COVID-19: [04-May-2020] UAE announces 567 new cases, 11 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday announced 567 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus. This brings the total number of cases to 14,730 in the country.  The authority has also announced 11 deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 137 in the country.

Dr Amna Al Shamsi, UAE Government spokesperson and Dr Mona Al Bahr, Advisor to Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, gave an update on Coronavirus (Covid-19) measures and developments on Monday, May 4.

"It is upon the directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,  Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that the UAE's health sector is gearing up to increase its productivity and readiness to handle the current and future crisis", Dr Al Shamsi said. On Sunday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed the government to develop a national strategy for the post Covid-19 era.

Holding a virtual cabinet meeting, Sheikh Mohammad called on the ministers, undersecretaries, members of the executive councils and experts to collaborate to produce the strategy and establish short-term and long-term policies to reactivate the economic activities in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed on the importance of inviting local, regional and international experts to participate in brainstorming sessions and workshops, to analyze the situation and produce applicable solutions. He ordered that an emergency plan be developed to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the medical industries sector as part of preparation for the post Covid-19 era in the country. Authorities in Dubai are, meanwhile, leaving no stone un-turned in providing relief to residents and businesses in the country. Among the latest to announce relief is the Dubai Healthcare City Authority. Its relief package offers 25-100 % discount on commercial and clinical fees for all directly-impacted segments, and 25-50 per cent discount on commercial and clinical fees for all other segments excluding pharmacies and supermarkets.

On Sunday, Dubai South Free Zone also announced several economic stimulus incentives.

Customers who operate in the Business Park FZ will have the opportunity to apply for a lease deferral request of up to 6 months, which will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Dubai South Business Center customers renewing their contracts between now and October 2020 will receive a reduction of up to 25 per cent on their renewal fees as well as the flexibility to settle annual rental fees in up to four installments.

Furthermore, individuals and companies looking to establish a new business will be granted rental fee reductions of up to 25 per cent. In mid-March, the government of Dubai unveiled a Dh1.5 billion economic stimulus package to support companies and the business sector.