ABU DHABI // Hygiene needs to be improved across the country to prevent the spread of the Mers virus, which was officially detected in the UAE for the first time at the weekend, an expert says.
An 82-year-old Emirati man with pre-existing medical conditions was found to have contracted the novel coronavirus Mers in Abu Dhabi.
"Following the reports of the confirmed case of Mers in the UAE, we urge the public to become more vigilant when it comes to their personal hygiene practices," said Dr Muhammad Halwani, consultant in infection control and epidemiology.
"We know that good hygiene, including hand-washing, good respiratory hygiene and disinfection of commonly touched surfaces, can help prevent the spread of coronaviruses.
"Practising good hygiene is everyone's responsibility and something we can do easily for ourselves."
The advice is particularly relevant during Ramadan, when risk of transmitting of respiratory infections and food contamination increases as family members and friends gather in large groups to break their fast each evening.
The hygiene council has released a set of guidelines to help reduce the risk of infection. It advises people to stick to basic internationally known prevention measures.
The exact cause of Mers has not been established but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been closely monitoring the situation and issuing regular updates on its spread.
The WHO said there had been 81 laboratory-confirmed cases worldwide, including 45 deaths. The UAE case brought that number to 82.
This month, the WHO stressed the virus was not a concern for public health at the moment, although it is feared the risk could increase during the Haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in October.
Many of the confirmed cases of Mers have originated in Saudi.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
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The specs
Engine: 4 liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous electric motors placed at each wheel
Battery: Rimac 120kWh Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) chemistry
Power: 1877bhp
Torque: 2300Nm
Price: Dh7,500,00
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
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Position: Head of the Criminal Registration Department at Hatta police
Family: Five sons and three daughters
The first female investigator in Hatta.
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Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
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Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat