Daily Archives: May 3, 2020
Ministry of Health announces 26,000 additional COVID-19 tests as part of intensified screening, 564 new cases, 99 recoveries and 7 deaths
ABU DHABI, In line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s plans to increase the number of COVID-19 tests throughout the country for the early detection of infections, particularly among those who had prior contact with infected individuals, the Ministry has conducted 26,000 additional tests.
Testing resulted in the detection of 564 new cases among various nationalities, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 14,163.
The new cases in question are all undergoing the necessary medical treatment.
The Ministry also announced the death of seven patients due to complications arising from COVID-19. The deceased suffered from other chronic health issues. The total number of deaths from COVID-19 in the country now stands at 126.
The Ministry offered its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to all patients currently undergoing medical care.
The Ministry also announced that 99 people infected with the virus have fully recovered after receiving the necessary medical care, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,763.
The Ministry called upon the public to adhere to health guidelines and instructions from the relevant authorities, particularly concerning social distancing, for the sake of the health and safety of all.
Source: Emirates News Agency
COVID-19 testing is key to maintain health and well-being of community: DoH
ABU DHABI, The Department of Health–Abu Dhabi, DoH, has stated that the test for the new coronavirus, COVID-19, is available for free in healthcare facilities across the emirate for people who are showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, as well as for the elderly, pregnant women, and those who have chronic diseases.
The regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate said in a statement on Sunday that testing is available to the wider members of the community who are looking to check up on their health status and confirm they are virus free, for a cost of AED370 as previously set, covering only the examination.
The DoH has confirmed that coronavirus test is one of the key steps to curbing the spread of the virus and one of the most influential preventative measures to maintain the health and well-being of the community.
This drove all the relevant entities to come together to further expand the scale of Coronavirus screening services and ensure its availability and easy access to all members of the community, said the statement.
Source: Emirates News Agency
Abu Dhabi Ports signs virtual declaration to keep east-west trade open amid pandemic
ABU DHABI, In an effort to collaborate and keep trade flows open during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Abu Dhabi Ports has joined 19 of the world’s leading port authorities in signing a first-of-its-kind virtual declaration.
Hosted via video conference, the Ports Authorities Roundtable, PAR, Declaration calls on member ports to work together by allowing merchant ships to berth and carry out cargo operations to maintain the global supply chain.
The Declaration also commits the maritime sector to adhere to best practice in ensuring the safety of seafarers in terms of precautionary measures when dealing with coronavirus cases.
Held in the presence of officials from the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and the International Association of Ports and Harbors, IAPH, Abu Dhabi Ports was the sole representative from the MENA region at a virtual roundtable that also included participants from Asia, Europe and North America.
Representing Abu Dhabi Ports, Captain Maktoum Al Houqani, Chief Corporate Authority Officer said: “Abu Dhabi stands at the centre of global maritime trade and our participation at the Port Authorities Roundtable affirms our strategic status as a vital hub that links East and West.”
“The international shipping and logistics community stands together at this time of great crisis in maintaining the smooth flow of essential goods and medical supplies.
“Abu Dhabi Ports proudly joins hands with the world’s maritime sector in affirming and renewing our resolve to battle COVID-19 and to support seaborne trade.
“The virtual declaration initiated by member countries of PAR has very real implications for our entire industry by ensuring our ports and economic lifelines remain open, and our seafarers and maritime personnel are protected.”
Organised by Singapore, the PAR is a forum for leading port authorities to discuss issues of mutual interests, address common challenges, and engage in collaborative opportunities. Other members joining Abu Dhabi Ports in signing of the declaration included the ports of Rotterdam, Tokyo and Los Angeles.
Source: Emirates News Agency
Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign merchandise trade hits AED37.1 bn in January, February
ABU DHABI, The value of non-oil foreign merchandise trade through Abu Dhabi ports hit AED37.1 billion in January and February, 2020, up 3.6 percent from AED35.8 bn during the comparable period last year, according to figures released by Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre (SCAD), on Sunday.
Imports increased by 12.5 percent from AED17.11 bn to AED19.25 bn during the reference period, and re-exports dropped from AED8.8 billion to AED7.81 bn in the reference period.
SCAD noted that Saudi Arabia continued to be the key trade partner of Abu Dhabi during the reference period with two-way trade value standing at AED8.531 bn, accounting for 23 percent of the emirate’s total trade in the reference period.
The US came in the second place with AED2.4 billion, followed by the UK at AED1.8 billion and then Japan at AED1.74 bn.
Source: Emirates News Agency