Dubai announces comprehensive plan for post-COVID-19 phase

The Dubai government has developed a comprehensive plan to help different sectors prepare themselves for the post-COVID-19 phase.

It was highlighted during a remote press conference organised by the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO).

Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirates will place more focus on public health and communicable diseases.

Dr. Amer Al Sharif, Head of the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre, said the next phase will look at linking healthcare services with academic and research institutions to create a comprehensive system to tackle any new crisis. 

He added that the UAE has achieved one of the highest COVID-19 recovery rates in the world due to increased testing and early diagnosis.

As noted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the country is on the verge of a "positive breakthrough" in its bid to contain the pandemic, but the public must remain patient and continue observing precautionary measures.

.@DXBMediaOffice organized a remote press conference in collaboration with @dubaitv. Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of @DMunicipality & Dr. Amer Al Sharif, Head of the COVID-19 Command & Control Centre, answered questions from senior officials.https://t.co/QdXtzXF4jp pic.twitter.com/rCcjpTtZue

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 14, 2020

Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said more than 4,000 workers within 10 specialised teams have carried out sanitisation drives and regular checks at labour camps, construction sites, malls, commercial outlets, salons and food outlets.

With the partial reopening of economic activity, the civic body has carried out 7,000 inspections to ensure businesses are abiding by the safety protocol.

He added that about 5-6 tonnes of hazardous medical waste contaminated by COVID-19 were treated in three cycles within a 24-hour period before being safely disposed.