DUBAI: The number of COVID-19 cases in the UAE has further climbed to 74 following the discovery of 15 new cases from inbound traffic at the country’s ports of entry, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), announced on Tuesday night, March 10.

Also on Tuesday, MoHAP said five more novel coronavirus patients have fully recuperated, bringing the total number of recovered cases in the country to 17.

MoHAP likewise called on the public to seek information from official sources and avoid spreading misinformation.

Meantime, MoHAP said 15 new novel coronavirus cases involved individuals “who were traveling prior to their entry into the UAE” and “were placed under quarantine as suspected cases subsequent to their (arrival).”

“Following diligent testing and monitoring, the individuals were confirmed positive with COVID-19,” MoHAP said.

“The total number of positive coronavirus cases in the UAE has now reached 74,” the government health agency added.

The 15 individuals diagnosed with the new coronavirus include three Italians, two Emiratis, two Sri Lankans, two British, two Indians, a German, a South African, a Tanzanian and an Iranian, MoHAP said.

The agency also said the cases were being monitored, and that the patients were, as of press time, in a stable condition, receiving all necessary health care required.

On March 9, MoHAP confirmed 14 new cases, which brought the total to 59. On March 7,  the total was 45, according to the government agency.

‘Symptom-free’

Meantime, MoHAP said five COVID-19 patients – three Emiratis, an Egyptian and a Moroccan – are now “symptom-free” after receiving the necessary health treatment in the hospital.

It said the UAE’s handling of the cases, from diagnosis until recovery, reflects the strength of its health care system.

MoHAP assured that medical facilities have been equipped with all the necessary medical equipment and supplies to provide care and take all measures required to deal with COVID-19, including airborne infection isolation rooms, as per standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The government agency reiterated its call for everyone to adhere to preventive health and personal hygiene measures to avoid the spread of the epidemic.

It advised individuals with respiratory illness symptoms to avoid mixing in crowded places; and called on members of the public to seek information from official sources, and refrain from spreading misinformation.

DUBAI: Efforts by the UAE to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus have yielded 14 more new cases, bringing the total to 59 from 45 just two days ago.

This was gathered from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) which tweeted today, March 9, that the cases involved four Emiratis, three Italians, two Bangladeshis, two Nepalese, a Russian, an Indian and a Syrian national.

The MoHAP also announced the full recovery of five COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment.   The ministry said in a statement that two Emiratis, two Ethiopians, and a Thai national were the latest to recover from the virus, bringing to 12 the total recovered cases in the country.

The government agency, meantime said the new cases were “discovered following an active and continuing investigation (as well as) testing of those who came in contact with previously confirmed infected individuals who have been quarantined.”

It will be recalled that two Abu Dhabi hotels were put in lockdown late last month after two technical crew of an international cycling event, 2020 UAE Tour, who were from Italy, tested positive for COVID-19.

The lockdown isolated guests and other event participants who might have interacted with the two.

It could not immediately be verified officially whether the lockdown has resulted to the discovery of the 14 new cases or a part of it.

Just two days ago, on March 7, Saturday, government authorities announced 15 new cases, which brought the total to 45. On March 3 the total was 27.

The Emirates News Agency (ENA) citing Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, MoHAP Minister, has reported that the two technical crew typically do not mix with participants in the event.

The MoHAP minister also said during a joint news conference with Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, at the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NECDMA) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Feb. 29, that “a total of 612 people who were in contact with the two Italian patients were examined,” according to ENA.

ENA also quoted Al Owais as saying that “laboratory results for 450 showed they were free of the virus, while results for the remaining 162 people were expected soon.”   

MoHAP meantime said UAE authorities have “spared no effort in monitoring the spread of the virus in the country” adding that “several precautionary measures have been put in place, including the installation of detection thermal imaging systems and health checks at the country’s border entry points, and isolating confirmed and suspected cases.”

The embassy urged Filipinos to “refrain (from) replying to these taunts” and “avoid any further verbal engagements.”

DUBAI: In the midst of the global COVID-19 scare, the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan yesterday, Sunday March 8, advised the almost 39,000 Filipinos there to refrain from replying to verbal taunts – “Corona! Corona!” – which imply, albeit subtly, thay they are carriers of the novel coronavirus.

Consul General Ferdinand Flores told Rappler that one of their staff has ran across such incident, prompting concerns it could be prevalent in the community.

“Our own staff experienced it last weekend,” Flores said.

The advisory, he explained, was meant to put things into perspective and tell the community how to properly address such situations.

“Well, not so much as being called carriers, pero ‘Corona! Corona!’lang,” Flores said when pressed.

