Authorities in the UAE are urging citizens and residents to take regular PCR tests amid rising Covid-19 cases.
Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, a government health spokeswoman, told the weekly Covid-19 briefing that regular testing has played an important role in limiting the spread of the disease.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the regular PCR check-ups have been proven as a key method for early detection of infections, identify those who came in contact with cases and to control the cases,” she said.
“Therefore, we advise everyone to conduct a PCR test, especially before family visits or gatherings, and when meeting the elderly and those with chronic diseases.”
Dr Al Ghaithi said people should also avoid shaking hands and hugging and continue to adhere to safety rules, including wearing masks and maintaining physical distance.
The UAE recorded 2,708 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the overall tally of infections to 774,897.
A total of 469,028 PCR tests were carried out in the latest 24-hour reporting period. More than 113 million tests have been conducted since the start of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, eligible residents have also been urged to take a booster shot six months after receiving the second dose of a Pfizer, Sinopharm or Sputnik vaccine.
“Studies have proven that vaccines and booster shots significantly contribute to minimising the risks of the disease and its complications and fatalities. It also plays a vital role in preventing variants,” Dr Al Ghaithi said.
“We urge individuals who are eligible, senior citizens and people suffering from chronic diseases in particular, to take the booster shots for their own safety, given that this would be in support of the national efforts to combat the crises and variants.”
Last week, a new vaccine from Chinese manufacturer Sinopharm-CNBG was approved for emergency use in the UAE. The new “recombinant protein-based vaccine” will be used as a booster for those who had previously received two doses of the inactive Sinopharm vaccine.
For those who have taken different types of vaccinations, the spokeswoman said they can go to the nearest vaccination centre to determine the type of booster shot they need.
Meanwhile, all Abu Dhabi government employees must be vaccinated and have received a coronavirus booster shot to enter the workplace from January 10.
The requirement is in addition to the free PCR test public sector workers must take every seven days. Exemptions remain for those who cannot have the vaccine for medical reasons.
If you go
The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
SCORES IN BRIEF
Lahore Qalandars 186 for 4 in 19.4 overs
(Sohail 100,Phil Salt 37 not out, Bilal Irshad 30, Josh Poysden 2-26)
bt Yorkshire Vikings 184 for 5 in 20 overs
(Jonathan Tattersall 36, Harry Brook 37, Gary Ballance 33, Adam Lyth 32, Shaheen Afridi 2-36).
Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'
Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.
Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.
"Moral education touches on every aspect and subject that children engage in.
"It is not just limited to science or maths but it is involved in all subjects and it is helping children to adapt to integral moral practises.
"The moral education programme has been designed to develop children holistically in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation."
TOUR DE FRANCE INFO
Dates: July 1-23
Distance: 3,540km
Stages: 21
Number of teams: 22
Number of riders: 198
MATCH INFO
Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunday, 8.30pm UAE
Top 10 most polluted cities
- Bhiwadi, India
- Ghaziabad, India
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- Peshawar, Pakistan
- Bagpat, India
