More than 70,000 meals are being delivered to residents of buildings in Abu Dhabi that are under strict isolation to slow the spread of coronavirus. Every day, three meals per person are delivered to the doorsteps of around 1,600 residents who are not allowed to leave their homes as part of contact tracing regulations. When an individual tests positive for Covid-19, the Ministry of Health and Prevention asks anyone who may have come into contact with them to self-isolate for two weeks. Emirates Red Crescent has provided logistics support and Etihad Airways catering is preparing the meals for residents in isolation. Funded by the Authority of Social Contribution, or Ma’an, deliveries began on April 2 and will continue for two weeks. So far, more than 14,000 meals have been distributed in Abu Dhabi, funded by companies and individuals who have donated to the ‘Together We Are Good’ programme, which seeks support government efforts to mitigate health and economic challenges during the outbreak. Salama Al Ameemi, director general of Ma’an, said the co-ordination and planning by Emirates Red Crescent and Etihad demonstrated how the community was pulling together to “make a real difference.” She said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit shown by individuals and organisations across the emirate. “Every day, we are receiving offers of assistance from all sectors, both public and private, and each contribution is highly valued and appreciated,” Ms Al Ameemi said. Ma'an previously said donated funds to prepare isolation and quarantine facilities in hotels too. Anyone who has come into contact or lives with someone who has tested positive for the virus has been banned from leaving their home. In separate initiatives across the country, <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/health/coronavirus-major-abu-dhabi-food-drive-delivers-vital-support-to-hard-hit-workers-1.1003230" target="_blank">volunteers have delivered supplies to residents who have lost their jobs</a> and workers barred from leaving their homes. To contribute to the social fund, the official government channel to help the community, people can send SMS messages to 6670 (Dh1,000), 6678 (Dh500), 6683 (Dh100) and 6658 (Dh50). They can also call 8005-MAAN to volunteer, offer equipment, buildings, services, contribute more than Dh1,000 or connect on 0543055366 via WhatsApp.