The embassy, in its advisory, urged Filipinos to “refrain (from) replying to these taunts” and “avoid any further verbal engagements.”

This, the embassy said, “in the spirit of understanding and unity with the people of Jordan as preventive measures are implemented to address this issue.”

The embassy cited as proof, the assistance it has provided to local authorities in the Filipino translation of an Arabic brochure detailing preventive measures and health guidelines to minimize COVID-19 infections in the workplace.

Flores said Jordan has one coronavirus case.

Elsewhere across the Middle East, Iran has the most number of cases at 5,823 followed by Kuwait at 62; Bahrain at 56; Iraq, 54; Egypt at 48; the UAE at 45; Qatar at 12; and Saudi Arabia, 7. This, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) situation report 48 issued yesterday, March 8.

Flores said Filipinos in Jordan are employed in the skilled sectors and as household service workers (HSWs).

“Pero mas marami ang HSWs,” he said.

There have been reports about Filipinos being discriminated against in Italy after being mistaken to be Chinese nationals. Italy has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Europe at 5,883.

More than 70 participants and volunteers, mostly Filipino women from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday (March 7), at the 6th FEME Forum where they were advised to set personal goals that are SMART or significant, meaningful, action-oriented, rewarding and trackable.

Singapore-based Mel Rose Angeles, Director for HR of Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, said that everyone should practice the SMART goals. “Personal goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future and for motivating yourself to turn your vision of this future into reality,” added the 12-year Overseas Filipino (OF) in the city-state.

Angeles was one of the four speakers invited by the organizers of the FEME Forum which is a by-invitation only networking platform for Filipino entrepreneurs, professionals and socio-civic leaders where impactful and critical issues are discussed with subject-matter experts.

Philippine-based businesswoman Elsie Chua shared her entrepreneurial journey starting at the age of 10 and as founding president and CEO of real estate company CDC Holdings, Inc. Chua also co-founded Melawares which is a tableware brand used by major restaurants and fast food chains in the Philippines as well as in Filipino homes.

“You will not be able to sustain the hardships if you are not passionate about what you are doing. Before others believe in you, you have to first believe in your product and in yourself,” she explained the 67-year old multi-millionaire. “Good times, I am grateful for the blessings. Bad times, I am grateful for the lessons. Always be grateful from above, your staff, your employees, your suppliers, your clients and shareholders.”

Long-time UAE residents Agnes Aquino-Briggs and Cristina Magallon also equipped the participants on Empowered Look and Personal Branding in the Digital World, respectively.

Image and Style consultant Aquino-Briggs said that according to studies it only takes three seconds to make a first impression. “Your business clothing should tell the story and establish your authority, portray  your experience, and reveal your level of success – all in one single glance,” she said.

Aquino-Briggs travelled all the way from Ruwais, where she is based, the night before to share her expertise and passion. She advised everyone that “it is vital to know how to manage the use and effect of your clothing on you and others to achieve your goals successfully.” 

Magallon who has 95,000 followers on LinkedIn encouraged the women to have their own accounts on the social media site. “On LinkedIn, people are in a business mindset. If you have a business then this is the platform to be in especially in the UAE which is the most connected country on the platform,” she disclosed. Magallon is editor of www.uaedna.com  that ‘storytells’ UAE-based entrepreneurs’ businesses.

Faye Godinez Cruz who attended the event commented: “From today onwards, we are one step closer to our dreams as empowered women regardless of the path we have chosen as housewives, working mothers or career women. Thank you to all the speakers who braved COVID-19 to share their glorious careers to the Filipino women in the UAE. We are truly grateful and inspired!”

The FEME Forum is a by-invitation-only networking platform where personal and business promotion as well as impactful and critical issues affecting Filipino entrepreneurs, professionals and socio-civic leaders are discussed by subject-matter experts.

On October 8, 2016, the 1st FEME Forum was conducted in Dubai where Philippine Agriculture Attache Gil Herico and Commercial Trade Attache Eric Elnar talked about ‘Promoting Philippine Business Enterprises’.

DUBAI: The Philippine Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has today, Sunday March 8, started implementing COVID-19 precautionary measures, requiring clients to go through thermal screening prior to entry and to use the provided hand sanitizers while in the premises.

“Those with body temperature higher than 37 Celsius will be requested to return… at a later date. They will also be advised to consult with a physician,” an advisory issued for the purpose stated.

The advisory added that those who have been allowed entry into the premises but were showing symptoms like coughing or sneezing will be requested to wear a face mask.

“All clients will be requested to apply hand sanitizers provided at the reception area before proceeding to the… transaction areas/counters. Hand sanitizers are also available for their use at the service windows/counters,” the advisory further stated.

