Coronavirus in Iran, Gulf states and Middle East

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Iran: Coronavirus Death Toll in 458 Cities Exceeds 120,100

The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) announced on Saturday, October 10, 2020, that the Coronavirus death toll in 458 cities exceeded 120,100. The number of victims in Khorasan Razavi is 9,050, Khuzestan 7,643 Isfahan 6,134, Mazandaran 5,552, Lorestan 5,253,Gilan 4,771, East Azerbaijan 4,198, Golestan 3,466, Sistan and Baluchestan 3,461, West Azerbaijan 3,287, Alborz 3,280, Fars 3,181, Kermanshah 2,633, North Khorasan 2,089, Kerman 1,835, Semnan 1,841, Yazd 1,606, Hormozgan 1,590, Central Province 1,570, Zanjan 1,133, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari 912, and South Khorasan 874.

In a situation where the Coronavirus pandemic in most parts of the country is super-red and critical, and as a result of the criminal policies of the mullahs, workers and laborers are forced to go to work to make ends meet and consequently become infected with the virus, Rouhani, introduced regime’s plan for extorting people further during the NCCT’s session today. He said, “As soon as someone finds out that he is infected, he has no right to leave quarantine; otherwise will be fined 2,000,000 rials for each violation, and if someone does not use a mask, he will be fined 500,000 rials. Our State Security Force (SSF), Basij, supervisors, and inspectors have a duty to record the identities of individuals. The person must deposit the money within two weeks in the account announced by the Health Ministry, and if he does not, it will be deducted from his account. For businesses that do not comply, they will be warned for the first time, fined 3000,000 rials for the second time, fined one 10 million rials for the third time, and the business will be locked down if repeated the fourth time. Taxi drivers will be fined 1000,000 rials if they do not comply, and they will be fined 200,000 rials for each passenger without a mask.”

Source: https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-st...irus-death-toll-in-458-cities-exceeds-120100/.

 

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Coronavirus pandemic hits Tunisians with 165,000 job losses
Key tourism industry has collapsed, with curfew latest step in bid to contain rise in Covid-19 cases

The coronavirus pandemic has plunged Tunisia into an economic crisis that has cost tens of thousands of jobs and collapsed the country's important tourism industry.

Despite initially containing the spread of Covid-19 during the first wave of the pandemic, Tunisia suffered 165,000 job losses during that period, Bechir Boujday, a member of the board of the employers' federation UTICA, told AFP.

The figures are predicted to get worse, according to UN predictions earlier in the pandemic that warned of up to 400,000 job losses.

The country is now having to tackle its worst outbreak of the virus, with the government introducing a curfew on Thursday after hospitals warned they are struggling to cope.

More than 7,000 Covid-19 cases were recorded in Tunisia last week, more than at any other time during the pandemic. With a population of around 11 million, the country has recorded over 400 deaths from the novel coronavirus out of 26,899 cases.

Nearly a third of small to medium-sized businesses are "threatened with bankruptcy," Boujday said.

Tunisia, which was already battling high unemployment before the start of the pandemic, has seen a record shrinking of its economy.

Gross domestic product fell by 21.6 percent in the second quarter of 2020, an "unprecedented contraction of economic activity," the National Institute of Statistics said.

The key tourist industry has all but collapsed, with tourism income plunging 60 percent and large numbers of hotels likely to close permanently, officials said last month.

In September, parliament approved a new technocratic government tasked with tackling deep social and economic woes in the North African country.

The new prime minister, Hichem Mechichi, said then that his government would focus on rescuing public finances and easing social hardship, saying that while political turmoil had dragged on, "some Tunisians have not found drinking water".

Mechichi is an independent member of parliament and served as Tunisia's interior minister under former prime minister Elyes Fakhfakh.

President Kais Saied appointed Mechichi to lead the government after Fakhfakh resigned over allegations of conflict of interest.

Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/coronavirus-tunisia-economic-crisis-job-losses.

 

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Coronavirus: Oman introduces two-week night curfew after uptick in cases

Those who fail to follow guidelines will be named and shamed, warns committee responsible for country's Covid-19 task force

Oman ordered a two-week curfew following an uptick in coronavirus cases, the committee responsible for the Gulf state's Covid-19 response said.

The curfew will take place between 11 October and 24 October, and will bar people from being out between the hours of 8pm and 5am, the committee said in a statement on Friday.

"In the light of the current situation regarding the rise of infections in the country, it has been decided to impose the curfew to protect members of the public and limit the spread of the virus," the committee said.

"Names and pictures of offenders who violate the instructions will be published in the media."

The two-week restrictions will also see all beaches in Oman closed as a precaution.

Oman, a country of 4.7 million people, saw 2,678 new cases and 50 deaths during the first week of October, according to the World Health Organisation.

With more than 19,000 cases per million people, the country is among the top of those affected by the pandemic in the region, though its death toll, at 935, remains low in comparison.

Omani authorities have said the recent rise in infections came as people failed to take health precautions seriously.

Muscat previously imposed a curfew and banned travel between its governorates from 25 July to 8 August, which included the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday. At the time, the Health Ministry described the measure as a "total lockdown".

Source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/...ates-two-week-night-curfew-after-uptick-cases.

 

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Iran reports record daily coronavirus death toll of 251

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran has registered 251 new COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, a record daily toll, the health ministry said on Sunday, as the total number of identified cases rose above 500,000 in the worst-hit country in the Middle East.

Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that the latest toll took the total death toll to 28,544. There were 3,822 new cases, with the total number of identified cases to date reaching 500,075, she added.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...y-coronavirus-death-toll-of-251-idUSKBN26W0H7

 

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Iran tests coronavirus vaccine on monkeys

Iranian health minister yesterday announced that a coronavirus vaccine was tested successfully on monkeys, adding that it would undergo human tests “in the next couple of weeks”.

“All activities carried out by Iran in producing the vaccine conform to the international standards and protocols for the World Health Organisation, as well as the country’s and Food and Drug Administration,” Saeed Namaki said during the 67th virtual session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Namaki added that testing the vaccine on monkeys had shown “good results.”

Iranian health minister yesterday announced that a coronavirus vaccine was tested successfully on monkeys, adding that it would undergo human tests “in the next couple of weeks”.

“All activities carried out by Iran in producing the vaccine conform to the international standards and protocols for the World Health Organisation, as well as the country’s and Food and Drug Administration,” Saeed Namaki said during the 67th virtual session of the WHO’s Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Namaki added that testing the vaccine on monkeys had shown “good results.”

Source: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201013-iran-tests-coronavirus-vaccine-on-monkeys/.

 

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Iran: Coronavirus Death Toll in 458 Cities Surpasses 122,300

The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, that the Coronavirus fatalities in 458 cities had exceeded 122,300. The number of victims in Tehran is 29,201, Khorasan Razavi 9,200, Khuzestan 7,838, Isfahan 6,399, Lorestan 5,328, Qom 5,225, East Azerbaijan 4,323, West Azerbaijan 3,372, Alborz 3,348, Hamedan 3,228, Kermanshah 2,668, Kerman 1,875, Bushehr 1,470, Ardabil 1,426, and Ilam 1,009.

Source: https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-st...us-death-toll-in-458-cities-surpasses-122300/.

 

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Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,315 new Covid-19 cases in highest ever daily infections

Another 1,315 cases of Covid-19 were reported across the UAE on Tuesday, in the highest recorded daily cases to date.

The cases were recorded after 96,989 more screenings were conducted, of which 1.4 per cent were positive for the virus.

New patients are stable and receiving the appropriate medical attention, authorities said. The previous highest number of daily cases was 1,231 on October 3.

These new cases brought the total to 108,608, of which 8,153 are active.

Another 1,452 patients were cleared of the virus on Tuesday, taking the total number of recoveries to 100,007.

And two patients died of complications related to the coronavirus, raising the death toll to 448.

The UAE has conducted more than 11 million Covid-19 tests since the outbreak, making it the first country to carry out more virus screenings than its total population.

On Tuesday, the International Day for Disaster Reduction, Obaid Al Shamsi, director general of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, said the UAE had gone to great lengths to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the public.

"We are proud to be among the ranks of developed nations in our response to crises," Mr Al Shamsi said.

Describing the pandemic as a "storm that hit all countries", he said the UAE worked quickly for a strategy to tackle the outbreak, which required co-operation across government sectors and with private businesses.

"This created a path which led to safety, so that the UAE society was able to enjoy peace and stability," Mr Al Shamsi said.

He said responsibility was also on the public and companies to adhere to safety regulations.

As case numbers began rising again in late August, authorities launched a campaign to enforce these measures.

On Tuesday, Dubai Economy inspectors fined 11 shops for breaching safety measures.

Nine were penalised because their staff were not "committed to wearing face masks", while the remaining two were found not adhering to physical distancing.

The shops were in Al Nahda, Al Rigga, Al Khabaisi and Hor Al Anz East.

Inspectors also issued warnings to two other businesses for not sticking physical distancing signs on the floor to prompt staff and customers to keep two metres between them.

At least 685 shops selling air-conditioning systems, clothes and security devices were found to be in full compliance with the regulations.

Source: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/heal...es-in-highest-ever-daily-infections-1.1092901.

 

[Firebat]

Iran at breaking point as it fights third wave of coronavirus

Iran, the crucible of coronavirus in the Middle East, smashed two grim records this week, reporting its largest number of deaths in a single 24 hours since the outbreak started in March, and the largest number of new infections.

Iranian health officials openly admit Iran is deep into its third, and biggest, wave of the disease, and evidence suggests an exhausted and impoverished country is struggling to cope as trust in government diminishes, sanctions weaken the economy and hospitals report overcrowded intensive care units.

Mohammad Talebpour, the director of Sina hospital, the oldest in Tehran, predicted that if Iranians did not collectively take action and the disease persisted for another 18 months, as many as 300,000 could die. He said a third of the medical staff at his hospital had at one point contracted the disease.

Covid-19 has so far killed 29,070 Iranians, according to widely challenged official statistics, including 254 on Wednesday alone, just down on the daily record set on 12 October of 272.

The number of people newly infected in the previous 24 hours was recorded as 4,108 on Wednesday, just down on the record of 4,392 on 8 October.

In an attempt to force reluctant Iranians to abide by social distancing rules, including the compulsory wearing of face masks in public, Hassan Rouhani’s government has introduced fines of up to $6.60, initially in Tehran.

Businesses face fines that could rise to $30 on the third offence. Since the monthly minimum wage is worth less than $60 after a sharp fall in the value of the currency, these fines are not trivial, but even so the health minister, Saeed Namaki, said he feared they would not be high enough to act as a deterrent.

Masks have been compulsory in indoor public spaces since July.

But Rouhani is an innately cautious centrist, nervous of a public backlash, and concerned by the state of the economy now predicted by the International Monetary Fund to contract by 5% this year. The government spokesman Ali Rabiei stressed on Tuesday that the fines were “a tool to achieve compliance, and not a goal in itself. The fine is a warning to exercise self-discipline”. He insisted all the income from the fines would go to the ministry of health to fight coronavirus.

No one knows if the fines will be rigorously imposed, or the punishment likely to be inflicted on those unable to pay. The police, the Basij paramilitary force and health inspectors will have powers to impose the fines, and offenders will have two weeks to make payment into a health ministry account,

But the much-criticised sight of Iranian police this week parading criminals on the back of trucks is a reminder, if needed, of the methods security services can deploy.

Iran has not hidden the disputes between officials over its handling of the crisis.

Mohammad Reza Zafarghandi, the state-appointed head of the Iranian Medical Association, has alleged that officials ignored warnings from health experts, and said that the medical staff in Iran were exhausted.

He blamed the severity of the crisis on “some of the non-expert decisions”, saying “some decisions were not made by experts, such as reopening schools with a requirement to attend or announcing protocols that people were not required to follow”.

The disease seems to be spreading most in the context of the family, but bakeries, schools and restaurants are also accused of frequently flouting the rules.

The crisis comes at a tumultuous time for Iran, as the US-imposed sanctions on 18 private sector banks, are reducing Iran’s access to humanitarian goods and medicine. The rial remains under pressure, and the Iranian central bank governor, Abdolnaser Hemmati, was in Iraq this week to try to gain access Iranian foreign exchange reserves stored in Iraq.

