Amidst the coronavirus outbreak, the UAE and city of Dubai have been taking every precautionary measure possible in order to contain the virus spreading.
On Tuesday, further measures were announced by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
His Highness revealed a Centre of Coronavirus Control will open in Dubai under the chairmanship of Dr Amer Ahmed Al Sharif.
The UAE’s state-run news agency WAM reports the centre will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention and other authorities in Dubai.
“It will be mandated to prepare strategic plans and recommendations to combat pandemics, including COVID-19 and develop rapid intervention plans in coordination with competent bodies in the public and private sectors,” the outlet also reported.
Sheikh Hamdan’s announcement comes after it was confirmed drive-through coronavirus testing centres would launch in Dubai in the next 10 days. There is currently a testing centre – the UAE’s first – in Abu Dhabi at the Zayed Sports City where 600 tests per day are able to be processed.
His Highness made a powerful appeal to the city of Dubai last week. Taking to Twitter, Sheikh Hamdan explained per the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, to “spread values of volunteerism as a humanitarian and national duty”, they have initiated the ‘Your City Calls You’ campaign.
Citizens and residents of able means are being encouraged to make a contribution in the efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic by downloading the ‘Day for Dubai’ app which is available on the Apple App Store or the Google Play store.
The Crown Prince of Dubai has also made a powerful plea to the general public outlining the importance of social distancing and self-isolation at this point in time.
“This pandemic is a very real threat to each and every one of us, our families and friends,” he said. “The only way to guarantee that we safeguard the wellbeing of our loved ones is to ACT now, TOGETHER and WITHOUT exceptions. Stay Home.”
Sheikh Hamdan said, social distancing is not a “choice”, but a “critical demand”.
More on coronavirus:
- Apps UAE authorities recommend you download amid the coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus UAE: New rules to adhere to when in taxis and on public transport
- The vast difference in the skies due to coronavirus
Images: Instagram
