The UAE announced 41 new cases of coronavirus and two deaths related to the illness on Monday.
And the Ministry of Education announced that schools and universities would continue distance learning and keep campuses closed until the end of the academic year.
On Monday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the UAE’s health sector, said the 41 new cases brought the country’s total to 611.
Dr Al Hosani said all were stable except for two patients in intensive case.
She said the two who died were an Arab man, 48, who had health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems, and an Asian man, 42, who had a heart condition.
The UAE has now reported five deaths from Covid-19.
Only wear [a face mask] if you are sick and do not share it with others
Dr Al Hosani said three people had recovered from the virus.
The Filipino and two Indians brought the country’s number of recoveries to 61.
The new cases were mainly caused by local transmissions but included patients who had recently arrived in the UAE.
Dr Al Hosani said one person was found to have infected 31 others in the country.
This was uncovered after the Ministry of Health and Prevention traced people with whom the patient had contact.
The Department of Health Abu Dhabi, dismissed as untrue reports by some news outlets about the number of cases of Covid-19 in the UAE.
"These reports contradict with the announcements made by the official authorities," the department said.
In a televised broadcast, Dr Al Hosani clarified the health authorities' stance on wearing masks and gloves in public.
“Wearing masks is mandatory for people who are displaying symptoms of respiratory illness, including coughing, shortness of breath and fever, and should only be worn busy public places," she said.
"There is no need for anyone else to be wearing masks."
Dr Al Hosani said face masks should not be shared because they could transfer the virus between wearers.
“After it has been worn, dispose of the mask in a sealed bag,” she said.
Dr Al Hosani said the advice from health authorities was to wash hands frequently, rather than wear gloves.
She said gloves could spread the virus if the wearer touched their face.
Dr Al Hosani stressed the importance of everyone adhering to the precautionary measures put in place, including social distancing and staying home unless absolutely necessary.
She said there had not been enough studies globally to indicate if someone who recovered from Covid-19 could be infected again.
Dr Al Hosani said recovered patients in the UAE are told to isolate themselves for at least 14 days after they are released from hospital.
On Monday, Dr Amna Al Dahak, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education, said distance learning would continue, with schools and universities closed until the end of the academic year.
The decision is for public and private schools and was made after guidance from the UAE Cabinet.
"The decision comes with the aim of ensuring the continuity of education in the country under exceptional circumstances, while maintaining the security and safety of our pupils and the school community," Dr Al Dahak said.
She said the ministry was developing a smart solution for final assessments and examinations.
It was also working to improve distance learning programmes and will be introducing a study schedule from Wednesday, after feedback from more than 185,000 pupils and parents.
Dr Al Dahak said education was a priority in the UAE and for the country's leadership, but it was up to pupils and parents to commit to studying for the rest of the academic year.
"Our responsibility today as parents is to provide the appropriate educational environment for our children in the home, and to encourage them to commit to and continue in distance education," she said.
“Our success is linked to your commitment to learning at home. You are the UAE’s future and we hope to celebrate your good results together at the end of the year."
Alicia Hol, an Australian mother of three in Dubai, said the extension of distance learning was the right and responsible thing to do.
"Each one of us has to do our part to contain coronavirus,” said Ms Hol, whose daughters are aged between 8 and 14.
"We have to accept that we don't have control and this measure is to protect us.”
Despite the ruling being made to protect pupils, some took to social media on Monday to demand a reduction in school fees.
Ms Hol said she was willing to pay school fees, but added that her husband's employers contributed to their daughters’ tuition.
"My perspective is privileged but I do believe there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes for the distance learning," she said.
Alison Rego, 37, a single parent in Sharjah, works during the day and helps her daughter, 7, with online lessons in the evening.
Ms Rego, from India, will have to find a nanny to help now that schools will remain closed for the rest of the year.
"I am a working mum so it is a struggle," she said. "But, we have to stay at home until we flatten the curve.
"I would probably be more worried if I had to send my child to school.”
Ms Rego said children under the age of 10 should have their school week reduced to three days to help parents manage their time.
She also suggested schools find a way have children taught in groups so that they did not feel isolated at home.
"Schools should give at least 50 per cent discount on fees if children are not going to school," Ms Rego said.
"It is not fair to charge full fees."
A British working mother said her children, aged 11 and 16, would miss meeting their friends during months of distance learning.
"They are communicating with their friends but I avoid play dates," the mother said.
"My children are older now but with online schooling I can only imagine how difficult it is for working mothers who have young children.”
She said it would not be fair for schools to charge full fees for the rest of the year.
Schools should give at least 50 per cent discount on fees if children are not going to school
"A lot of things are not provided such as sports facilities or IT facilities.