Rouhani, who is due to stand down next summer, is under growing criticism for his handling of the crisis. Critics, including many of those lining up to replace him in the elections next year, claim he has handed too much responsibility for controlling the outbreak to provincial authorities.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-point-as-it-fights-third-wave-of-coronavirus

 

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Coronavirus: UAE takes steps to improve air quality inside buildings

Certifications are now being introduced in the UAE to show that developers are investing in good indoor air quality.
As Covid-19 prompted the world to pay attention to both sanitation and ventilation, the UAE has started setting indoor air quality standards for its towers and skyscrapers, an official has said.

At a webinar hosted by Khaleej Times, Anwaar Al Shimmari, Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: "We are going to set milestones, KPIs and wellness standards for buildings to maintain good air quality. The private sector also needs to consider this for the sake of their staff and tenants' wellbeing."

Certifications are now being introduced in the UAE to show that developers are investing in good indoor air quality.

Global studies about the pandemic have established a link between bad air quality and the spread of Covid-19 in some countries, Al Shimmari said. "Therefore, it's not only important to invest in the building's infrastructure but also in air quality."

With a growing concern about the need for protection from virus-carrying aerosol droplets - in addition to respiratory droplets that are usually transmitted through close contact - panellists at the event agreed that targeted action is the way forward.

"Buildings can be our first line of defence," said Dr Joseph Allen, associate professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, US.

Experts underlined that the pandemic has accelerated the need for better indoor air quality, just like how the it fast-tracked digitisation.

Suhas Inamdar, head of planning and technical at Wasl Properties, UAE, said: "Awareness on all fronts is critical. People talk about outdoor pollution. However, very few people know that the indoor pollution is three to five times more than the outdoor pollution. This is the standard. Worse, it can go up to five or 10 times."

The focus, the panellists said, should be on maximising ventilation to reduce and clear out indoor contaminants.

Rajesh Malik, director for product marketing and app engineering at Carrier Middle East, UAE, said: "We spend 90 per cent of our time indoors, but we spend most of our time thinking about outdoor air pollution. The landscape is shifting from conventional buildings to healthy buildings now. So, some of the main items that we need to focus on are ventilation, air quality, thermal health, filtration and moisture."

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...steps-to-improve-air-quality-inside-buildings.

 

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UAE hits new daily coronavirus record with 1,431 new infections

DUBAI: The UAE has recorded 1,431 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours after carrying out an additional 103,132 tests, state news agency WAM reported.
The country’s total number of record coronavirus cases since the pandemic began now stands at 110,039.
The health ministry also confirmed two deaths, raising the fatality rate to 450. An additional 1,652 patients have recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of those who recovered from COVID-19 to 101,659.
The health ministry urged people to abide by the preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/1748766/middle-east.

 

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Iran: Coronavirus Death Toll in 458 Cities Exceeds 124,000

Twenty million Iranians with underlying medical conditions are at high risk of contracting Coronavirus
Member of the Board of the regime parliament’s Health Commission: It seems that the number of deaths is much higher than what is stated. If we continue the method of the past eight months, not only will we have the fourth peak of the outbreak, but also the fifth, sixth, seventh, and so on. (ILNA news agency, October 15, 2020)

Kianoush Jahanpour, director of the Health Ministry’s public relations: We have passed the red state and should expect dark autumn. Twenty million Iranians with underlying medical conditions are at high risk of contracting Coronavirus. (IRNA, October 15, 2020)

Alireza Zali, head of the National Coronavirus Combat Taskforce (NCCT) in Tehran: The highest mortality rate was recorded in Tehran yesterday, which was one of the worst days of the Coronavirus crisis in the capital. (IRNA, October 15, 2020)

Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: So far, we have identified 42,000 positive Coronavirus patients, four and a half percent of whom have died. (IRNA, October 15, 2020)

Head of Maku’s Health Network: The death toll is four times higher; the capacity of the only hospital is full, and patients are in queue to be hospitalized. (Javan daily, October 15, 2020)

Alborz University of Medical Sciences: In the past 24 hours, 22 Coronavirus patients died, and the total number of Coronavirus fatalities in Alborz Province has reached 1,373. (ISNA, October 15, 2020)

The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) announced on October 15, 2020, that the Coronavirus death toll in 458 cities had exceeded 124,000. The number of victims in Tehran is 29,691, Khorasan Razavi 9,310, Khuzestan 7,913, Isfahan 6,474, Lorestan 5,398, Qom 5,265, East Azerbaijan 4,393, Sistan and Baluchestan 3,526, West Azerbaijan 3,442, Alborz 3,388, Hamedan 3,293, Kermanshah 2,708, North Khorasan 2,134, Kerman 1,893, Central Province 1,687, Hormozgan 1,615, Bushehr 1,485, Ilam 1,024, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari 942, and South Khorasan 914.

Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)
October 15, 2020

Source: https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-st...irus-death-toll-in-458-cities-exceeds-124000/.

 

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UAE coronavirus cases hit new record high

Health authorities reveal almost 1,400 new infections reported across the country

The UAE reported another high of daily coronavirus cases on Thursday as health officials revealed 1,398 new infections in the last 24 hours.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention announced that 114,147 tests had been carried out over the last day, with the new cases taking the total number of those found since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic up to 111,437.

It was also reported that a further 1,666 patients had recovered from the virus, with the total number of recoveries standing at 103,325.

There were two more fatalities announced, bringing the country’s death toll up to 452.

Source: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/healthcare/453279-uae-coronavirus-cases-hit-new-record-high.

 

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520 new coronavirus cases, 8 deaths reported in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Health has registered 520 new coronavirus cases and 8 deaths in Oman on Thursday.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the MOH.

Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/520-new-coronavirus-cases-8-deaths-reported-in-oman.

 

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Iran: Coronavirus Update, Over 124,800 Deaths, October 16, 2020, 6:00 PM CEST

NUMBER OF VICTIMS (AS OF October 16, 2020, 6:00 PM CEST):

The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI / MEK) announced this afternoon, October 16, 2020, that Coronavirus has taken the lives of more than 124,800 in 458 cities across Iran. The death toll in various provinces include: 29,941 in Tehran, 9350 in Razavi Khorasan, 6519 in Isfahan, 5622 in Mazandaran, 4861 in Gilan, 4423 in East Azerbaijan, 3487 in West Azerbaijan, 3418 in Alborz, 3313 in Hamedan, 3271 in Fars, 2738 in Kermanshah, 2231 in Kurdistan, 1913 in Kerman, 1721 in Yazd, 1438 in Ardabil, 1218 in Qazvin, 1185 in Zanjan, and 944 in South Khorasan. This is in addition to reports obtained from other provinces.

Source: https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/ir...er-124800-deaths-october-16-2020-600-pm-cest/.

 

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Qatar reports 189 Covid-19 cases on Oct 16

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Doha: Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) today recorded 189 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and 204 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of people recovered in Qatar to 126,006.

Out of the 189 new cases, 175 are community cases and 14 from travelers returning from abroad.

All new cases have been placed in isolation and are receiving necessary health care according to their health status.

The total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Qatar is 128,992 and there are 2,764 active cases under treatment. So far, 222 people died from the coronavirus in Qatar.

Ministry conducted 6,082 tests in the last 24 hours taking the total tests done so far to 861,236 tests. There 43 cases of hospital admissions in the last 24 hours taking the total patients in the hospital 395. Five patients were admitted to intensive care due to health complications resulting from infection with the virus, bringing the total number of cases receiving medical care in intensive care currently to 54.

While the restrictions of COVID-19 are gradually being lifted in Qatar, it is important for everyone to play their role in controlling the virus by following precautionary measures:

- Adherence to physical distancing.

- Avoid close contact with others, crowded places, and confined closed spaces where other people congregate.

- Wearing a face mask.

- Washing hands regularly

Source: https://menafn.com/1100969612/Qatar-reports-189-Covid-19-cases-on-Oct-16.

 

[Firebat]

Iran, the Middle Eastern country hardest-hit by the coronavirus, has today extended restrictions and closures in the capital Tehran into a third week, as the death toll in the country rose above 30,000.

Schools, mosques, shops, restaurants and other public institutions in Tehran, where the infection rate has been highest, have been closed since 3 October, and Tehran’s province governor, Anoushiravan Mohseni-Bandpey, announced an extension of the measures until at least Friday, state media reported.

Iran is experiencing its third surge of coronavirus infections and says its fight against the coronavirus has been hampered by US sanctions, which have limited its crude oil sales and its access to foreign banks.

On Wednesday it reported record daily figures of 279 deaths and 4,830 new coronavirus infections. It has registered more than 250 deaths and 4,000 cases in each of the past six days.

The rial currency was trading at a new low of about 322,000 per dollar on Saturday on the unofficial market, according to the foreign exchange website Bonbast.com, hit by worries over new US sanctions that may block some Iranian medicine purchases.

A requirement to wear face masks in public in the capital, imposed last Saturday, remains in effect, as does a ban on travel in and out of five cities including Tehran, which was announced on Wednesday.

 

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Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,538 Covid-19 cases, 1,411 recoveries, 4 deaths

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 1,538 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,411 recoveries. Four deaths were also recorded

Additional130,567 tests were carried out, the ministry added.

The UAE has conducted more than 11.44 million tests till date as part of the country's massive screening programmes to combat the spread of Covid-19.

As the UAE leads global efforts in developing a Covid-19 vaccine, thousands of its residents and citizens have already taken a jab - either as clinical trial volunteers or frontliners. According to the latest study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, BBIBP-CorV vaccine for Covid-19, which is currently undergoing phase 3 trials in the UAE, was found to be safe and had produced an immune response in Phase I and II trials. The study pointed out that the results of the Phase III trials of BBIBP-CorV vaccine in Abu Dhabi will provide information on whether this vaccine is safe and efficacious against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and for how long the protective effect is maintained.

The Phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine carried out in the UAE got 31,000 volunteers from more than 120 nationalities. On Friday morning, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation received a dose of the vaccine. It was last month that the UAE issued emergency approval for the use of the Covid-19 vaccine for frontline healthcare workers fighting the virus in the country. Earlier this week, the UAE also approved Phase III clinical trials of Russia's Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V.

Meanwhile, leading airlines and travel agents in the UAE have said that a confirmed return ticket is mandatory for visit and tourist visa holders to enter the UAE. The rules are being strictly enforced and a large group of passengers from India and Pakistan were left stranded at Dubai International Airport recently for not having confirmed return tickets.

Source: https://menafn.com/1100972901/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1538-Covid-19-cases-1411-recoveries-4-deaths.

 

[Abdullah719]

Saudi Arabia resumes prayers at Mecca’s Grand Mosque

Saudi Arabia is allowing its citizens and residents inside the kingdom to perform daily prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, for the first time in seven months.

Sunday also marked the start of the second phase of the gradual return of citizens and residents to performing the Umrah – an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina undertaken any time of the year – expanding the capacity to 75 percent.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia resumed allowing citizens and residents to perform the Umrah at Islam’s holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, after a seven-month pause due to coronavirus concerns.

With the start of phase one on October 4, Saudi Arabia had allowed 6,000 citizens and residents of the kingdom to perform Umrah daily, representing 30 percent of a revised maximum capacity of 20,000 pilgrims allowed into the Grand Mosque every day under new precautionary health measures.

Starting November 1, the kingdom will allow visitors from specific countries deemed safe to perform Umrah at 100 percent of the revised capacity, which would remain in place until the danger posed by the coronavirus had passed, Saudi news agency SPA reported last month.

https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/...sumes-prayers-in-mecca-for-citizens-residents

 

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Iran coronavirus deaths top 30,000

Iran surpassed 30,000 deaths due to the coronavirus amid the worst outbreak in the Middle East region.

Health Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said the total death toll has reached 30,123 people with 4,721 patients in critical condition, according to the Associated Press.

With more than 526,000 cases since February, the country has struggled as death tolls continue to rise while the government resists calls for a complete lockdown.

Many patients are being treated in hospitals as COVID-19 positive officials say, but have yet to be tested.

These patients, along with false negatives and those who do not display symptoms as listed by the World Health Organization, are not counted among the positive cases meaning the numbers may be much higher than what is currently being reported.

Mask mandates in Tehran have been announced and businesses and schools that were recently reopened have now shut down. Government officials have also announced their intent to begin contact tracing those who test positive. Travel bans on five major Iranian cities have been announced, including the capital city of Tehran and the holy city of Mashhad, AP reported.

The increased cases come as Iran is bracing for the upcoming flu season. Iran’s Red Crescent Society said U.S. sanctions were preventing the import of the flu vaccines they need.

The government of Iran has been hesitant to enact any wide-reaching mandates to stop the spread of COVID-19. Iran initially tried to downplay the severity of the pandemic but Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi has since warned that the country's true death toll could double. Harirchi tested positive for the coronavirus in February after at first downplaying the virus.

