The UAE reported a case of the virus on 29 January. Later, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention revealed two new cases diagnosed with coronavirus, bringing the total number to seven in the country. But now, the number has sadly risen to a whopping 21 cases, five of whom have recovered.
With the rampant spread of the virus, here are some of the precautionary measure UAE has taken so far:
The UAE Tour 2020
However, UAE has been taking safety measures to ensure the residents are safe. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council cancelled the 2020 UAE Tour, after two staff members tested positive for Covid-19 last Thursday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) also tested participants, staff members and organisers through periodic screening in order to curb the spread of the virus.
It’s a shame that the #UAETour has been cancelled but public health must come first. We are all awaiting testing and will remain at the hotel until further notice. I hope those affected make a speedy recovery and there aren’t any further cases #coronavirus
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) February 27, 2020
The cyclists and crew were shifted in two hotels on Yas Island, where two more people were quarantined. On Saturday, reports revealed that tests conducted on 167 of those quarantined had returned a negative result.
Schools
Meanwhile, taking into consideration the safety of students, the KHDA has taken some precautions to avoid the spread of the virus. KHDA has ordered all private schools and universities in the UAE to cancel internal and external trips, amps, teacher or student events, sports, immediately until further notice.
To make sure everyone in Dubai stays safe, all internal & external gatherings at private schools & universities in Dubai have been cancelled. This includes camps, sports, & trips. This is a precautionary action only. Safety is always our top priority.
— KHDA (@KHDA) February 29, 2020
Furthermore, students will also be asked to declare travel details if anyone in their family travelled to countries with high infection rates, including China, South Korea and Iran, in the past 28 days. However, parents are urging KHDA to shut schools until 1 April, considering the safety of the children.
Flights
Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended visas for pilgrims visiting the holy city of Makkah over coronavirus fears. Furthermore, Saudi has also suspended visas for tourists from countries where the virus has had a rampant spread. Besides, the UAE is also coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran in order to evacuate Iranian visitors in the UAE back to Iran.
UAE coordinating with Iran to evacuate Iranian visitors to UAE#WamNewshttps://t.co/Bz38Z2IWmI
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) February 28, 2020
Iran’s number of infected patients with the Covid-19 virus increased rapidly last week and UAE suspended flights the two countries. Reports reveal that more than 210 people have died in Iran, with the highest number of deaths reported in Tehran.