Ensuring public health safety UAE’s top priority

Right since the emergence of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in China, the UAE authorities have spared no effort in monitoring the spread of the virus in the country and handling it according to the highest medical standards.

No stone has been left unturned when it comes to taking robust, bold and effective containment and control measures.

As pointed out by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, “The world is going through tough times. We, in the UAE, are lucky, as our conditions are relatively better thanks to many factors, primarily the availability of qualified human cadres capable of efficiently shouldering the responsibility toward confronting the proliferation of the COVID-19. The UAE is faring well, all thanks to the early efforts and measures in place to face this virus.”

Ensuring public safety has remained top priority and several measures initiated on the ground reflect this thinking.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments has decided to temporarily suspend prayers in all places of worship across the nation, effective from March 16 for a period of four weeks out of concern for public safety.

The decision comes within the framework of the precautionary measures adopted by the UAE to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

To ensure continuity in education, the Ministry of Education will conduct a pilot launch of its distance education platform on Wednesday to ensure that all students can utilise smart education technologies to carry out their studies.

The system will be available for access from 16:30 to 17:30 as part of the ministry’s efforts to carry out the first, second and third phases of the platform launch.

Attention is also focused on People of Determination. Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, has announced the launch of the “Remote Rehabilitation” system that targets People of Determination, including students, who are registered at the ministry’s centres, “Mashagel” vocational, rehabilitation and employment centres and early intervention units and centres all over the UAE.

Beginning March 22, 2020, the ministry will begin the smart application, “My Family”, which allows families to participate in “remote intervention” to enhance child support efforts and in line with the precautionary measures.

It is good that the authorities show zero tolerance towards those spreading rumours, which is a dangerous habit.

In UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi’s words: “Spreading rumours about the virus on social media -- deliberately or out of ignorance-cause panic and chaos in society, and those who’re doing this will face legal consequences.”

Members of the public should avoid misinformation and rumours by referring to official sources for information.

Everyone has a role to play at the individual level. People should follow procedures for reducing the risk of spread, such as proper hand-washing, covering nose when sneezing, coughing into your elbow, and working from home where possible.

There is absolutely no need for concern among public. As clearly stated by Sheikh Mohamed: “There are a lot of things the State is doing which we can’t reveal. Our officials in charge know pretty well that medications and food supplies are a red line in the UAE. I’d like to reassure every citizen and resident of the UAE that our country is infinitely able to supply everyone with all the food and medicine they could ever need. We are well prepared to face any challenge that arises.”