Restrictions to movement helped to lessen the spread earlier this year, but those restrictions were quickly lifted. Iran’s economy was already languishing before the pandemic due to sanctions by the U.S.

Source: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-brie...licy/521614-iran-coronavirus-deaths-top-30000.

 

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Kuwait, UAE report hundreds of new COVID-19 cases

Countries also see rise in number of recovering people

ISTANBUL

Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates Sunday reported hundreds of new coronavirus cases, with a rise in death toll as well.

In a written statement, the Health Ministry of Kuwait said 663 more people were infected with the novel coronavirus and another seven people lost their lives to the disease.

The nationwide case count rose to 116,146 and the death toll hit 701, it added. So far, 107,860 people have recovered from COVID-19 with the addition of 752 fresh recoveries.

In the United Arab Emirates, another 1,215 people caught the virus, raising the total caseload to 115,602. With four more people dying from the disease, the death toll across the nation rose to 463.

So far 107,516 people have recovered,with the recent addition of 1,162 people.

Since appearing in China in late December last year, the coronavirus pandemic has spread worldwide, claiming over 1.11 million lives in 189 countries and regions, and causing nearly 39.9 million infections, according to the latest figures from the US' Johns Hopkins University. Some 27.3 million people have recovered to date.

*Writing by Cansu Dikme

Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/kuwait-uae-report-hundreds-of-new-covid-19-cases/2011034.

 

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Pandemic kills 30 in Oman, 26 in Libya

COVID-19 death toll rises to 1,101 in Oman, 725 in Libya

ISTANBUL

Health authorities in Oman confirmed 30 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday, while Libya reported 26 fatalities.

In a statement, the Omani Health Ministry said 1,657 new infections and 1,395 recoveries were recorded over the past 48 hours, bringing the country’s tally to 109,953 cases, including 1,101 deaths, and 95,624 recoveries.

In Libya, the National Center for Disease Control said 945 new cases and 827 recoveries were registered over the past 24 hours.

Libya’s count now rose to 48,790 confirmed cases, including 725 deaths, and 26,889 recoveries.

Since appearing in China in late December last year, the coronavirus pandemic has spread worldwide, claiming over 1.11 million lives in 188 countries and regions, and causing nearly 39.7 million infections, according to the latest figures from the US' Johns Hopkins University.



*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara

Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/pandemic-kills-30-in-oman-26-in-libya/2010663.

 

[The Viper]

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat is in a critical condition with Covid-19 and has been placed on a ventilator, the Israeli hospital treating him says.

On Sunday, the 65-year-old was rushed to the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem from his home in Jericho, in the occupied West Bank.

His condition was described as "serious but stable", and he was given oxygen.

 

[MenInG]

Iran has reported its highest daily death toll from Covid-19, as the country grapples with what officials have called a “third wave” of its outbreak.

Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said 337 people had died in the past 24 hours, exceeding the previous daily high of 279 set last Wednesday and bringing the total since February to 30,712. She also announced 4,251 new confirmed cases.

"In recent days, we have witnessed an unprecedented increase in mortality from the disease," Ms Lari was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

The surge in infections and deaths since early September was the “result of [people] neglecting to comply with health protocols, reduced use of masks, and dangerous social behaviour”, she added.

The situation in Tehran is particularly bad, with intensive care units reportedly running at full capacity.

Authorities have closed schools, mosques, shops, restaurants and other public institutions in the capital and made it mandatory for people to wear face masks in public. Travel into and out of Tehran and four other major cities has also been banned.

 

[sweep_shot]

641 new coronavirus cases, 13 deaths reported in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Health has registered 641 new coronavirus cases and 13 deaths in Oman.

The total cases in the country have now touched 110,594 including 96400 recoveries and 1114 deaths, according to MOH.

In the past 24 hours, 776 recoveries were reported.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the MOH.

Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/641-new-coronavirus-cases-13-deaths-reported-in-oman.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus claims more lives in Iraq, Kuwait, UAE

Death toll rises to 10,317 in Iraq, 710 in Kuwait, 466 in UAE

ISTANBUL

Health authorities in Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) confirmed additional fatalities due to the coronavirus pandemic on Monday.

The Iraqi Health Ministry said 63 new deaths, 4,044 new cases and 3,055 recoveries were recorded, pushing the country’s tally to 430,678 confirmed cases, including 10,317 deaths, and 363,532 recoveries.

In Kuwait, the Health Ministry said nine people had died from COVID-19, while 686 new infections were registered over the past 24 hours.

The Gulf state’s count now rose to 116,832 cases, including 710 deaths, and 108,606 recoveries.

The UAE Health Ministry also recorded three deaths and 915 infections, taking the country’s nationwide figure to 116,517 cases, including 466 deaths, and 108,811 recoveries.

Since starting in China in late December last year, the coronavirus pandemic has spread worldwide, claiming over 1.11 million lives in 188 countries and regions, and causing nearly 40.1 million infections, according to the latest figures from the US' Johns Hopkins University.

* Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara

Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/latest-on-...-claims-more-lives-in-iraq-kuwait-uae/2011753.

 

[sweep_shot]

Iran’s New Coronavirus Cases Surge by Nearly a Fifth to Record

(Bloomberg) -- Iran’s new coronavirus cases jumped by a fifth to exceed 5,000 for the first time on Tuesday, as a weeks-long surge in infections threatens to overwhelm the country’s health system.

The Health Ministry recorded 5,039 cases overnight, spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari said, while 322 people died in the last 24 hours. Iran, which has the biggest outbreak in the Middle East and an economy weighed down by U.S. sanctions, has now registered 539,670 cases and 31,034 fatalities.

All but one of the country’s provinces are in the most severe tier for new infections, Lari said.

Government attempts to re-introduce lockdown measures that were eased after they took a major toll on the economy have so far failed to contain the outbreak. Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi has said non-emergency patients won’t be admitted to hospitals until further notice because of the high volume of Covid patients.

Source: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/iran-s-new-coronavirus-cases-surge-by-nearly-a-fifth-to-record-1.1510463.

 

[sweep_shot]

COVID-19 in GCC: 16 die in Saudi Arabia, 8 in Oman

886 new cases reported in Kuwait, 322 in Bahrain, 273 in Qatar

Kuwait
Kuwait on Monday reported 886 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 117,718, the Ministry of Health said.

The ministry also announced that four people have succumbed to the infection following complications caused by the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities to 714.

According to the ministry’s latest update, an additional 592 patients have made full recovery, pushing total recovered cases to 109,198. Meanwhile, there are 7,806 active cases, out of which 133 are still receiving treatment in intensive care units.

Oman
Oman today announced 439 new coronavirus cases and 8 deaths, bringing total infections in the Sultanate to 111,033 and fatalities to 1,122.

The country’s overall recoveries have so far touched 96,949 as a further 549 patients have fully recovered in the last 24 hours. The active cases stand at 12,962, including 207 that are critical.

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is continuing to witness a sharp fall in its daily tally of coronavirus cases and deaths, with only 385 new cases and 16 fatalities reported on Tuesday. This pushed the total number of confirmed infections in the Kingdom to 342,968 and death toll to 5,217, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.

According to the ministry, 375 new recoveries were reported over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of recoveries to 329,270, with the recovery rate touching 96 per cent.

With the continuous drop in new coronavirus infections, active cases have also fallen significantly to 8,481, out of which 840 are critical receiving treatment at ICUs .

Bahrain

Bahrain confirmed the detection of 322 new infections over the last 24 hours, raising the total coronavirus cases to 78,224.

The Ministry of Health announced that four people have died from the virus, raising fatality tally to 304.

The ministry confirmed additional 363 fresh recoveries, increasing overall recoveries to 74,683.

Qatar
The Ministry of Public Health announced that 273 people have tested positive for coronavirus cases during the past 24 hours, taking tally of infections to 129,944. No new deaths have been reported today, keeping fatality tally at 224.

According to Qatar’s latest update, 216 patients have fully recovered, pushing total recoveries to 126,866.

Active cases are now 2,854, out of which 379 are critical under intensive care.

Source: https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/covid-19-in-gcc-16-die-in-saudi-arabia-8-in-oman-1.74697633.

 

[sweep_shot]

COVID-19 in GCC: 18 die in Saudi Arabia, 15 in Oman
7 die in Kuwait, 5 in Bahrain, one in Qatar

Dubai: Kuwait today reported 813 new cases of COVID-19, taking the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 118,531, the Ministry of Health said.

Seven people have succumbed to the infection following complications caused by the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities to 721.

According to the ministry’s latest update, an additional 718 patients have made full recovery, pushing total recovered cases to 109, 916, leaving 7,894 active cases, including 133 that are critical receiving treatment in ICUs.

Oman
The Ministry of Health registered 451 new coronavirus cases, 15 deaths and 418 fresh recoveries in Oman over the past 24 hours.

The total cases in the country have now touched 111,484 including 87,367 recoveries and 1,137 deaths.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing protocols and precautionary measures issued by the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling COVID-19 for everyone’s safety.

Saudi Arabia
The daily tally of COVID-19 infections slightly increased in the Kingdom, with 405 new cases reported on Wednesday, compared to 385 reported on Tuesday. Total coronavirus cases have now hit 343,373.

The Ministry of Health announced 18 deaths, bringing fatality tally to 5,235, while a further 445 patients have fully recovered, pushing overall recoveries across the Kingdom to 329,715.

Active cases are now 8,423, including 804 that are critical receiving intensive care.

Bahrain
Bahrain confirmed the detection of 309 new infections over the last 24 hours, raising the total coronavirus cases to 78,533.

The Ministry of Health announced that five people died from the virus, raising fatality tally to 307.

The ministry confirmed additional 406 recoveries, increasing overall recoveries to 75,089. Meanwhile, 10,360 PCR tests have been conducted across the county during the past 24 hours.

Qatar
The Ministry of Public Health confirmed the detection of 266 new cases of coronavirus in Qatar during the past 24 hours, taking tally of infections to 129,944. One people has died of complications caused by the virus, bringing death toll to 225.

The ministry also announced that 227 patients have fully recoveries, pushing total recoveries to 127,093.

Active cases have declined to 2,892, out of which 373 are critical under intensive care.

Source: https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/qatar/covid-19-in-gcc-18-die-in-saudi-arabia-15-in-oman-1.74720245.

 

[sweep_shot]

451 new coronavirus cases, 15 deaths reported in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Health has registered 451 new coronavirus cases and 15 deaths in Oman.

The total cases in the country have now touched 111,484 including 97,367 recoveries and 1137 deaths, according to MOH.

In the past 24 hours, 418 recoveries were reported.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the MOH.

Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/451-new-coronavirus-cases-15-deaths-reported-in-oman.

 

[sweep_shot]

Iran reports highest daily coronavirus infections since Feb

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran’s health ministry on Wednesday reported 5,616 new coronavirus cases for the previous 24 hours, the highest daily number since February, bringing the national tally to 545,286 in the Middle East’s hardest-hit country.

Ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 312 people had died from the disease in the past 24 hours, bringing total fatalities to 31,346.

To stem a third wave of the outbreak, authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary trips and stay home, warning that hospitals in Tehran and some other major cities are overflowing with coronavirus patients.

On Tuesday, Health Minister Saeed Namaki appealed for more public and government support to enforce restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.

Earlier this month, mask-wearing became mandatory in public in Tehran, where the government said violators would be fined.

The government on Saturday extended restrictions and closures in the capital into a third week.

Authorities plan to impose similar restrictions in other cities, where the infection rates are high.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/hea...oronavirus-infections-since-feb-idUSKBN2761KH.

 

[sweep_shot]

Iran: The staggering number of Coronavirus fatalities in 460 cities exceeds 129,900

Deputy Health Minister: We expect the number of the Coronavirus patients to increase. The higher the hospital admissions, the higher the chance of death. (State TV, October 21, 2020)
Alireza Zali, head of the National Coronavirus Combat Taskforce (NCCT) in Tehran: More than 42% of the country’s critically ill Coronavirus patients are hospitalized in Tehran. A total of 10,000 patients were referred as outpatients in the past 24 hours. (Mehr news agency, October 22, 2020)
The NCCT in West Azerbaijan: We have no empty beds in hospitals. 1,254 people are hospitalized, 229 are in ICU and 75 are under ventilator. In the second wave of the outbreak, the maximum daily death rate was 20, but now it has reached 34. (Javan daily, October 22, 2020)
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: We are in a difficult situation. The ICU wards are completely full, and we do not have empty beds for critically ill patients. Within 24 hours, 621 new patients were identified and 19 have died. (Mehr, October 22, 2020)
Kermanshah Medical University of Sciences: We break the previous day’s records every day. We had 189 new patients in 24 hours. There are 724 Coronavirus patients hospitalized, 124 of which are in ICU, which is very worrying. (Javan daily, October 22, 2020)
The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) announced this afternoon, October 22, 2020, that the Coronavirus death toll in 460 cities had exceeded 129,900. The number of victims in Tehran is 31,261, Khorasan Razavi 9,817, Isfahan 6,922, Lorestan 5,588, East Azerbaijan 4,601, West Azerbaijan 3,711, Alborz 3,598, Fars 3,411, Kermanshah 2,803, Kurdistan 2,336, North Khorasan 2,239, Kerman 2,015, Yazd 1,931, Central Province 1,802, Bushehr 1,555, Qazvin 1,292, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari 997, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad 954.

Source: https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/ncri-st...irus-fatalities-in-460-cities-exceeds-129900/.

 

[sweep_shot]

353 new coronavirus cases, 10 deaths reported in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Health has registered 353 new coronavirus cases and 10 deaths in Oman.

The total cases in the country have now touched 111,837 including 97949 recoveries and 1147 deaths, according to MOH.

In the past 24 hours, 582 recoveries were reported.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the MOH.

Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/353-new-coronavirus-cases-10-deaths-reported-in-oman.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,563 Covid-19 cases, 1,704 recoveries, one death

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday reported 1,563 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,704 recoveries. One death was also reported.

As many as 120,351 new Covid-19 tests were carried out in the country, the ministry said.

The UAE has conducted over 12.1 million tests till date as part of the country's massive screening programmes to combat the spread of Covid-19. However, with a spike in Covid-19 cases in recent days, the ministry has urged the public to follow all preventive guidelines. The country has been reporting 1,000-plus cases since October 6.

Last month, the UAE granted approval for the emergency use of the Covid-19 vaccine that is being trialled here. The vaccine, developed by China's Sinopharm, is being administered to frontline heroes. Even as doctors in the UAE pin hopes on two Covid-19 vaccines being trialled in the country, they have cautioned residents against relying solely on them. It will take time for the masses to get immunised if and when a vaccine is approved, they said, urging residents to not lower their guards.

Meanwhile, Dubai rubbished media reports that entry regulations have been tightened for visit visa holders from five countries, and clarified that a majority of the tourist visa holders who were denied entry into Dubai since October 13, were unqualified job seekers carrying dummy return flight tickets and hotel reservations. Diplomatic sources revealed that more than 1,300 Pakistanis and nearly 250 Indians were denied entry into Dubai since October 13 for failing to meet certain pre-travel requirements. The official said Dubai Airport has seen growing passenger traffic in the last month. He also said DXB is expecting the numbers to go up considerably by the end of 2020.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101007448/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1563-Covid-19-cases-1704-recoveries-one-death.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,491 Covid-19 cases, 1,826 recoveries, no deaths

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 1,491 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,826 recoveries. No new deaths were reported.

As many as 124,404 new Covid-19 tests were carried out in the country, the ministry said.

The UAE has conducted over 12.22 million tests till date as part of the country's massive screening programmes to combat the spread of Covid-19. However, with a spike in Covid-19 cases in recent days, the ministry has urged the public to follow all preventive guidelines. The country has been reporting 1,000-plus cases since October 6.

Experts have been stressing that getting a jab against influenza has become more important in the time of Covid. According to doctors, the demand for the seasonal flu shot has surged like never before. Families, office-goers and the elderly are all queued up for vaccination appointments. Residents' increasing awareness of the importance of protecting oneself from viral infections has led to a spike in demand.

Recently, the UAE granted approval for the emergency use of the Covid-19 vaccine that is being trialled here. The vaccine, developed by China's Sinopharm, is being administered to frontline heroes. Even as doctors in the UAE pin hopes on two Covid-19 vaccines being trialled in the country, they have cautioned residents against relying solely on them. It will take time for the masses to get immunised if and when a vaccine is approved, they said, urging residents to not lower their guards.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101011278/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1491-Covid-19-cases-1826-recoveries-no-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

Jordan- 32 COVID deaths, 1,820 virus cases recorded Saturday

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — Thirty-two COVID-19 deaths and 1,820 coronavirus cases, including 1,818 local infections, were recorded in the Kingdom on Saturday, increasing the caseload to 50,750, the government announced.

The reported fatalities took the Kingdom's coronavirus death toll to 540, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

The local cases comprised 1,050 infections in Amman, 205 in Irbid, including 89 in Ramtha district, 235 in Zarqa, 63 in Aqaba, 21 in Ajloun, 40 in Jerash, 31 in Karak, 66 in Maan including 9 in Petra, 26 in Madaba, 36 in Mafraq, and 45 cases in Balqa.

Cases from abroad comprised two Jordanian truck drivers who tested positive at the Omari border crossing.

A total of 143 COVID-19 patients were admitted to accredited hospitals on Saturday, the statement said, adding that 1,167 cases are receiving treatment in hospitals, while the rest of COVID-19 positive people are under home quarantine.

The statement added that 59 recovered patients left accredited hospitals.

A total of 11,979 virus tests were also conducted on Saturday, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered to 1,695,215.

Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.

The ministry also highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as 'Sahtak' (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101015227/Jordan-32-COVID-deaths-1820-virus-cases-recorded-Saturday.

 

[sweep_shot]

Jordan- Gov't announces new list of sectors hit hard by COVID crisis

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — The government on Saturday announced the latest list of the most hard-hit sectors by the coronavirus, taking into consideration the latest decisions to continue the Friday comprehensive lockdown until the end of the year, and increasing daily curfew hours due to the rise in number of daily infections.

Minister of Labour and Minister of State for Investment Affairs Maen Qatamin announced the updated list under Defence Order No. 6 for 2020, noting that some sectors have been added to the October list due to the circumstances facing them and to support them to overcome the repercussions of the crisis.

The list is regularly issued by the minister of labour and minister of state for investment, and the minister of industry, trade and supply, approved by the prime minister, Qatamin said.

The list includes the following 32 sectors: Licensed tourism facilities, including Hajj and umra agencies and tourism facilities within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), recruitment agencies licensed under the Labour Law, domestic workers' recruitment facilities, air, land and maritime cargo shipment facilities, the public transportation sector, facilities for event, festival, conference and exhibition planning, wedding halls and event management facilities, car rental offices, and vocational and technical training academies and centres.

The list includes recreational areas and public parks, cinema houses and theatres, private sector museums, leather and knitting industries, Dead Sea products' sector, university services' offices, visa issuance offices, clearance offices and companies except those in ASEZ, facilities working in the pilot training and maintenance fields, publication and distribution facilities, popular restaurants and cafes, carpeting and furniture industries, grocery shops and shops that sell meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, dairy, cheese and eggs.

It also includes clothing, footwear and accessory shops; bakeries and sweets shops; newspapers; gyms, swimming pools and public baths; health clubs; ride-hailing application companies and yellow taxis; kindergartens and nurseries; education and cultural centres; and driving schools.

In September, the former government removed the clothing sector from the hard-hit sectors, while representatives at the time demanded that the government reconsider its decision to remove it from the list.

The current government has put the sector back on the list of hard-hit sectors.

Former labour minister Nidal Bataineh at the time said that workers in sectors not listed as hard-hit any longer deserve their full pay whether they are working on site or from home, and it is not allowed for employers to send the worker home and cut their pay any longer as well.

On the Labour Ministry's Facebook page, many people have commented that the list includes almost every sector in the country, wondering what kind of support or measures that entails, to which the ministry replied, 'the conditions are directly related to the epidemiological situation, generally, and the damage [to sectors] can be mitigated through benefitting from the government's programmes that are available or will be issued to the sectors.'

It added that while all sectors are impacted, some have been more damaged than others.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101015226/Jordan-Govt-announces-new-list-of-sectors-hit-hard-by-COVID-crisis.

 

[sweep_shot]

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,111 cases; 422 infections confirmed in Oman

The death toll in the UAE has risen to 480

Source: https://gulfbusiness.com/gcc-covid-...-1111-cases-422-infections-confirmed-in-oman/.

 

[sweep_shot]

Number of COVID recoveries in Oman nearly 100,000

Muscat: Close to 100,000 people who have tested positive for COVID-19, since the pandemic came to the country, have recovered from the disease.

99,997 people have successfully made a recovery from the virus, according to stats from the Ministry of Health.

The total number of positive COVID cases across all the governorates of the country, as of October 27, stood at 113,820, pointing to a recovery rate of 87.8 percent.

49 people with the disease have been hospitalised over the past 24 hours, while 435 coronavirus patients are still in hospital. 182 of them are in intensive care.

Figures from the ministry’s Tarassud COVID-19 monitoring app show that 81,282 of the confirmed cases in the country are men, while the remaining 31,650 are women. Among those infected, 70,005 are Omanis, while the other 42,027 are expatriates in the country.

1,204 people have sadly lost their lives from the disease, and around 12,619 are still sick. A total of 309,212 tests have been so far conducted among the population.

Source: https://www.timesofoman.com/article/number-of-covid-recoveries-in-oman-nearly-100000.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: Bahrain reports 278 Covid-19 cases, 356 recoveries

There are currently 24 Covid-19 cases in a critical condition, and 67 cases receiving treatment.
The Bahrain Health Ministry has reported 278 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 356 recoveries.

Of the new cases, 91 were among expatriate workers, 182 were contacts of active cases, and five were travel related.

Three new deaths were reported. The death toll stands at 245.

As many as 10,035 Covid-19 tests were carried out on October 26, the ministry said. The total number of recoveries stand at 77,132.

There are currently 24 Covid-19 cases in a critical condition, and 67 cases receiving treatment. 3,061 cases are stable out of a total of 3,085 active cases.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...ain-reports-278-covid-19-cases-356-recoveries.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: Sharjah social events in halls, hotels, homes can resume

Precautionary measures must be adhered at any events.
Under the directives of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the Executive Council of the Sharjah on Tuesday issued a decision permitting the resumption of holding social events in halls, hotels and homes, starting from November 1, according to conditions and controls.

According to the decision, in the event that the social event is held in a hall or hotel, the coronavirus precautionary measures issued by the Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Committee in the Emirate of Sharjah must be followed, and in the event that the social event is held at home, approvals are required from the nearest suburban council to the house.

The decision also specified a set of controls, precautionary requirements and preventive measures that ensure the safety and health of all participants in such events - the details of which will be announced later by the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Committee in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...ocial-events-in-halls-hotels-homes-can-resume.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,390 Covid-19 cases, 1,708 recoveries, 2 deaths

More than 12.66 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE so far.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 1,390 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,708 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported.

As many as 110,807 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to over 12.66 million so far.

Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that pre-travel Covid-19 test results from a total of seven laboratories in India will no longer be accepted in Dubai, according to Air India Express. Last month, Indian diplomatic sources, Air India Express and flydubai announced that test results from four labs will not be accepted. On Monday, October 26, three more labs were added to the list. These RT-PCR testing laboratories are Suryam Lab in Jaipur, Microhealth Labs in Kerala, Dr P Bhasin Pathlabs Ltd in Delhi, Noble Diagnostic Centre in Delhi, Aza diagnostic Centre, 360 Diagnostic and Health Services, and AARA Clinical Laboratories. India's budget carrier has also advised passengers on its blog to obtain pre-travel RT-PCR reports from Pure Health approved laboratories.

UAE residents and tourists arriving from select countries will now have to undergo two Covid-19 RT-PCR tests prior to their arrival in Dubai, confirmed Dubai's Emirates on Monday. Residents and tourists are now mandated to take one test before departure with a validity of 96 hours from the date of the test, and a second test upon arrival in Dubai. While this has been in practice at the airport since August, the airline has now released a list of countries where two RT-PCR tests, one pre-departure and one in Dubai, have been made mandatory. Passengers travelling from India, Pakistan or Bangladesh must get their certificates from one of the labs listed in the designated laboratories document to be accepted on the flight.

The police have urged those who are travelling to Abu Dhabi from other emirates to follow the procedures and instructions stipulated by the police and other authorities. In its attempt to make the flow of traffic smoother at the security points, the Abu Dhabi Police said travellers are required to show their Emirates ID and Covid clearance certificates while entering the emirate. They should also ensure that they adhere to all Covid safety rules, including wearing masks. The number of passengers allowed in one vehicle is three including the driver. Drivers should follow appropriate lanes at the check points. Signboards with different colours have been placed for different vehicles — red for emergency vehicles, blue for heavy vehicles and green for vehicles that have been permitted to enter the emirate.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...-1390-covid-19-cases-1708-recoveries-2-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

UAE launches ‘Your Data... Your Identity’ initiative to combat coronavirus

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) announced the launch of "Your Data... Your Identity" initiative with the aim of providing an updated digital platform that meets the goals of the medical sector and other sectors within the coordinated efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.



Brigadier Murshid Al Mazrouei stressed that the process of updating the data greatly and effectively supports the state’s efforts to confront the emerging coronavirus and limit its spread, as it provides a digital system that meets the requirements of the health sector, in addition to its pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of government services and providing them in accordance with the best standards of efficiency and flexibility.



"Your Data... Your Identity" identity initiative aims to update personal data through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship smartphone application, or through the Authority's website.



The first phase of the initiative aims to update the data of UAE nationals starting on Wednesday (Oct.28, 2020) and extending up to a month, and will be followed by all other segments of society at a later stage that will be announced.



The first phase of the initiative targets the age groups 18 to 60 years, in which each adult must be responsible for updating his or her personal data as well as those who are on his family register.



For any support and to ensure the immediate response to customer inquiries and for other services of the Authority, contact the call centre 600522222.

Source: https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2020/...our-identity-initiative-to-combat-coronavirus.

 

[sweep_shot]

Oman reserves over 1 million Covid-19 vaccines

Muscat: Oman plans to secure more than 3.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Minister of Health has said.

The vaccines will be delivered in in phases, according to Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Saidi, who said, “Regarding vaccinations, we seek to obtain the vaccine from any internationally accredited institution.

What has been reserved so far for the Sultanate in the first phase is 1.83 million doses. For the second phase, there will be 1.8 million doses.”

The Minister of Health’s statements came at a press conference, organised by the Supreme Committee to deal with COVID-19, during which he asked people in the country to follow the regulations issued to limit the spread of the disease in the country.

“I urge everyone, to protect yourselves, your family, your community, our health sector, and the national economy, by adhering to the precautionary measures,” said Al Saidi.

He also requested people to refrain from using social media to share videos that provided incorrect information about the state of the pandemic in the country.

“I call on everyone to avoid spreading rumours, as those who circulate these videos give advice on what they do not understand,” he added. “Unfortunately, they are the ones who distort the facts.”

Al Saidi went on to thank the frontline medical workers tasked with the care of COVID-19 infected patients in Oman, as well as all the other employees available to help them during these testing times.

He added that the recent lockdown had been a success, because the concerned authorities were able to decrease the number of illegal gatherings of people in large numbers, a leading cause for community-based transmission of the disease.

“Everyone realises that this virus is largely transmitted during gatherings, yet unfortunately, some are still not adhering to the Supreme Committee’s procedures,” explained Al Saidi.

“Some may ask why the number of infections decrease during a movement ban, whether partial or full. The answer is that because we were able to stop the number of un-permitted gatherings.”

“His Majesty’s directives have always been to not restrict the national economy, and he considers the health of the citizens and residents a top priority,” the Minister of Health said.

“The outcomes of the movement ban are positive. Whatever procedures are taken by the Supreme Committee are thoroughly considered and evaluated, against their pros and cons.”

The total number of positive cases in the Sultanate has reached 114,434, while 103,630 recoveries have been reported, pointing to a recovery rate of 90 per cent.

Meanwhile, 1,208 people have lost their lives due to the disease, according to the Ministry of Health. 57 people have been hospitalised for COVID-19 over the past 24 hours.

The total number of coronavirus patients in hospital stands at 447, with 185 of them in intensive care.

Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/oman-reserves-over-1-million-covid-19-vaccines.

 

[sweep_shot]

Iran hopes to introduce coronavirus vaccine within 4 months

The vaccine has achieved good results in three of about 12 cases, he said, adding, fortunately, the human trial will start in the coming weeks.

‘We hope to introduce the domestically-made vaccine by early next year and maybe sooner. The process of registration in the World Health Organization is also underway,” he explained, ISNA reported on Wednesday.

Under a new plan, a comprehensive disease screening will be started, and medical centers for COVID-19 treatment will increase to over 5,000 units, which are now 1,200 units, and the number of daily tests will reach from 25,000 to 40,000, he highlighted.

Some three million test kits are being imported to the country from South Korea, which takes between 20 and 25 minutes to identify the infection, he stated, adding, of course, this type of test is being produced domestically to perform 100,000 tests a day, which is the most successful method in early detection, he explained.

Namaki emphasized that with the cooperation of the Ministry of Communications, the COVID-19 patients will be tracked so that the identified positive cases will not be able to infect others by moving; it will drastically reduce mortality in the next months.

Death toll at record high

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Health Ministry spokesperson Sima-Sadat Lari confirmed 6,824 new cases of COVID-19 infection, raising the total number of infections to 588,648. She added that 467,911 patients have so far recovered, but 5,012 still remain in critical conditions of the disease.

During the past 24 hours, coronavirus daily deaths and new cases hit the record high, as 415 patients have lost their lives, bringing the total number of deaths to 33,714, she added.

Lari noted that so far 4,821,681 COVID-19 tests have been conducted across the country.

She said the high-risk “red” zones include provinces of Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, East Azarbaijan, South Khorasan, Semnan, Qazvin, Lorestan, Ardebil, Khuzestan, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh-Boyerahmad, Gilan, Bushehr, Zanjan, Ilam, Khorasan Razavi, Mazandaran, Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari, Alborz, West Azarbaijan, Markazi, Kerman, North Khorasan, Hamedan, Yazd, and Kordestan.

The provinces of Hormozgan, Fars, and Golestan and Sistan-Baluchestan are also on alert.

Source: https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/454027/Iran-hopes-to-introduce-coronavirus-vaccine-within-4-months.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,400 Covid-19 cases, 2,189 recoveries, 3 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 1,400 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 2,189 recoveries. Three deaths were also reported.

As many as 104,673 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to over 12.7 million tests so far.

Sniffer dogs are now being used at multiple UAE entry points to detect cases of Covid-19 among travellers, authorities have confirmed. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the K9 dogs have been deployed in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports, and at the Ghuwaifat border point. The police dogs screen for potentially infected passengers using small scent samples collected through an armpit swab. No direct contact happens between a passenger, dog or its handler, said the ministry. Instead, samples are presented to the dog in specialised medical kits placed in an isolated room and the canine can generally determine “within seconds” whether a person has the virus. Authorities said the initiative is an “additional defence measure” to enhance safety as airports open up and more daily flights land in the country.

A new drive-thru lane for Covid-19 tests has been opened in Abu Dhabi, in front of Capital Health Screening Centre (CHSC) at Al Jazira Sports Club in Muroor. Residents and tourists can get tested for Dh180, and there will be no need to book appointments. They will have the option to get results via SMS within 24 to 48 hours. The new drive-thru screening facility is a project of two Mubadala Healthcare facilities, CHSC and the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), which will be processing the tests.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...-1400-covid-19-cases-2189-recoveries-3-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: Bahrain reports 257 Covid-19 cases, 276 recoveries

There are currently 20 Covid-19 cases in a critical condition, and 71 cases receiving treatment.
The Bahrain health ministry has reported 257 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 276 recoveries.

Of the new cases, 88 were among expatriate workers, 160 were contacts of active cases, and nine were travel related. One new deaths was reported. The death toll stands at 317.

As many as 11774 Covid-19 tests were carried out on October 28, the ministry said, taking the total number of recoveries to 77,697.

There are currently 20 Covid-19 cases in a critical condition, and 71 cases receiving treatment. 2,988 cases are stable out of a total of 3,008 active cases.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...ain-reports-257-covid-19-cases-276-recoveries.

 

[sweep_shot]

UAE anti-coronavirus work pays with 96.8% recovery rate

The UAE has also figured among the top 10 countries in the world for coronavirus treatment.
The multidisciplinary approach to the disease, strict safety protocols and fines for flouting safety measures, sanitisation drives, ease to access medical treatment and equipment have all helped the UAE keep the Covid numbers stable, according to Dr Dirar Abdullah, consultant and chair of internal medicine at Prime Hospital.

"The numbers in the UAE seem to have stabilised, ranging between 1,300 and 1,500. Most of the patients now are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and in just a matter of 10 days, they are considered "non-infectious" and are on their road to recovery. We have also seen many critically-ill patients spring back to life, thanks to the UAE government that has given the healthcare sector the infrastructure and resources to provide these patients best medical care. We now have the expertise, best equipment such as ventilators in abundance and the right medication," he said.

Credits to efficient healthcare

Calling the high recovery rate, a "big achievement", Dr Jyoti Upadhyay, internal medicine specialist at Aster Hospital - Mankhool, said: "The UAE has achieved a recovery rate of 96.7 per cent and mortality rate of 0.5 per cent, the lowest in the world. This became possible because of the aggressive measures taken by the government to enforce anti-Covid protocols. Also, widened Covid testing has helped detect asymptomatic cases. The strict implementation of quarantine has helped to keep the spread in check. The government is continuously urging the public to follow safety norms and the enforcement of various fines has definitely helped.

"The UAE has also figured among the top 10 countries in the world for coronavirus treatment. This was based on sophistication and effectiveness of efforts to monitor the spread of the virus, treatment of patients, in addition to the capacity to develop, test, validate and deploy experimental vaccines and treatments," she added.

The number of new Covid cases in the UAE seems to level off, the number of daily recoveries is on the rise, and this is good news, stated Dr Jean Marc Gaeur, CEO RAK Hospital. "The strict measures put in place by the UAE regulatory bodies have allowed for a far better grip over the spread of Covid than many other parts of the world, where half-hearted and inefficient management has led to a situation that is totally spiralling out of control," he said.

Dr Gaeur added that in sharp contrast to the beginning of the pandemic "we now have a far better understanding of what exactly the virus does to the body". "Unlike earlier, we now have an armament of medications that, if given in-time, shorten the duration and severity of symptoms."

Dr Iajaz Ahmed, medical director and internist at NMC Specialty Hospital - Al Ain, also credited the efficiency of the healthcare system. "One of the significant reasons for such a positive recovery rate is due to an integrated and well-managed healthcare system in the country," he said.

"The home isolation and the institutional isolation has allowed patients with mild to moderate symptoms to recover at home and quarantine facilities, thus enabled the hospitals to attend to severe infection cases on priority. The UAE's increased coronavirus testing has helped early diagnosis and segregation of the patients is yet another reason to combat the spread of the virus effectively resulting in a better recovery rate," he added.

saman@khaleejtimes.com

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...-coronavirus-work-pays-with-968-recovery-rate.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,312 Covid-19 cases, 1,500 recoveries, 3 deaths

Nearly 12.9 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE so far.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Thursday reported 1,312 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,500 recoveries. Three deaths were also reported.

As many as 130,573 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to nearly 12.9 million tests so far.

The UAE has shown a high level of resilience in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and that is evident in the consistent drop in the number of active cases and steady recoveries the country has recorded in the past one week. Unprecedented levels of daily testing being conducted across the country have helped the UAE authorities bring down active Covid cases to below 4,000 for the first time in almost six months. Doctors have lauded the country's scientific approach, government agility in taking proactive steps to contain the virus, meticulous planning and concerted efforts by frontliners that they said has helped turn the tables over the crisis.

The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court has launched a campaign to vaccinate the families of martyrs with the coronavirus vaccine, in cooperation with the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Executive Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, said that the campaign was launched due to the significant attention of the UAE’s leadership for the families of martyrs while highlighting the constant monitoring of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and his keenness to provide the families of martyrs with their required services and decent and stable lives.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...-1312-covid-19-cases-1500-recoveries-3-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

Cash-strapped Oman receives $1bn in aid from Qatar

Oman has received $1 billion in direct financial aid from Qatar as the sultanate tries to mitigate its economic crisis which has been worsened by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and lower oil prices.

The Financial Times reported yesterday that Oman, which is one of the poorer Gulf sheikhdoms, is looking to its wealthier neighbours for much-needed financial assistance. According to the report, Qatar has already deposited $1bn in Oman’s central bank, with promises of more to come.

Ties between Muscat and Doha have deepened following the Saudi and Emirati-led embargo imposed on Qatar in 2017. Oman was one of the few neighbouring countries to sidestep the air, land and sea blockade, providing an alternative trade route.

The UAE may also provide some assistance, although there is concern among Omani officials that it will come with conditions that could erode the sultanate’s long-stranding neutrality in regional affairs. Oman maintains ties with Iran and also facilitates back channel talks between the Houthi-led government in Yemen and the Saudis.

Two weeks ago Oman’s sovereign rating was downgraded to a B+ by S&P Global Ratings and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that its GDP will contract by 10 per cent this year due to lower oil revenues and the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on its economy. A report earlier this week by Oil Price, noted that Oman was looking at “all financial options” as it faces a widening budget deficit presenting the sultanate with three main choices: producing more oil and gas despite lower prices; selling state assets; or requesting more money from China.

Oman has also reportedly introduced “revenue-raising and cost-cutting” measures, including a five per cent sales tax next year and plans to tax higher income earners. In a report today by Gulf News, Muscat will also introduce a five per cent increase on expatriate visa fees in order to support its Job Security System (JSS) which provides temporary financial benefits to Omani citizens who lose their jobs.

Following the government’s recent Omanisation policies which seek to reduce the expat population and incentivise more Omanis to join the workforce, the number of Indian expats in Oman has now fallen to 499,431. The Indian community still constitutes the largest expatriate community in the Sultanate, though, where foreigners account for more than 40 per cent of Oman’s 4.6 million population.

Source: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20201029-cash-strapped-oman-receives-1bn-in-aid-from-qatar/.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,172 Covid-19 cases, 1,460 recoveries, 2 deaths

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday reported 1,172 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,460 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported.

As many as 143,336 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to nearly 13 million tests so far.

The UAE recorded an astounding 96.8 per cent recovery rate of Covid-19 patients as it reported 1,500 recoveries yesterday. The country has also achieved a recovery rate of 96.7 per cent and mortality rate of 0.5 per cent, the lowest in the world. Lauding the government's robust support to the healthcare sector and implementation of the Covid safety measures, doctors said that the measures have helped the number of new Covid cases 'stabilise and increase in the recovery rate significantly. This became possible because of the aggressive measures taken by the government to enforce anti-Covid protocols. Also, widened Covid testing has helped detect asymptomatic cases. The strict implementation of quarantine has helped to keep the spread in check. However, the government is continuously urging the public to follow safety norms and the enforcement of various fines has definitely helped.

Meanwhile, the residents are all set to welcome a ‘safe and sanitised' fourth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) today. The annual event is one of the most sought events where families and individuals break a sweat, irrespective of their fitness levels. The event will kick off with more than 200 virtual sessions and 2,000 classes across 150 locations with strict safety and hygiene regulations, social distancing guidelines and sanitisation requirements.

The authorities have also announced the reopening of the Dubai Miracle Garden and Al Ain's Jebel Hafit Desert Park from this Sunday with strict safety measures in place. All necessary measures and protocols have been put in place in line with the government health authority's requirements and procedures. Social distancing rules will also be strictly implemented at the venues.

MENAFN3010202000490000ID1101044323

Source: https://menafn.com/1101044323/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1172-Covid-19-cases-1460-recoveries-2-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

Palestine records 504 new coronavirus cases, 8 deaths

RAMALLAH, Friday, October 30, 2020 (WAFA) – Minister of Health Mai Alkaila announced today that 504 new cases of coronavirus and eight deaths were recorded in Palestine during the last 24 hours.

In her daily report on the coronavirus pandemic, Alkaila said three Palestinians died of the virus in Ramallah, one in Salfit, one in Hebron, one in Jericho and one in Rafah. She said the latest figures bring up the total number of deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic in Palestine to 553.

On the geographic distribution of the new infections, Alkaila pointed out that 37 cases were recorded in Hebron, 82 in Nablus, 49 in Bethlehem, 7 in Qalqilia, 35 in Ramallah, 34 in Jenin, 11 in Jericho, 23 in Tulkarm, 3 in Tubas, 178 in the Gaza Strip, and 12 in the West Bank side of Jerusalem district.

On recoveries, Alkaila noted that 88.4 percent of the total coronavirus patients in Palestine have recovered so far, while active cases reached 10.7 percent, and deaths rose to 0.9 percent.

The Health Minister added that 39 coronavirus patients are currently under intensified care, of whom six are on respirators.

M.N

Source: https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/120770.

 

[Firebat]

Iran imposes new restrictions to stem coronavirus spread: Rouhani

(Reuters) - Weddings, wakes and conferences will be banned in the Iranian capital until further notice as the Middle East’s hardest-hit nation battles a third wave of COVID-19, police said on Saturday.

President Hassan Rouhani meanwhile announced new restrictions that will take effect on Wednesday in 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces for 10 days.

The official IRNA news agency said Tehran police had extended by one week the closure of businesses including beauty salons, teahouses, cinemas, libraries and fitness clubs.

Police will make unannounced visits to other high-risk businesses, and those that violate health protocols will be shut down, IRNA quoted police official Nader Moradi as saying.

Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said in a televised press briefing that the new restrictions from next week in the 25 provinces and 89 counties will include include the closure of institutions such as schools, universities, libraries and mosques.

Rouhani said in televised remarks that strict health protocols should be observed when holding weddings and funerals in those provinces and counties.

Iranian authorities have blamed a sharp increase in cases on people failing to follow restrictions, and Rouhani said an operations headquarters will be set up to ensure compliance with the health protocols.

Total COVID-19 deaths rose by 386 over the past 24 hours to reach 34,864, health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV on Saturday, adding total cases rose by 7,820 to 612,772.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...stem-coronavirus-spread-rouhani-idUSKBN27G0HY

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,121 Covid-19 cases, 1,295 recoveries, 5 deaths

More than 13 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE so far.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 1,121 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,295 recoveries. Five deaths were also recorded.

As many as 143,991 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to nearly 13.18 million tests so far.

The UAE recorded 96.8 per cent recovery rate of Covid-19 patients and also achieved a recovery rate of 96.7 per cent and mortality rate of 0.5 per cent, the lowest in the world. However, the government is continuously urging the public to follow safety norms and the enforcement of various fines has definitely helped.

The authorities have also called on residents to obtain information from its official sources and not to circulate rumours or news issued by fake accounts. The Mohap has denied rumours circulating on social media about treatment advice for those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. The rumours include taking various vitamins daily or weekly, without contacting governmental health authorities.

In Dubai, the fourth edition of the 30-day fitness fest got off to a flying start with the participants following social distancing norms amid the pandemic. The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), which will run until November 28, features three dedicated fitness villages at the Kite Beach, Al Khawaneej and the Dubai Festival City Mall.

Source: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/corona...-1121-covid-19-cases-1295-recoveries-5-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

Don't fall for fake COVID-19 treatment methods, warns UAE ministry

Be alert and take professional help and check UAE ministry websites for information

Dubai: Beware people, do not fall for fake claims and recommendations on various online channels about COVID-19 cure and treatments, alerted the UAE health ministry on Saturday.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) denied the rumors on social media about adopting a treatment method for those who develop COVID-19 symptoms, which includes taking various vitamins once on daily or weekly basis, without contacting governmental health authorities.

MOHAP urged people who have COVID-19 symptoms to contact health authorities and ignore the rumors.

Obtain accurate information from the official website of the ministry and its official accounts on social media, MOHAP said.

Source: https://gulfnews.com/uae/health/don...nt-methods-warns-uae-ministry-1.1604112528001.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus claims 48 more lives in Iraq

(MENAFN) The cumulative number of the confirmed COVID-19 cases that have been recorded in Iraq since it has been hit by the pandemic has raised to 472,630, as 1,997 more patients tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours ending on Monday, the country's ministry of health announced.

According to the ministerial statement, the overall tally of patients who have so far survived their deadly infection and been accordingly discharged from hospitals has jumped by 2,414 to 399,655, whereas in the meantime, a number of 48 more lives were claimed by the virus, lifting the death toll to 10,910 .

It further revealed that the country has conducted mass testing campaign for a total of 2,862,007 suspected cases, with 12,672 of them carried out in the previous 24-hour period.

It is worth noting that the clear decline in new COVID-19 cases on Saturday came with a drop in the number of tests during the day, which is nearly half of the routine number in recent weeks.


MENAFN0111202000450000ID1101051371

Source: https://menafn.com/1101051371/Coronavirus-claims-48-more-lives-in-Iraq&source=30.

 

[sweep_shot]

Jordan- 37 COVID deaths, 3,259 virus cases recorded on Sunday

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — Thirty-seven COVID-19 deaths and 3,259 infections were recorded in the Kingdom on Sunday, increasing the caseload to 75,866, the government announced.

The reported fatalities took the Kingdom's coronavirus death toll to 866, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

The local cases comprised 2,199 infections in Amman, 264 in Zarqa, 197 in Irbid, including three in Ramtha district, 118 in Maan, including 21 in Petra district, 88 in Aqaba, 86 in Ajloun, 85 in Madaba, 71 in Balqa, 66 in Karak, 42 in Mafraq, 35 in Tafileh and eight in Jerash.

A total of 218 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals on Sunday, increasing the number of cases receiving treatment in hospitals to 1,553, of which 279 patients were in ICUs, the statement said.

The statement also added that 140 recovered patients left hospitals.

A total of 19,588 virus tests were also conducted on Sunday, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered to 1,879, 955.

Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.

The ministry also highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as 'Sahtak' (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

MENAFN0111202000280000ID1101053116

Source: https://menafn.com/1101053116/Jordan-37-COVID-deaths-3259-virus-cases-recorded-on-Sunday.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus Kills 440 More Iranians: Ministry

Iran’s Health Ministry spokeswoman has confirmed 440 new fatalities caused by the novel coronavirus, the biggest daily rise in the number of deaths since the beginning of the outbreak, increasing the overall death toll to 35,738.

In her press briefing on Monday, Sima-Sadat Lari reported 8,289 new cases of COVID-19 infection, raising the total number of cases to 628,780.

So far, she added, 491,247 patients have recovered from the disease or been discharged from the hospital.

Lari said 5,315 patients are also in critical conditions caused by more severe infection.
The spokeswoman noted that 5,001,422 COVID-19 tests have been taken across the country so far.

She said the high-risk “red” zones include Tehran, Qom, Mazandaran, East Azarbaijan, Isfahan, Yazd, Ardabil, Khorasan Razavi, Khuzestan, Hamadan, West Azarbaijan, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Alborz, Lorestan, Markazi, Ilam, South Khorasan, Kermanshah, North Khorasan, Semnan, Gilan, Zanjan, Qazvin, Kurdistan, and Kerman provinces.

The “orange” and “yellow” zones also include Golestan, Hormozgan, Fars, and Sistan-and-Baluchestan provinces, she added.

Source: https://ifpnews.com/coronavirus-kills-440-more-iranians-ministry.

 

[sweep_shot]

Jordan records daily high of 5,877 COVID cases, 47 deaths

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — Forty-seven COVID-19 deaths and 5,877 infections were recorded in the Kingdom on Monday, increasing the caseload to 81,743, the government announced.

The reported fatalities took the Kingdom's coronavirus death toll to 913, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

The local cases comprised 3,361 infections in Amman, 884 in Zarqa, 623 in Irbid, including 290 in Ramtha district, 197 in Maan, including 12 in Petra district, 107 in Aqaba, 108 in Ajloun, eight in Madaba, 294 in Balqa, 87 in Karak, 75 in Mafraq, 58 in Tafileh and 75 in Jerash.

A total of 217 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals on Monday, increasing the number of cases receiving treatment in hospitals to 1,693, of which 289 patients are in ICUs, the statement said

The statement also added that 118 recovered patients left hospitals.

A total of 33,846 virus tests were also conducted on Monday, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered to 1,913,801.

Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.

The ministry also highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as 'Sahtak' (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

MENAFN0211202000280000ID1101059393

Source: https://menafn.com/1101059393/Jordan-records-daily-high-of-5877-COVID-cases-47-deaths.

 

[sweep_shot]

Egypt- Madbouly follows up on COVID-19 protocol treatment medicines availability

New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Prime Minister and the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Tuesday received a shot of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm.

Sheikh Mohammed tweeted about this development along with his photo getting vaccinated.

"While receiving the Covid-19 vaccine today. We wish everyone safety and great health, and we are proud of our teams who have worked relentlessly to make the vaccine available in the UAE. The future will always be better in the UAE," he wrote on Twitter.

Al Jazeera reported that Sheikh Mohammed is the latest Emirati official to get the vaccine developed by Sinopharm.

He is the latest person to receive the vaccine after dozens of other Emirati officials.

On October 16, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the UAE, received the vaccine, followed by Mohammed Abdullah al-Gergawi, the UAE Minister for Cabinet Affairs.

