Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reveals family's battle with Covid-19


Sophie Prideaux
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In a video message posted on social media on Wednesday, Hollywood actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson revealed that he, his wife and their two young children tested positive for the coronavirus in recent weeks, but have since made a full recovery.

Johnson, 48, said in the Instagram post that he and his wife, Lauren Hashian, 35, and their daughters, Jasmine, 4, and Tiana, 2, caught the virus about two weeks ago from "very close family friends" who had "no idea" how they had become infected.

"I can tell you this has been one of the most challenging and difficult things we have ever had to endure as a family, and for me personally," he said in the video.

The actor said his family, like their friends who caught the virus first, had been "incredibly disciplined" about adhering to safety measures to avoid the virus.

The two young girls suffered only "a little sore throat the first couple of days" and bounced back, though Johnson said he and his wife had "a rough go".

"But I am happy to tell you guys that we as a family are good. We are on the other end of it," he said.

"We are no longer contagious, and we are, thank God, healthy."

The actor urged people to wear face masks to limit the spread of coronavirus.

"It baffles me that some people out there, including some politicians, will take this idea of wearing masks and make it a political agenda," he said. "It is a fact and it’s the right thing to do, and it is the responsible thing to do."

Johnson, who was recently named as the highest-paid actor in the world, joins a host of other A-list celebrities in revealing his positive Covid-19 diagnosis. Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to contract the virus during a trip to Australia in March.

Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan and his family, including son Abhishek Bachchan, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and granddaughter Aaradhya Bachchan were in hospital with the virus in June, but have since made a full recovery.

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Kolkata Knight Riders 169-7 (20 ovs)
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates