The UAE cabinet has approved new decisions to fight the COVID-9 outbreak with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces being briefed on the latest precautionary and preventive measures and national initiatives.
Sheikh Mohamed listened to a comprehensive briefing from the ministers of economy, health & prevention and education as well as the Director-General of the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority.
"The UAE is proud of our citizens and residents living on our soil. We are proud they (residents) share with us our identity. It's really impressive to hear our residents echoing the National Anthem of the UAE on social media platforms as the National Disinfection Programme is being carried out nationwide. God bless you all, and God Willing, we will survive these trying times," said Sheikh Mohamed.
The entire world is facing challenging times, and their sacrifices will be remembered, he added.
In the context of COVID-19, these are some of the latest initiatives taken by the UAE cabinet:
Under the directives of the UAE Cabinet, the implementation of the distance learning system will continue throughout the 2019-2020 academic year at all private & public schools and higher education institutions in the UAE.
The Cabinet has also approved the following measures:
- Extension of residence permits and government services expiring on March 1 onwards for a renewable period of three months, starting April 1
- No additional fees upon renewal and waiver of administrative fines associated with infractions relating to the services provided by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship
The cabinet also agreed to provide a temporary license for digital solutions for Notary Public's services in order to facilitate judicial transactions.
Along with drive-through testing centres, another initiative is the launch of self- sanitisation walks for ambulance, paramedic and healthcare workers so as to prevent their colleagues, friends and families from catching any infection.
The Director-General of the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority has also said that is working harmoniously with all sectors across the nation on addressing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.