Coronavirus: recovered Covid-19 patient thanks Abu Dhabi Police for watching her children

Police patrol provides round the clock support for the children of a woman who contracted coronavirus

Asma Al Jasmi, a civilian administrative staff officer, speaks to Ayesha Khan. Courtesy: Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed

A woman has thanked Abu Dhabi Police for taking care of her children for more than two weeks after she, her husband and in-laws were admitted to hospital with Covid-19.

Ayesha Khan and her family forced to leave her children, aged three to 13, home alone after they contracted the virus.

Police found out about the situation and Asma Al Jasmi, a civilian administrative staff officer, arranged for food from a nearby restaurant and provisions from a supermarket to be delivered to the children for 17 days until their family returned.

On Thursday, Ms Khan’s story was shared during the final Ramadan lecture held as part of the annual Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis series.

“Your words are still in my mind and heart forever,” Ms Khan told the police officer in an emotional video call after she was discharged from hospital.

“You said, ‘Don’t cry, you are in [Sheikh] Zayed’s country,’ and that is in my heart. It’s true we are in Zayed’s country. That is why my kids are safe,” she said, referring to the UAE’s founding father who was known for his many acts of compassion and kindness to residents across all nationalities.

Ms Jasmi also dispatched a police patrol car to be stationed under the family’s building 24-hours a day.

“My message to the children was, ‘Don’t worry and stay calm. You are not alone,” Ms Jasmi said in a video shared on social media.

Ms Jasmi would call the children and the mother daily to check on their well-being.

Police also delivered an iPad to the children to help support them with their e-learning.

Ms Khan said she often cried in hospital thinking of her three-year-old at home but regular assurances from the police officer put her mind at ease.

Thanking Ms Jasmi, Ms Khan said she has told her eldest daughter she must learn Arabic and join the police to repay the debt and help the people of UAE when she grows up.

“For 17 days, the Abu Dhabi Police have given my children food three times every day,” she said.

“Whatever my kids wanted they would call a number.”