Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector. Image Credit: WAM

Abu Dhabi/Dubai: The UAE on Saturday announced 63 new cases of COVID-19, raising the total of confirmed cases to 468.

In a press conference held today, the ministry revealed that the nationwide disinfection programme has been extended for an additional week to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Image Credit: Supplied

In a press conference held today, the ministry revealed that the nationwide disinfection programme has been extended for an additional week to curb the coronavirus outbreak.

Therefore, the nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. will be extended, the ministry’s spokesperson added.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, affirmed that several areas and facilities in the country’s emirates were sterilized in stages, using the latest methods and technologies.

“Hundreds of workers, supervisors and administrators from various federal and local government entities have taken part in the national sterilization program, Al Hosani said, thanking all citizens, residents and visitors, policemen , security men, civil defense and municipalities for securing the implementation of the programme.

She highlighted that the programme will continue to be implemented on daily basis from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m, according to an action plan and within a series of stages, adding that substances used in sterilization are safe and according to international standards. They are effective in eliminating bacteria and germs, and are chosen after ensuring their safety and security for human health.

Cooperation

“We are fully confident that all citizens, residents and visitors cooperate with us and stay at home during the sterilization period”.

“Today, we have more than 535 volunteers in training programs and vital sectors supporting the health system in the country including call centers, quarantine, hospitals and various sterilization activities across various emirates,” Dr. Farida further said.

She added that smokers are generally among the most vulnerable for infection, and are also more likely to have complications from the disease and the associated respiratory symptoms.

Incubation period

“Staying at home does not mean cutting off social relationships, but rather moving away physically to prevent the spread of the disease, which the World Health Organization has called for by replacing the term "social distancing" with the term "physical distancing” Al Hosani stressed.

“People should not underestimate home quarantine procedures even if the result is negative, it is important to adhere to the 14-day quarantine, which is the incubation period for the virus, as the infected person may develop symptoms during this period, which may expose their family members and those close to him for infection," she said.

Al Hosani advised those who make delivery orders to avoid any contact when receiving orders, and to use safe options instead such as requesting the delivery man to leave food at the door step, and using the online and remote payment option.

“After receiving cans or food bags, it is important to dispose of them and clean surfaces, as well as clean hands with soap and water or any other alcoholic antiseptic, she added.

For his part, Dr. Khalid Ibrahim Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Assistant Under-Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that the UAE has evacuated citizens of a number of brotherly and friendly countries at the request of their governments from China, and were transferred to the Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi.

“We have carried out 34 evacuation operations for citizens and their companions and ensured their safe return to the UAE,” Al Mazrouei added.

“We have contacted all citizens outside the country to check on them and help facilitate their return to the homeland, Al Mazrouei highlighted, adding that Tawajodi’ service received 29,000 registration requests from UAE residents who are still outside the country, to ease communication and be provided with support,