It also added that only those with official transactions will be allowed entry, except children provided they are accompanied by parents.

There are 45 cases of novel coronavirus in the UAE, two of them are Filipinos, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)

DUBAI: The UAE government on early Saturday morning March 7, announced 15 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total so far at 45 as the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus across the world continues with over 102,200 people infected since it was first detected in China around late December last year.

This at hand, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) assured that medical facilities have all the necessary equipment and supplies to provide care and take all measures required to deal with COVID-19, including thermal scanners and infection isolation rooms, per standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

MoHAP also advised the public to refrain from spreading rumors.

The first confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UAE, which involved a family of four from China, was announced in late January.  

Earlier this week, on March 3, MoHAP announced six new infections for a total of 27 COVID-19 cases.

Recovery

Meantime, MoHAP said two Chinese COVID-19 patients have gotten well, which put to seven the total number of recovery cases in the country.

“With the latest recovery announcement of the two patients, aged 38 and 10, all members of the Chinese family are ‘free’ from the disease,” MoHAP said in a statement.

The MoHAP reported that 15 cases of different nationalities have tested positive for the virus, taking to 45 the total infections in the country.

According to MoHAP, early monitoring and reporting system has screened 13 COVID-19 cases: one person each from Thailand, China, Morocco and India; two each from Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Iran; and three individuals from the UAE.

All these cases arrived from abroad, the government health agency said.

Adding to these, MoHAP added, are two cases, each from the UAE and Egypt, which have been diagnosed through an “active surveillance system” for being in close contact with confirmed cases announced previously in connection with the recent cycling event, the UAE Tour. The last stages of the athletic event have been cancelled.

Moreover, MoHAP said five individuals, who had been in close contact with COVID-19 patients, have also been screened, placed under health quarantine and subjected to preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“All cases are being monitored round-the clock, are in a stable condition and are receiving all necessary health care required,” MoHAP said.

The government agency said all concerned authorities in the UAE have joined forces to monitor the situation and take rapid response to prevent the further spread of coronavirus since its outbreak in Wuhan, provincial capital of Hubei in China.

Assurance

Meantime, MoHAP assured that UAE medical facilities have been equipped with all necessary medical equipment and supplies to provide care and take all measures required to deal with COVID-19.

This include thermal scanners and infection isolation rooms, following standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the government agency said.

The Ministry once again advised the members of the general public to adhere to preventive health and personal hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of the disease and to read the awareness instructions, available on its website and the official websites of health authorities in the UAE and refrain from spreading rumors.

“The public is also advised to adopt protective health behavior to avoid infectious diseases, including washing their hands with soap and clean water, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to stop the spread of germs and viruses,” MoHAP said.

It also advised individuals suffering from respiratory symptoms to avoid crowded and public places to prevent transmission of the disease and protect lives.

The novel coronavirus has rapidly spread across the world in just a matter of a little over two months from late December. According to WHO, there are now 102,234 cases in 97 countries and territories.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) today, March 5, urged UAE citizens and residents to avoid traveling abroad due to the spread of COVID-19 in multiple countries.

Following this, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, head of the Philippine mission to Dubai and its neighboring northern emirates, asked Filipinos to follow the MoHAP advisory.

“Heed the advice of the Ministry – if travel can be avoided, do so. If not, then be aware that preventive measures may be taken upon return,” he said.

A statement issued by MoHAP  said those who travel may face preventive measures upon their return to the UAE including undergoing medical checks at the airport and a 14-day home quarantine.

Those who test positive will be transferred to a designated health facility for treatment and quarantine to ensure their safety and to avoid contact with others, the statement added.

The Ministry also said the UAE follows the precautions and measures in accordance with international health standards, noting the recovery of five coronavirus patients in the UAE.

A 16-year-old student of an Indian school in Dubai is the latest confirmed COVID-19 case in the UAE, with the infection having been contracted from one of the parents who had travelled abroad, the Department of Health Authority (DHA) has disclosed.

DHA, in a statement said the parent of the 16-year-old student developed symptoms five days after returning to Dubai.

“Both the student and family members have been quarantined in hospital and are stable and recovering well. All other family members have also been quarantined,” DHA said.

“Within the framework of comprehensive preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus, DHA is conducting tests and monitoring the students, staff and workers of the school that may have interacted with the coronavirus patient,” it added.

DHA also said it has “adopted stringent pro-active precautionary measures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all students of the school and their families.”

“In coordination with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), we have issued instructions for classes in the school to be suspended. The school is being sanitized as per international best practices in preventive measures against the coronavirus.

“DHA is working closely with the Ministry of Health and other authorities and stakeholders to take counter measures against the disease in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and standards,” the government agency said.