Front-line healthcare workers in the UAE also got the shot, according to local media reports.

The UAE had earlier approved the use of a Covid-19 vaccine for frontline workers after successful clinical trials in Abu Dhabi.

Local media in the UAE reported that the vaccine was developed by Sinopharm, based in China, where Phases I and II of the trials were successfully conducted.

The UAE is involved through an agreement with technology company Group 42 and was chosen for Phase III trials.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101065491/UAE-PM-takes-a-shot-of-Chinese-Covid-vaccine.

 

[sweep_shot]

Jordan adds 62 COVID deaths, 4,658 infections on Wednesday

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — Sixty-two COVID-19 deaths and 4,658 cases were recorded in the Kingdom on Wednesday, increasing the caseload to 91,234, the government announced.

The reported fatalities took the Kingdom's coronavirus death toll to 1,029, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

The local cases comprised 2,274 infections in Amman, 528 in Zarqa, 670 in Irbid, including 166 in Ramtha district, 136 in Maan, including four in Petra district, 131 in Aqaba, 89 in Ajloun, 99 in Madaba, 444 in Balqa, 23 in Karak, 213 in Mafraq, 47 in Tafileh and four in Jerash.

A total of 247 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals on Wednesday, increasing the number of cases receiving treatment in hospitals to 1,617, of which 374 patients are in ICUs, the statement said.

The statement also added that 195 recovered patients left hospitals.

A total of 20,737 virus tests were also conducted on Wednesday, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered to 1,955,425.

Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.

The ministry also highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as 'Sahtak' (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101073970/Jordan-adds-62-COVID-deaths-4658-infections-on-Wednesday.

 

[sweep_shot]

Combating coronavirus: How Abu Dhabi deals with Covid waste

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Authorities in Abu Dhabi have taken additional measures to handle Covid-19-related waste such as face masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE). The Centre for Waste Management in Abu Dhabi (Tadweer) said it has provided additional waste containers 'where needed.

'This is coupled with thorough environmental, safety and health protocols and supervision for all the employees deployed in ... waste collection and transportation services, Mubarak Al Ameri, department director, Collection and Transport Projects at Tadweer, told Khaleej Times.

Residents found littering used PPE are being fined and warned by the authorities concerned, the official said. Employees are routinely trained to deal with such waste.

'We have introduced suitable picking tools to be used in the removal of illegally disposed masks and gloves along the streets, alleys, open areas and others. We ensure that the personnel wear the required PPE, said Al Ameri.

In order to protect the environment, Tadweer said it has stepped up field inspections to identify locations where Covid waste is dumped to clear them around the clock.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, had said in April that PPE litter could contribute to the spread of Covid-19 . "Masks should be disposed of properly in waste bins."

Source: https://menafn.com/1101072137/Combating-coronavirus-How-Abu-Dhabi-deals-with-Covid-waste.

 

[sweep_shot]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,161 Covid-19 cases, 1,493 recoveries, 2 deaths

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 1,161 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,493 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported.

As many as 116,083 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to more than 13.58 million tests in the country so far.

Sheikh Mohammed receives Covid-19 vaccine

Yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. "We ask God to protect everyone and heal everyone," Sheikh Mohammed said in a post shared on his official Twitter account. He posted a photo in which he can be seen receiving the vaccine in his shoulder. "We appreciate the efforts of the teams that worked hard to make our country one of the first to receive the vaccine for this virus. The future is always better and more beautiful in the United Arab Emirates," Sheikh Mohammed said. The UAE's frontline heroes, ministers and top officials have been receiving the Covid-19 jab after the UAE granted approval for emergency use.

Abu Dhabi private schools to resume campus learning from January

Abu Dhabi private schools will start welcoming students in full strength starting January 2021, government authorities announced on Tuesday. On August 30, schools in Abu Dhabi had reopened and started receiving students in phases along with the option of online learning for the first semester of the academic year. However, according to the new announcement, schools will have classrooms full of students from January, coinciding with the start of the second semester of the academic year. On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi Government Media Office in a statement said the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic and the Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) have agreed that private schools in Abu Dhabi will welcome all students back to classrooms from January.

Covid-recovered patients could get infected again: UAE govt spokesperson

It is possible for people to get infected even after recovering from Covid-19 or taking the vaccine under the clinical trial, the UAE authorities said on Tuesday. Dr Omar Al Hammadi, the official spokesperson for the UAE government, explained that the antibodies that the body develops after a Covid infection or after receiving the jab have various life spans. 'Some of the antibodies can last for life and some last for a specific period after vaccination or infection, Al Hammadi said during the Press briefing. He added that viruses also change and mutate over a period of time, which may affect one's immunity.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101072141/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1161-Covid-19-cases-1493-recoveries-2-deaths.

 

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Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,289 Covid-19 cases, 1,135 recoveries

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Thursday reported 1289 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1135 recoveries. Three deaths were also reported.

As many as 131,633 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to over 13.6 million tests so far.

New requirements for entering Abu Dhabi announced

The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic on Wednesday announced new requirements for entering the emirate. Starting Sunday, November 8, all UAE citizens and expats, including returning Abu Dhabi residents, must enter the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) laser test result. If they stay on for more than four days, they must mandatorily take a PCR test on the fourth day. The day of arrival is counted as the first day. If they stay for more than eight days, they must take another PCR test on the eighth day. The new requirements nullify the earlier rule announced on September 4, where a mandatory PCR test had to be taken on the sixth day.

UAE leaders laud frontliners in coronavirus fight, discuss national issues in meeting

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Wednesday. During the meeting, both sides discussed several national issues related to making the Emirati community happy and providing citizens and residents with safety and decent lives. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed lauded the efforts of medical and nursing teams and other frontliners in the country to limit the spread of coronavirus, Covid-19, and protect members of the community from the pandemic, which requires adherence to the precautionary measures issued by relevant authorities to citizens and residents.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101079203/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1289-Covid-19-cases-1135-recoveries.

 

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Qatar health expert joins UN Covid-19 initiative

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Dr Soha al-Bayat, head of vaccination at the Ministry of Public Health and Covid-19 Contact Track and Trace Lead for Qatar, has joined leading experts from around the world as part of Team Halo, an initiative of the United Nations and the Vaccine Confidence Project to engage millions of people in the international effort to find safe and effective vaccines for Covid-19.
Launched in mid-October, the initiative brings together around 20 international health experts and scientists as ‘guides' to share stories of their involvement in the development of a vaccine for Covid-19.
The guides share updates and facts related to Covid-19 vaccines via TikTok and other social media platforms.
'I am honoured to be part of this hugely important global initiative and have the opportunity to keep people updated, both here in Qatar and around the world, on the latest developments and progress in the international effort to find a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine, said Dr al-Bayat.
'Here in Qatar we have already signed two agreements with international pharmaceutical companies to procure its Covid-19 vaccine as soon as they are released for global use and we are in advanced discussions with several other companies.
Our aim is to ensure that we have early access to the vaccine in Qatar as soon as clinical trials show a vaccine is safe and effective and quickly following their approval for public use, explained Dr al-Bayat.
To date, Dr al-Bayat has posted four video updates, in both Arabic and English, on TikTok covering various topics related to the Covid-19 vaccine which have been viewed more than 200,000 times.
'Dr Soha's extensive experience and expertise in the field of vaccination, combined with her ability to deliver messages in both Arabic and English, makes her a valuable member of our team of expert guides, said Anna Nolan, co-project director for Team Halo.
'The Team Halo initiative is delivering accurate and trusted information directly from leading experts in the field around the world. The initiative aims to increase public confidence in Covid-19 vaccines and counter misinformation by bringing the public closer to the people at the heart of the global search for the vaccine, added Nolan.
To keep up-to-date with Dr al-Bayat and her Team Halo stories, follow her TikTok account @dr.soha_qatar
For more information on Team Halo, visit https://teamhalo.org and follow the hashtags #teamhalo and #learnonticktok

Source: https://menafn.com/1101074147/Qatar-health-expert-joins-UN-Covid-19-initiative.

 

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Qatar- MoI reminds public to abide by Covid-19 preventive measures

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reiterated the need to follow the Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures to ensure everyone's safety. The ministry has posted a slew of awareness messages on social media to remind the public of the need to follow these measures.
"Compromising on safety measures against the coronavirus in commercial complexes and public places will lead to an increase in the spread of infection," one of the posts said. "Your commitment to the preventive measures enhances your safety and that of others."
Using a facemask, practising social distancing and keeping the Ehteraz app activated are essential measures to control the spread of Covid-19, the MoI stressed. "Adherence to the above reflects your social commitment to public safety," it added.
The ministry said people's commitment to wearing a mask while they go out protects them and others from coronavirus and reflects their concern for public safety, especially while they are in enclosed spaces and shopping complexes.
A gap of 2m should be maintained from other people to ensure proper social distancing. Noting that compliance with the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus is one's "national and moral duty", the MoI said: "As a reminder of Cabinet decisions, all citizens and residents are obligated not to have more than four persons in a vehicle, including the driver, and to wear the mask while going out."
Families are exempted from the rule to have a maximum of four persons in a vehicle. The ministry also stressed that showing the Ehteraz app status while entering shopping malls, public institutions, ministries and other public places ensures your safety and that of others... always make sure to display the app.
To ensure that the Ehteraz app works properly, people should keep their device's Bluetooth enabled and location feature activated. The device should also be connected to the Internet. The app gives access to multiple services that help enhance Covid-19 precautionary measures and prevent the spread of the virus, in addition to providing information on the latest developments, statistics, notifications, alerts and awareness instructions.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101084942/Qatar-MoI-reminds-public-to-abide-by-Covid-19-preventive-measures.

 

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Iran reports 8,864 daily COVID-19 cases, 663,800 in total

(MENAFN - IANS)

Tehran, Nov 7 (IANS) Iran's health ministry reported 8,864 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total nationwide number to 663,800.

The pandemic has so far claimed 37,409 lives in Iran, up by 424 in the past 24 hours, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, during her daily briefing on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

A total of 509,952 people have recovered from the disease and been discharged from hospitals, while 5,495 remain in intensive care units, she added.

According to the spokeswoman, 5,147,249 tests for the virus have been carried out in Iran as of Friday.

Currently, the risk of infection is high in 27 Iranian provinces, Lari noted.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101086410/Iran-reports-8864-daily-COVID-19-cases-663800-in-total&source=27.

 

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Three deaths, 681 new coronavirus cases in Palestine

Palestine has recorded three deaths and 681 new COVID-19 cases, announced the Palestinian Minister of Health Mai al-Kileh Friday.

The deaths reported involve a 62-year-old man in Jenin, a 75-year-old man in Tulkarm, and 50-year-old woman in Ramallah and al-Bireh.

The recovery rate stands at 88.2 percent, while the active cases rate is 10.94 percent and the death rate is 0.84 percent.

The new coronavirus cases included 50 in Hebron; 81 in Nablus; 38 in Bethlehem; 17 in Qalqilya; 30 in Ramallah and al-Bireh; 26 in Jenin; 20 in Jericho and Al-Aghwar; seven in Salfit; eight in Tulkarem; 10 in Tubas; 259 in Gaza Strip; eight in the suburbs of Jerusalem and 127 in Jerusalem City.

A total of 658 recovery cases have been recorded involving 104 in Hebron; 38 in Jenin; 44 in Nablus; 39 in Tulkarem; nine in Qalqilya; four in Tubas; 29 in Salfit; 110 in Bethlehem; 129 in Ramallah and al-Bireh; 152 in Jericho and Al-Aghwar; 199 in Gaza Strip and 38 in Jerusalem City.

Currently, 35 people are in the Intensive Care Unit and seven are on ventilators.

Source: https://en.royanews.tv/news/23303/Three-deaths--681-new-coronavirus-cases-in-Palestine.

 

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Jordan- 40 COVID deaths, 4,630 infections recorded Thursday

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — Forty COVID-19 deaths and 4,630 virus cases were recorded in the Kingdom on Thursday, increasing the caseload to 95,864, the government announced.

The reported fatalities took the Kingdom's coronavirus death toll to 1,069, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

The local cases comprised 2,833 infections in Amman, 703 in Zarqa, 421 in Irbid, including 63 in Ramtha district, 110 in Maan, including 14 in Petra district, 117 in Aqaba, 119 in Ajloun, 20 in Madaba, 152 in Balqa, 75 in Karak, 73 in Mafraq and seven in Jerash, while Tafileh did not record any cases.

