Related: Pakistani doctor who died of Covid-19 honoured by UAE government
Tributes were paid to a nurse who died at the age of 32 after catching Covid-19 on the front lines of the pandemic.
Lezly Orine Ocampo worked for Burjeel Homecare, which supports women, children and people in rehabilitation in their own homes.
The Filipina caught the virus at work after voluntarily extending her hours to help tackle the outbreak.
She died on May 12, as case numbers soared across the country. In the first two weeks of May, 103 people died – almost a fifth of the 570 to date.
The work of frontline heroes, who played a major role in bringing the outbreak in the Emirates under control, was recognised on Commemoration Day on Monday.
Ocampo was honoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at a ceremony at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi.
He said the UAE would “never forget” her sacrifice.
She leaves behind a husband and young child, who live in the Philippines.
“Lezly was a beacon of positive light, since her joining until the end,” said Dalia Hamed, operations manager at Burjeel Homecare.
“When the pandemic put a great stress on health care, Lezly came up to me in her usual jolly demeanor and presented an idea of extending her shift to longer hours.
“Selfless, committed and passionate, she was a true Nightingale.
“Even after being infected with Covid-19, she was optimistic and had wanted to be back at the forefront upon her recovery.
“But sadly, she left us all at a young age.
"Burjeel Hospital and VPS Healthcare will always remember her for her diligence, sincerity at work, compassion towards the ailing.
“It is not how long you have walked this earth, but what footprints you have left that matters.
“Lezly has left us a legacy for all healthcare workers to emulate and follow."
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People get tested for coronavirus at the Mina Rashid screening centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, health authorities have called upon citizens and residents to join with the efforts of health care professionals. Health workers, such as these Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, have led the way. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Healthcare workers at the emergency ward in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. The President, Sheikh Khalifa, has paid tribute to the frontline workers who helped to curb Covid-19. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Healthcare workers at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City receive a patient outside the emergency department. Reem Mohammed / The National -
A consultant physician at the emergency department in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, receives a Covid-19 patient. Reem Mohammed / The National -
People get the laser blood test tests at the Mina Rashid screening centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A nurse sanitises her hands after conducting a swab test at one of the UAE's screening drive-through centres in Mina Rashid, Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
A health worker taking the Covid-19 nasal swab test at a testing station in thet Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Nurse Renu Venugopal, who contracted Covid-19, recovered and continued to treat patients at Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ruth Deva Kiruba says being pregnant during a pandemic was surreal and sometimes lonely. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
EMT nurse Jephy Antony, who contracted Covid-19, recovered and continued to treat patients at the NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A visitor gets tested at the Ras Al Khaimah Covid-19 drive-through testing centre. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Nurse Nikhil Rajendran inside the fever clinic at the Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National -
Shane Simeon Galang from Philippines, Mervat Aslan Mhgoub Mohamed from Egypt and Sowmya Kotian from India, who are nurses at the Bareen International Hospital in Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National
