Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SS)
Dubai, May 15: The government on Thursday, announced through a press conference by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) and Dubai TV that they have developed a comprehensive plan to help different sectors prepare for the post-COVID-19 phase.
In this interaction on the updates of the pandemic situation in the country and measures taken by the government, His Excellency Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Dr Amer Al Sharif, Head of the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre answered questions from senior officials of major English and Arabic media of the country.
As per the directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, various sectors are preparing for the post-COVID-19 phase.
Dubai’s healthcare sector will be given high importance in managing public health and diseases. Further, healthcare services will be linked with academic and research institutions in order to create a comprehensive system to deliver positive health outcomes.
It was also announced that UAE has seen one of the world’s highest recovery rates, thanks to its integrated healthcare system. Increased testing and early diagnosis have helped in this.
Al Sharif thanked the medical workers for the same as well as the private and public sectors for collaborating in their efforts to achieve the same.
Director General of Dubai Municipality, Al Hajri, expressed his appreciation to all front-line workers, especially the cleaners who keep us safe from the virus. The municipality has taken comprehensive precautionary measures for them as well as given them extensive training for the same. Over 4,000 workers from 10 specialized teams are working on the frontlines to protect us from COVID-19.
The body has further issued 45 circulars based on the directives of the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management and outlined 11 sets of protocols for safety measures in malls.
Comprehensive sterilisation in all public parks that are reopening shall take place. Steps shall be taken to make sure that the public follows these guidelines.
Al Hajri added that with the opening of economic activities comprehensive inspections have been carried out in malls, saloons, food outlets, laundry services, etc. Since January 25, around 7,000 inspections have been conducted. If violations were found, the outlets have been penalized. In extreme cases, they have been shut down.
On the topic of disposal of medical waste, he said that it is being treated at the Jebel Ali Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility. Around 4-5 tonnes of waste contaminated with COVID-19 is collected from hospitals and clinics and treated in three cycles in 24 hours and is disposed.
On being asked whether it is possible to live with the virus, Dr Al Sharif said that since the disease is new, scientists and experts are still researching it. Meanwhile, it is important that everyone follows high levels of safety and precaution.
Answering a query on whether the medical protocols followed in the treatment of COVID-19 in the country involves usage of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir, Al Sharif replied that they follow protocols approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Authority. He further confirmed that hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir were some of the drugs being used.
He stressed that the country aimed to ensure early diagnosis, isolate cases and contain the virus.