"I have taken paid leave and many of my friends who worked in small businesses are struggling.
"School fees for the next term should be reduced. That would be the logical thing to do. Schools cannot expect full fees from parents."
The ministry initially closed schools and universities for a month, starting on March 8, to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
The first two weeks of school closures were used for spring break, which was initially to begin on March 29.
The second two weeks were dedicated to distance learning.
Private and public schools brought in e-learning programmes to teach pupils from home, using videos and setting online tasks.
Pupils were set to return to school on April 5.
Exams have been cancelled or postponed worldwide, leading some universities to announce they would accept predicted grades or carry out entrance exams for final-year pupils.
It is unclear how pupils will be assessed for internal end-of-year exams.
This week, the Ministry of Health and Prevention revealed that the UAE has done more than 220,000 laboratory tests for coronavirus.
The latest analysis of global figures has the UAE sixth in the world for population testing, regarded as the gold standard for limiting contagion.
Testing will continue at an even greater pace after Abu Dhabi opened its first drive-through testing centre in Zayed Sports City.
More centres are due to open across the rest of the country, including Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, with each capable of testing 600 people a day.
On Monday, Dr Al Hosani said the centres were a safe way to test people because they did not entail visiting a hospital, reducing the risk of contamination.
She said the test took only about five minutes to conduct, which allows health workers to examine more people.
Dr Al Hosani reminded the public that the centres would prioritise the elderly, people with underlying health conditions, those presenting symptoms of Covid-19 and pregnant women.
She said an appointment must be made before visiting the centre and called on the public not to rush to get tested if they were not displaying symptoms of a respiratory illness
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie
Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)
Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
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
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SERIES%208
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041mm%2C%20352%20x%20430%3B%2045mm%2C%20396%20x%20484%3B%20Retina%20LTPO%20OLED%2C%20up%20to%201000%20nits%2C%20always-on%3B%20Ion-X%20glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20S8%2C%20W3%20wireless%2C%20U1%20ultra-wideband%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2032GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20watchOS%209%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EHealth%20metrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203rd-gen%20heart%20rate%20sensor%2C%20temperature%20sensing%2C%20ECG%2C%20blood%20oxygen%2C%20workouts%2C%20fall%2Fcrash%20detection%3B%20emergency%20SOS%2C%20international%20emergency%20calling%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20GPS%2FGPS%20%2B%20cellular%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20LTE%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDurability%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20IP6X%2C%20water%20resistant%20up%20to%2050m%2C%20dust%20resistant%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20308mAh%20Li-ion%2C%20up%20to%2018h%2C%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20eSIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinishes%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Aluminium%20%E2%80%93%20midnight%2C%20Product%20Red%2C%20silver%2C%20starlight%3B%20stainless%20steel%20%E2%80%93%20gold%2C%20graphite%2C%20silver%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Watch%20Series%208%2C%20magnetic-to-USB-C%20charging%20cable%2C%20band%2Floop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Starts%20at%20Dh1%2C599%20(41mm)%20%2F%20Dh1%2C999%20(45mm)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
WHAT IS GRAPHENE?
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were experimenting with sticky tape and graphite, the material used as lead in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But when they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20myZoi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Syed%20Ali%2C%20Christian%20Buchholz%2C%20Shanawaz%20Rouf%2C%20Arsalan%20Siddiqui%2C%20Nabid%20Hassan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2037%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Initial%20undisclosed%20funding%20from%20SC%20Ventures%3B%20second%20round%20of%20funding%20totalling%20%2414%20million%20from%20a%20consortium%20of%20SBI%2C%20a%20Japanese%20VC%20firm%2C%20and%20SC%20Venture%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Jebel Ali results
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
3pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 64,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: One Vision, Connor Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
3.30pm: Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Gabr, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
4pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 96,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Just A Penny, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
4.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Torno Subito, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner: Untold Secret, Jose Santiago, Salem bin Ghadayer
Bridgerton%20season%20three%20-%20part%20one
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nicola%20Coughlan%2C%20Luke%20Newton%2C%20Jonathan%20Bailey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
More coverage from the Future Forum
RACE CARD
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m
7.40pm: Meydan Classic – Listed (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy – Group 3 (TB) $195,000 (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (T) 2,000m
9.25pm: Meydan Challenge – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,400m
Disposing of non-recycleable masks
Use your ‘black bag’ bin at home
Do not put them in a recycling bin
Take them home with you if there is no litter bin
- No need to bag the mask
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
HEADLINE HERE
- I would recommend writing out the text in the body
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- It can be as long as you link
- But I recommend you use the bullet point function (see red square)
- Or try to keep the word count down
- Be wary of other embeds lengthy fact boxes could crash into
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