The world is reopening but coronavirus is far from gone

Countries are embarking on a phased opening up after months of movement restrictions, lockdowns and grounded flights due to the coronavirus pandemic. Greece has opened its doors to international tourists. France has now allowed cinemas to welcome audiences. And the UAE is preparing for life to go back to a semblance of normality after four months of restrictions, with cultural sites, commercial enterprises, and travel opening up.

Yet on Sunday, the World Health Organisation reported a record number of coronavirus cases, with 183,020 new infections in a single day. At first glance, opening up while a pandemic is on the rise appears to be risky, especially after months-long efforts to contain the outbreak, but the truth is more nuanced and complex.

The world today largely knows how to deal with Covid-19, and measures like wearing masks, sanitising, social distancing and taking precautions with those who have underlying conditions, are now known to help stem its spread. Airports and public places have been largely adjusted to meet safety needs. That was not the case in January.

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Furthermore, most of the new coronavirus cases are concentrated in the Americas, although Europe remains the largest centre for the virus, with a total of 2.5 million people having contracted it since the beginning of the outbreak. In the Gulf, meanwhile, the high number of newly uncovered infections is not necessarily linked to a growing infection rate as mass testing campaigns are underway in many of those countries. Three Gulf nations figure in the top 20 countries and territories that have carried out the most tests per capita in the world. In Abu Dhabi alone, 380,000 tests have been carried out on a population of 1.5 million, and authorities have implemented a comprehensive set of measures.

While health authorities around the world formulate society-wide strategies to respond to the crisis, the general public also bears responsibility to curb the spread of the virus. Many have mistakenly associated the reopening of society and the economy with the notion that Covid-19 is no longer a serious threat, that the world somehow willed the virus away.

As the WHO has demonstrated time and time again, this could not be farther from the truth. It is paramount for each and every person to abide by new precautions, hygiene rules and physical distancing measures needed to keep the virus at bay. If we are to once more enjoy a sense of normality, save livelihoods and enjoy time out with friends and family, we must also learn to keep one another safe.

Many have mistakenly associated the reopening of society and the economy with the notion that Covid-19 is no longer a serious threat

Authorities now have the necessary tools and knowledge to identify coronavirus clusters and to contain the spread of Covid-19. The UAE’s efforts to halt the virus in its tracks have borne fruit. In a few weeks, the country has gone from 900 new Covid-19 cases per day to around 300, even as the number of tests carried out has remained generally the same or even increased.

These positive results have allowed the country to reopen partially, a necessity not only for the economy to thrive again but also for citizens and residents to carry on regular activities and preserve their sources of income. It is also important to support mental health and regain social interaction. This is especially important for children and adolescents who have seen their lives change completely at a pivotal time in their psychological development. Society owes them a normal childhood. As authorities continue their efforts to stop the pandemic, so must we exercise caution in order to preserve this progress.

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On Women's Day

Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action

Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?

Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?

History's medical milestones

1799 - First small pox vaccine administered

1846 - First public demonstration of anaesthesia in surgery

1861 - Louis Pasteur published his germ theory which proved that bacteria caused diseases

1895 - Discovery of x-rays

1923 - Heart valve surgery performed successfully for first time

1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin

1953 - Structure of DNA discovered

1952 - First organ transplant - a kidney - takes place

1954 - Clinical trials of birth control pill

1979 - MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scanned used to diagnose illness and injury.

1998 - The first adult live-donor liver transplant is carried out

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Coronavirus: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders

While you're here...

Coronavirus: scores of Indian medics arrive in UAE to join fight against Covid-19

Indian nurses tell of emotional farewells after answering 'call to serve' in UAE

Indian medics allowed to enter UAE to tackle Covid-19

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Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme

Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

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Key facilities

Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills