The UAE Cabinet recently held a meeting in order to discuss the steps that the UAE has taken to ensure the protection of residents and citizens amid the new coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak. This meeting was chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
As of March 3, 2020, there are 27 confirmed cases in the country, where 5 of them have fully recovered and zero deaths reported. Schools have been suspended for a month and events have been postponed.
UAE Cabinet discusses procedures, plans to prevent COVID-19 spread
Among the things that they discussed include the developments and precautionary measures done by the respective national authorities, such as:
1. Commending the work of health authorities and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, to ensure the health and wellbeing of all UAE citizens, residents, and visitors to the country.
2. Emphasis on the seriousness of the UAE Government to treat the coronavirus threat.
3. All steps taken to contain the coronavirus are according to international best practices.
4. The UAE Government closely coordinating with regional and international partners, and that plans and procedures are being amended as necessary on receipt of new information.
The Cabinet reviewed procedures & mechanisms, as well as the thorough prevention & public awareness plans in place. It commended health authorities, National Emergency, Crisis & Disasters Management Authority, to ensure health & wellbeing of citizens, residents & visitors. pic.twitter.com/4sTvEmlE1Z
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 3, 2020
“The public and private sectors, as well as the UAE federal and local authorities, have undertaken strict measures to implement the highest standards of sanitation, health and safety protocols. All operational guidelines are being reviewed by all appropriate institutions and as such, all normal daily activities across all sectors in the country will continue uninterrupted and unchanged.
“Over the coming days, we will continue to receive expert recommendations and monitor developments closely to adjust, if at all, our procedures accordingly,” the Cabinet noted in a statement.
The Cabinet urged the community to be wary of misinformation and rumours circulated from within the UAE and abroad, and to follow instead the official accounts of authorities and accredited media outlets.