A total of 233 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals on Thursday, increasing the number of people receiving treatment in hospitals to 1,590, of which 323 patients were in ICUs, the statement said.

The statement also added that 148 recovered patients left hospitals.

A total of 25,258 virus tests were also conducted on Thursday, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered to 1,980,683.

The percentage of positive tests on Thursday stood at 18.3 per cent, the statement added.

Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.

The ministry also highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as 'Sahtak' (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101089050/Jordan-40-COVID-deaths-4630-infections-recorded-Thursday.

 

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Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,141 Covid-19 cases, 672 recoveries, 4 deaths

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 1,141 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 672 recoveries.

Four deaths were also reported in the country as a result of the illness. 132,374 new tests have been carried out and there are 2,910 active covid-19 cases in the country.

Nearly 14 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE so far.

The Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic had earlier also announced new requirements for entering the emirate.

Starting Sunday, November 8, all UAE citizens and expats, including returning Abu Dhabi residents, must enter the emirate within 48 hours of receiving a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or diffractive phase interferometry (DPI) laser test result. If they stay on for more than four days, they must mandatorily take a PCR test on the fourth day. The day of arrival is counted as the first day. If they stay for more than eight days, they must take another PCR test on the eighth day. The new requirements nullify the earlier rule announced on September 4, where a mandatory PCR test had to be taken on the sixth day.

Authorities in the UAE have called on citizens and residents not to circulate unconfirmed details about the Covid-19, and to follow the social media channels for the official authorities, and the mainstream media for accurate information.

Anyone spreading fake information and rumours on social media about coronavirus in the country will be punished according to the online law, the ministry has warned. On Thursday, two men — who were accused of fabricating a report about five members of an Emirati family dying of Covid-19 — have been sentenced to two years in jail. The court also ordered that the interviewee who provided false information to the reporter be deported at the end of his prison term.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Health Authority has announced that the PCR Covid-19 testing stations at malls across Dubai are now accepting walk-in customers. Operating hours have also changed. The testing stations at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira are open for walk-ins from Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 5pm and from Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101088346/Coron...id-19-cases-672-recoveries-4-deaths&source=22.

 

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Iran reports record daily COVID-19 cases, announces new curbs

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Iran announced new lockdown curbs on Saturday after registering a record daily number of COVID-19 cases and another 423 deaths from the disease in the Middle East's worst-hit country.

The latest Health Ministry data, which registered 9,450 new infections in the last 24 hours, took the total number of confirmed cases to 673,250 and raised the death toll to 37,832, a ministry spokeswoman told state television.

Iran's government recently imposed new restrictions as the country battles a third wave of the virus, and President Hassan Rouhani announced further measures on Saturday.

Starting on Tuesday, for one month, all non-essential businesses will have to close at 6 p.m. (Editing by Helen Popper)

Source: https://menafn.com/1101088393/Iran-reports-record-daily-COVID-19-cases-announces-new-curbs.

 

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Palestine records 431 new coronavirus cases, one death

RAMALLAH, Saturday, November 7, 2020 (WAFA) – Minister of Health Mai Alkaila announced today that 431 new infections and one death of coronavirus were registered across Palestine during the last 24 hours. In addition, 438 new recoveries were registered.

In her daily report on the coronavirus pandemic, Alkaila said a 70-year-old man from Jenin, north of the West Bank, died from complications resulting from the novel virus.

She said 62 of the new cases were registered in Nablus, 44 in Bethlehem, 20 in Jenin, 13 in Ramallah, 10 in Salfit, 9 in Tulkarm, 6 in Hebron, 5 in Tubas, 3 in Jericho, and 3 in the West Bank side of the Jerusalem Governorate. In the Gaza Strip, a total of 250 new cases were registered as well. No data were available concerning the situation of the pandemic in occupied East Jerusalem.

According to the Health Minister, the rate of recovery has so far reached 88.3 percent of the total cases since the start of the pandemic in March, whereas active cases reached 10.9 percent and deaths slightly declined to 0.8 percent.

She pointed out that 34 coronavirus patients remain in intensive care, of whom 7 are on respirators.

M.N

Source: https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/120875.

 

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Iran reveals COVID-19 data for November 8

(MENAFN - Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 8

By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:

As many as 9,236 people have been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours in Iran, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Trend reports citing the ministry.

According to Sadat Lari, 459 more people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.

Sadat Lari added that the condition of 5,523 people is critical.

The official said that Iran's Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, East Azerbaijan, South Khorasan, Semnan, Qazvin, Lorestan, Ardabil, Khuzestan, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Gilan, Bushehr, Zanjan, Ilam, Razavi Khorasan, Mazandaran, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari, Alborz, West Azerbaijan, Markazi, Kerman, North Khorasan, Hamadan, Yazd and Kurdistan provinces are considered 'red' zones.

So far, more than 5.22 million tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from Iranian officials, over 682,400 people have been infected, and 38,291 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 520,300 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

The country continues to apply strict measures to contain further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101090544/Iran-reveals-COVID-19-data-for-November-8.

 

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Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,111 Covid-19 cases, 683 recoveries

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Sunday reported 1,111 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 683 recoveries. No new deaths were reported.

As many as 154,882 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to more than More than 14 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the country so far.

Yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that the UAE believes in tolerance, openness and coexistence with all peoples, highlighting that the model that the UAE adopts in terms of human diversity is similar to that of the United Nations, where the UAE opens its doors for all people to realise their dreams. This came in His Highness's speech during the resumed session of the High-level Meeting to Commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.

Meanwhile, India-bound travellers — who are seeking exemption from institutional quarantine but do not have a negative PCR Covid-19 test report at hand — may now take the test upon their arrival at the airport, according to the new guidelines of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. However, not all airports in India have this testing facility. Passengers who will be arriving without a negative RT-PCR test report and do not have the option to get screened at the airport will have to undergo seven days of institutional quarantine and seven days of home quarantine. The Indian ministry issued the latest guidelines on November 5, superseding the rules set on August 2.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101091052/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1111-Covid-19-cases-683-recoveries.

 

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Jordan sees 52 deaths, 4,519 new Covid cases-MoH

(MENAFN - Jordan News Agency) Amman, Nov. 8 (Petra) - The Ministry of Health announced 52 fatalities and 4,519 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the Kingdom on Sunday, bringing the death toll to 1233, and total caseload to 109,321, since the onset of the pandemic.
The domestic cases comprised 2,317 cases in the governorate of the capital, Amman, 828 in Zarqa, 439 in Irbid, including 147 in northern border district of Ramtha, 203 in Karak, 177 in Aqaba, 133 in Balqa, 126 in Mafraq, 113 in Ma'an, including 37 in southern district of Petra, 79 in Jerash, 72 in Madaba, 27 in Tafila, and 5 in Ajloun, according to the media statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.
The number of cases admitted on Sunday for treatment in accredited hospitals has reached 230, while 179 patients have left hospitals after recovery, said the joint statement.
Meanwhile, a total of 1, 959 Covid-19 patients are currently receiving treatment in the Kingdom's hospitals, of which 378 people are on intensive care units, added the statement.
The government also indicated that a total of 23056 lab tests were conducted on Sunday, bringing the cumulative number administered since the start of the pandemic until now to 2040,687.
The percentage of positive tests on Sunday stood at 19.6%, the statement pointed out.
Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.
The ministry also highlighted the "Aman" (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as "Sahtak" (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101091422/Jordan-sees-52-deaths-4519-new-Covid-cases-MoH.

 

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Jordan- 62 COVID deaths, 5,665 infections recorded Monday

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN — Sixty-two COVID-19 deaths and 5,665 infections were recorded in the Kingdom on Monday, increasing the caseload to 114,968, the government announced.

The reported fatalities took the Kingdom's coronavirus death toll to 1,295, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Health.

The local cases comprised 3,147 infections in Amman, 631 in Zarqa, 581 in Irbid, including 144 in Ramtha district, 172 in Maan, including 42 in Petra district, 186 in Aqaba, 34 in Ajloun, 66 in Madaba, 170 in Balqa, 279 in Karak, 79 in Mafraq, 89 in Tafileh and 231 in Jerash.

A total of 271 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals on Monday, increasing the number of cases receiving treatment in hospitals to 1,999, of which 411 patients were in ICUs, the statement said.

The statement also added that 225 recovered patients left hospitals on Monday.

A total of 27,689 virus tests were also conducted on Monday, bringing the cumulative number of coronavirus tests administered to 2,068,376.

The percentage of positive tests for Monday stood at 20.5 per cent, the statement added.

Amid the growing number of local infections, the Ministry of Health has renewed its call on the public to abide by defence orders, as well as to adhere to precautionary measures, mainly wearing face masks and avoiding holding gatherings that exceed 20 people.

The ministry also highlighted the 'Aman' (Safety) application for smartphones, which alerts users if they come into contact with a COVID-19 positive person, as well as 'Sahtak' (your health) application, which provides users with the latest information and news related to COVID-19, in addition to guidelines and warnings pertaining to the Kingdom's epidemiological situation.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101098860/Jordan-62-COVID-deaths-5665-infections-recorded-Monday.

 

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Iran reports record daily coronavirus cases of 10,463

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) DUBAI: Iran's health ministry reported on Monday a rise of 10,463 in the number of daily coronavirus cases, bringing total cases in the Middle East's worst-affected country to 692,949.

Ministry's spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told state TV that 458 people had died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, pushing the death toll to 38,749.

Iran's government has imposed restrictions as the country battles a third wave of the virus. Starting on Tuesday, for one month, all non-essential businesses must close at 6 p.m, Iranian media reported.

Some hospitals have run out of beds to treat new patients, Nader Tavakkoli, a member of Iran's national coronavirus taskforce told the ISNA news agency.

"Beds allocated for coronavirus patients are full at hospitals," Tavakkoli said. "We should have a temporary phase of two weeks closure in Tehran to control the wave of the disease ... meanwhile we can get into planning."

Source: https://menafn.com/1101096961/Iran-reports-record-daily-coronavirus-cases-of-10463.

 

[MenInG]

Veteran Palestinian peace negotiator Saeb Erekat has died aged 65 after contracting coronavirus, it has been confirmed.

Dr Erekat was Palestine's chief negotiator and international spokesman for more than three decades.

 

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Number of people infected with COVID-19 in Iran exceeds 700,000

(MENAFN - Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, Nov. 10

By Elnur Baghishov – Trend:

As many as 10,339 people have been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours in Iran, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Trend reports citing the ministry.

According to Sadat Lari, 453 more people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.

Sadat Lari added that the condition of 5,584 people is critical.

The official said that Iran's Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, East Azerbaijan, South Khorasan, Semnan, Qazvin, Lorestan, Ardabil, Khuzestan, Kermanshah, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, Gilan, Bushehr, Zanjan, Ilam, Razavi Khorasan, Mazandaran, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari, Alborz, West Azerbaijan, Markazi, Kerman, North Khorasan, Hamadan, Yazd and Kurdistan provinces are considered 'red' zones.

So far, more than 5.3 million tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 703,200 people have been infected, and 39,202 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 530,600 have reportedly recovered from the disease.

The country continues to apply strict measures to contain further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease.

The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101102400/Number-of-people-infected-with-COVID-19-in-Iran-exceeds-700000.

 

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Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,096 Covid-19 cases, 742 recoveries

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 1,096 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 742 recoveries. Three deaths were also reported.

As many as 135,883 new tests were carried out, taking the total to over 14.35 million Covid-19 tests so far.

In a major announcement yesterday, those suffering from medical conditions that can be aggravated by wearing a face mask can now be exempted from wearing one . The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Police have asked residents with certain medical conditions to apply for permits for exemption from wearing face masks by visiting http://dxbpermit.gov.ae. The application will be processed within five days.

How to apply for a face mask exemption

After you apply, DHA's General Medical Committee Office will evaluate the application, which must include a medical report confirming the applicant suffers from medical problems that can be aggravated by face masks. Apart from medical reports, key documents that must be submitted include the applicant's Emirates ID.

Source: https://menafn.com/1101103890/Coronavirus-UAE-reports-1096-Covid-19-cases-742-recoveries.

 

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381 new coronavirus cases, 6 deaths reported in Oman

Muscat: The Ministry of Health has registered 381 new coronavirus cases and 6 deaths in Oman.

The total cases in the country have now touched 118,884 including 109330 recoveries and 1316 deaths, according to MOH.

In the past 24 hours, 362 recoveries were reported.

The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee and the MOH.

Source: https://timesofoman.com/article/381-new-coronavirus-cases-6-deaths-reported-in-oman.