UAE Covid-19 bulletin: Surge in recoveries; select flights to operate from today; free parking extended in Dubai

Here's a round-up of all the latest developments you need to be aware of:

Surge in recoveries as UAE leaves no stone unturned in Covid war

The UAE is witnessing a surge in recoveries as the government is making use of various experimental drugs available, including plasma therapy and the drug hydroxychloroquine, in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said in a virtual press briefing that 170 new patients have made a full recovery after receiving the necessary treatment, taking the total number of recoveries to 588."Health experts are continuing to review the latest drugs available to support patients fighting the virus. Hydroxychloroquine medicines and other anti-viral drugs are being used in the UAE and we are following up on their effectiveness," Dr Al Hosani said.

UAE reports 376 new cases of coronavirus

The UAE announced 376 new cases of coronavirus, on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 3,736 as of April 11. The new coronavirus cases are of various nationalities, all of whom are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary care. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said in a virtual press briefing that 170 patients have made a full recovery after receiving the necessary treatment, taking to 588 the total number of recoveries. The official also revealed the death of four patients suffering from Covid-19. The total number of deaths in the country has now reached 20.

No scope for NRIs to return during coronavirus lockdown: Indian envoy in UAE

Indian missions in the UAE are keen to play their role in helping the local government set up and manage quarantine facilities to isolate affected Indians, Pavan Kapoor, the Indian ambassador to the UAE, told Khaleej Times on Saturday, but added that there was "no scope" of immediate repatriation of non-resident Indians.

"There is no scope for repatriation [until the lockdown in India ends]," the envoy told Khaleej Times. The ambassador reiterated the Indian external affairs ministry's stand that "at this stage, it is not possible to let any flights come in." Responding to the pleas of Indian expats from various quarters for their government to intervene to get them back, Kapoor said it can be considered on priority basis when the lockdown is over.

IHS in Dubai offers admissions to students affected by coronavirus crisis

With the ongoing coronavirus crisis having profound effects on the health and financial condition of many, the Indian High School (IHS) Dubai has offered assistance to families directly affected by the crises. The not-for-profit CBSE-curriculum IHS group that has three campuses in Dubai - Al Garhoud, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Oud Maitha - on Friday announced it is offering "limited seats across grades to those affected by the current economic crisis" across all its three campuses. On April 10, IHS sent out a mail to all parents as well as posted on its social media platforms that it is offering "need-based admissions."

Select Emirates passenger flights to operate from DXB T3 post suspension

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has announced operation of select Emirates flights from April 12. In a statement issued on April 11, DXB said that from Sunday, Emirates airline will now operate recently commenced passenger services to select destinations from DXB's Terminal 3: 'Effective April 12 Emirates airline will now operate recently commenced passenger services to select destinations from DXB's Terminal 3. Passengers are advised to contact Emirates airline directly to seek additional information or book travel. All departing passengers will undergo thermal scanning at DXB's Terminal 3. Passengers are also reminded to bring their own face masks, gloves and abide by social distancing rules.

Free public parking extended in Dubai

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai has extended the free public parking period until the National Sterilisation Programme lasts. On Friday, April 10, RTA tweeted: "The free public parking in #Dubai has been extended along with the extension of the sterilisation period within the National Sterilisation Program." On April 4, Dubai extended the nationwide disinfection drive programme by another two weeks to 24 hours a day across the emirate to curb the spread of Covid-19. Previously RTA had announced free parking across the city from 8pm to 6am each night while UAE authorities conducted the nationwide disinfection campaign.

Man dies in UAE after unable to return due to lockdown in India

A 70 year old Indian visitor who was unable to travel back to India due to the travel ban across India and UAE, died of a heart attack on Friday. Prof M Sreekumar and his wife Sreekumari came to the UAE a month ago on a visit visa from Cochin to spend time with their daughter, who stays in Sharjah with her family. They were to return to Kerala on Saturday but due to flight cancellations had to stay back. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Sreekumar's cousin Satish Kumar Menon said, the family is still trying to come to terms with the news of his sudden demise.

