A lot of countries are struggling right now to contain COVID-19. Some cities have completely shut down, while the others are really struggling. Many countries acted too late, some have done too little.
In the UAE, however, it’s a completely different story. This piece is not a claim that the UAE handled it perfectly, but there’s a lot of things other nations can learn and emulate. Dealing with COVID-19 is no small feat, but when leaders and people work together, much can be accomplished. Here’s a list of what the UAE has done so far to battle this pandemic.
The right kind of authority
Through ‘simple’ requests, everybody follows. No public press conferences, no live TV announcements, no military pressure, no special powers needed – just clear directives published through social media, blogs, and news agencies consistently, and the residents obey. This is the kind of authority that people in the UAE heartily respect.
Awareness campaign
From newspaper articles to social media posts, the government tirelessly informed the people about COVID-19. The Health Authorities keep posting updates about the virus and how to prevent it from spreading. Infographics, government memos, and news have been circulating since January to keep the public informed.
FREE medical treatment
As early as February, the government has already assured citizens and residents of FREE Medical Care. Free treatment to be provided to anyone who is a confirmed COVID-19 carrier.
Cancellation of inbound and outbound flights
In order to contain the virus, the government has imposed a temporary halt to inbound and outbound flights. The government is aware that the suspension of flights may largely affect the supply chain, the flow of goods, and the movement of businesses, though they ensured that cargo flights will still continue.
Drive-thru COVID-19 testing centers
In an effort to provide mass testing accessibly, the UAE has set-up drive-thru testing centers across the UAE. People who have symptoms get tested for free. Here’s an excerpt from an article on Khaleej Times. “Dr. Al Gaithi noted that unlike other facilities elsewhere in the world, the UAE’s drive-through facility can test over 600 people within 12 hours. She explained that the facility has four entry paths from which patients can arrive. All testing is conducted within the car, with patients remaining seated.”
Street sterilization
Taking things up a notch, the UAE has also implemented a strict 24-hour restriction on movement. This allows the government time to sterilize all of the streets in Dubai. Dubai also sterilized all of the train stations, buses, taxis and other modes of public transportation.
#Dubai extends its sterilisation programme to 24 hours a day for two weeks and enforces strict restrictions on movement, with legal action to be taken against violators. pic.twitter.com/1vTDeg6i8A
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 4, 2020
Compliance and cooperation
In the UAE, you don’t see looting and rioting. Aside from the fact that it’s against the law, people here generally comply with the laws of the land. Everyone is affected and struggling, but they also know how important it is to do their part to contain this pandemic. Social Distancing is practiced everywhere, and I mean everywhere! We all know how difficult the situation is, but we also know that this is how we can do our part to ensure everyone’s safety.
Dealing with COVID 19 is no small feat for any country. Not even for a wealthy country like the UAE, but to accomplish what seems to be an insurmountable task, we all need to work together. Both leaders and people need to work hand-in-hand to get through this difficult time.
The UAE is one of the safest places to be during this outbreak, not just because of the facilities, but also because the people know the value of obedience to the authorities and of working together.
Stay safe. Stay home. We will get through this, apart, but together.
