian Gulf League U-21 will follow two days later.

It is also heartening to note that the UAE health sector has started phase III of the clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine, as part of a global collaborative efforts to curb the virus.

The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre (ADSCC) has now treated more than 2,000 patients suffering from COVID-19, with 1,200 already fully recovered from the effects of the virus.

While the authorities are doing their best, citizens and residents have a major role to play for their own sake as well as for the sake of their dear ones.

People would do well to avoid family visits, strictly maintain social distancing norms, and wear masks and gloves when leaving home.

It should never be forgotten that the invisible enemy of humanity, COVID-19, is still active. Every individual has to act responsibly to keep the deadly virus at bay. Yes, the return to normalcy reaffirms the principle ‘We are all responsible.’