Emirates Islamic contributes Dh10 million to 'Community Solidarity Fund'

Emirates Islamic, part of the Emirates NBD Group, contributed Dh10 million to support the 'Community Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19' launched by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. The Fund aims to support the effort to mitigate the health, economic and social challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak. Emirates Islamic is the first Dubai financial institution to offer financial support to the Fund. Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Emirates NBD Group and Chairman of Emirates Islamic said: "We are pleased to make this contribution to the Community Solidarity Fund Against Covid-19 in line with our values and responsibilities towards the community and our keenness to support greater cooperation between individuals, the government and the business sector during this critical period.

Expat TikTok user is putting food on 320 tables every day in UAE

A viral TikTok post has become a saviour for many residents, who have been hit by the repercussions of Covid-19. A few weeks back, Abu Dhabi resident Shafeel Kannur produced a 'food challenge' video to reach out to those who have lost their jobs, were on unpaid leave, slapped with pay-cuts or on visit visa and stuck here with no money. His message was: "None in Abu Dhabi should sleep on an empty stomach, if you are in dire straits, you can contact us." With 125,000 followers on TikTok, his video went viral and his phone rang non-stop with people, including those in quarantine, asking for aid.

Pakistanis in UAE to be repatriated once testing, quarantine facilities in place

Pakistan is not able to repatriate its citizens from the UAE due to lack of quarantine and testing facilities in the country, said a senior official on Saturday. Ghulam Dastgir, ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, said when all the necessary arrangements have been put in place to test and quarantine people on arrival, then the repatriation can be started to ensure those entering the country are taken care of. The ambassador noted that once the decision is taken, the relevant airlines will be authorised to book tickets for the stranded people.

Danube to not lay off its 3,600 workers

Danube Group, which employs 3,600 people, will not lay off employees despite the impact of coronavirus on the sector and economy as construction work on the developer's projects is moving ahead, said its chairman on Saturday. "There are layoffs across the region and worldwide but we are not going to cut staff at Danube Group. All the construction sites are running and people are working but not as fast as it used to be. Other developers who are able to pay have also their sites working," said Rizwan Sajan during a webinar hosted by the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) on Saturday.

How last rites of coronavirus victims are performed in UAE

Details on how UAE was performing the last rites of coronavirus victims were shared with the media on Saturday - as the healthcare sector spokesperson updated the country on new cases and recoveries. During a press conference today, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said that 376 new Covid-19 cases were detected after more than 20,000 tests. Responding to a question on the last rites of Covid-19 victims, the official said bodies of the dead were being handled in a respectable manner, in line with Islamic Shari'a."We have trained the workforce regarding the handling and washing of the bodies of Covid-19 victims in a professional and safe manner," she said. Al Hosani added that funeral and prayers for the dead were limited to only a small number of family members as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the disease. For all those wanting to condole with the families, she advised them to convey their condolences via phone call.

Over 750 runners complete world's first-ever Marathon at Home

An exercise that even elite runners have called the 'most mentally and physically exhausting sporting thing they've ever done', the world's first-ever 'Marathon at Home' event went underway in Dubai on Friday, April 10.

The event saw participation from 750 amateur and professional runners from across the world, with maximum participation from runners in the Middle East. An initiative from the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), in collaboration with 5:30 Run club and ASICS Middle East, several newbie runners completed the marathon in the comforts of their homes over weekend. The fitness initiative, which comes under the 'Be Fit, Be Safe' campaign launched by the DSC, was launched with the aim of keeping members of the community in shape despite being restricted to their homes because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Parents in UAE appeal for lower fees via online petitions

Following the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, parent groups from various schools are rallying together, appealing for blanket relief packages instead of a means-tested method that is adopted by several schools, Khaleej Times has learnt. Some school groups have started asking parents for copies of their bank statements, which several parents think is unfair and discriminatory.

The Kings' Education Group of Schools in Dubai has asked parents for three-month bank statement, salary details and termination details, if applicable, if parents need subsidised fees. UAE's largest school group Gems Education has also requested similar documents from parents.