Schools and universities in the UAE will be closed for four weeks starting on Sunday, March 8, the Ministry of Education has announced.

As of press time, there were 27 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country; it could not officially be verified whether the 16-year-old student is already included in that count.

DUBAI:  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reiterated its calls for the public to take preventive health and personal hygiene measures as the number of COVID-19 cases jumps to 27.

This, following announcement issued on late Tuesday evening, March 3, by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) that six new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed.

“The total number of coronavirus cases has reached 27,” MoHAP said, noting that at least five of the total number were previously reported to have fully recovered.

MoHAP said the new cases were being monitored under the standards of World Health Organization (WHO) and that the individuals are currently in stable condition, receiving all necessary health care required.

The development came as the UAE Ministry of Education announced that all schools and universities in the country will be closed for four weeks starting on Sunday, March 8.

2020 UAE Tour

In an advisory, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said the six individuals diagnosed with the new coronavirus include two Russians, two Italians, a German and a Colombian. The patients were connected to the two previously announced cases associated with the cycling event, the UAE Tour, ENA said.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, on Feb. 27, announced it has cancelled the remaining rounds of the 2020 UAE Tour after two Italian participants tested positive for COVID-19.

The two Italian team members were part of the technical crew, who typically do not mix with participants in the event, according to Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

“A total of 612 people who were in contact with the two Italian patients were examined, and the laboratory results for 450 showed they were free of the virus, while results for the remaining 162 people were expected soon,” said Al Owais.

The minister made the statements during a joint news conference with Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education at the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NECDMA) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Feb. 29, according to the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) website.

On Friday, Feb. 28, Reuters reported that two luxury Abu Dhabi hotels were in lockdown as part of efforts to isolate guests after the two Italian members of the cycling event were suspected of contracting the coronavirus.

Guests at the two hotels were screened following concerns they might have interacted with the Italians.

The hotels were named in a Reuters report as the W Abu Dhabi and the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, both on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, MoHAP noted that “all individuals within the two quarantined hotels that had no direct contact with athletes and their administrative teams were examined, and that those that tested negative for the coronavirus were allowed to leave the hotel premises.”

Individuals currently quarantined will be “re-examined and tested for the virus to ensure their utmost safety,” MoHAP further said, adding that disinfection and sterilization procedures will be carried out for all buildings, utilities and vehicles.

School’s out

Meantime, MoE announced on Twitter that all schools and universities in the UAE will be closed for four weeks starting Sunday, March 8. “The facilities will be deep cleaned during this time,” it said.

“This decision was made in the best interest of the health and safety of the students and the wider education community at schools and universities,” MoE added.

It added that public schools will start distance learning initiatives while private ones were encouraged to share their distance learning plans with parents and students.

Transparency

Meantime, MoHAP said it “continues to adhere to principles of transparency in its dealings with all cases related to the emergence of COVID-19 since its outbreak in China.”

It also noted that all concerned authorities in the UAE have joined forces to monitor the situation, and prevent the further spread of coronavirus.

MoHAP assured that medical facilities have been equipped with all the necessary medical equipment and supplies to provide care and take all measures required to deal with COVID-19, including airborne infection isolation rooms, following standards of World Health Organization (WHO).

MoHAP advised members of the general public to adhere to preventative health and personal hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

It noted basic protective measures such as the frequent washing of hands; covering the mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue and discarding the tissue immediately when coughing and sneezing; and seeking early medical care if symptoms of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing arise.

There are approximately 750,000 Filipinos across the UAE. Two of the confirmed COVID-19 cases are Filipinos.

The first confirmed COVID-19 cases, which involved a family of four from China, was announced in late January. A month later, the number has risen to 27.

Some Filipinos back home are notorious on the road for being “kaskaseros,” having this propensity to always floor the gas pedal.

In Dubai though, where you have people of different nationalities behind the wheel – and their own motoring habits developed back home – traffic police authorities ensure that everyone follows the rules. And they are doing a great job!

This also explains the rigorous process of obtaining a driver’s license.

No racial slur here but in light of this, one might ask: “How disciplined are Filipinos on the road?”

We asked Mr. Omar Osman of the Dubai Police General Department of Traffic and this was his reply:

“Ninety percent of the time, they obey the rules.”

What about the remaining 10 percent?

“The 10 percent (of the Filipino motorists),” Osman said, “disobey… of which five percent totally disregard.”

He said Filipinos – like most motorists of other nationalities, presumably – behave the most when there is a police car behind or near them.

There is more.

Osman said most common violation by non-car owning Filipinos is jaywalking.

“Most kababayans are involved in pedestrian violations – jaywalking, of which the fine is Dh420,” he said.