Coronavirus: Sheikh Hamdan praises authorities for being 'first line of defence'

Crown Prince of Dubai meets organisations leading efforts to contain the virus

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed meets teams at the forefront of implementing preventive measures against Covid-19. Instagram / @faz3

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed praised the dedicated staff who are the "first line of defence" in the battle to contain the coronavirus.

The Crown Prince of Dubai commended authorities protecting the public from the pandemic, such as emergency services and hospitals.

“I would like to thank all federal and local entities for your efforts to ensure our safety. You are our first line of defence. Everyone should abide by the directives issued by relevant authorities with the aim of protecting the health of our community,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

He hailed their efforts during a meeting with organisations including Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Airports and private hospitals in the emirate.

Sheikh Hamdan also thanked the public for their response to the precautionary measures put in place to limit infection rates.

These include the shutdown of schools and universities for a month, the temporary closure of theme parks, cinemas and gyms and the postponement of concerts and sporting events.

Public areas in Dubai were deep-cleaned at the weekend. The emirate’s Municipality shared a video showing them being disinfected at midnight.

Spring holiday camps for children in the emirate have been cancelled.

Meanwhile, Dubai World Cup, which takes place on March 28, will be closed to spectators for the first time in its history.