Covid-19 FAQs answered on #AskDXBdoctor
The Dubai Media Office recently collaborated with Mohammed bin Rashid University and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to launch the #askDXBdoctor initiative online. This channel aims to respond to the most frequently asked questions about coronavirus. People in Dubai and the rest of the UAE can use the hashtag to engage with health professionals in the industry to find reliable answers to their Covid-19-related queries.
Over the past week, these questions about coronavirus were answered by Professor Norbert Nowotny of Mohammed bin Rashid University and Dr Hend Al Awadhi, the Head of the DHA Health Promotion and Education Section.
FAQS ON COVID-19 TESTING AND HOSPITAL FACILITIES
Let’s first begin with the frequently asked questions on coronavirus related to the health facilities and Covid-19 testing in the UAE.
ARE HOSPITALS IN DUBAI PREPARED TO TAKE ON AND CONTROL THE ONGOING COVID-19 SITUATION?
The health facilities in Dubai and across the UAE are fully equipped for and have the capacity to deal with the current coronavirus situation as per the health authority. In addition to this, the health ministry alongside the health professionals is taking additional steps to deal with any possible scenarios that may emerge during the pandemic.
ARE YOU TRACING CASES THAT TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
The authorities are proactively investigating all positive Covid-19 cases to trace their contacts, test them for Covid-19 and advise them to practice self-quarantine.
IS THE GOVERNMENT CURRENTLY COLLABORATING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND VOLUNTEERS?
Both the public and the private healthcare sectors are working together to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the UAE. There are volunteers and contributors as well who are working together with the government to flatten the curve.
WHERE CAN I GET TESTED FOR CORONAVIRUS IN DUBAI?
According to the DHA, you can get tested at some of the options in our Dubai government hospitals list. The testing facilities are also available at private hospitals in Dubai.
I HAVE DEVELOPED SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS, SHOULD I GET MYSELF TESTED?
To save your time and the country’s healthcare resources, it is extremely important to know when to get tested for Covid-19. Generally, having symptoms alone do not warrant a test. However, if you or someone you know have the symptoms and a history of travel or being in contact with a confirmed or suspected case of Covid-19, then you should get tested.
FAQS ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING AND QUARANTINE
The Coronavirus FAQs listed below pertain to the need for social distancing and possible quarantine during the pandemic.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STAY HOME? WHY CAN’T WE PRACTICE CAUTION AND GO ABOUT OUR LIFE LIKE BEFORE?
It is important to realise that currently there is no cure for coronavirus. The only way you can save yourself and those around you is by staying indoors and minimising social contact. It is the need of the hour and a social responsibility everyone needs to fulfil.
HOW CAN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FIGHTING ON THE FRONTLINES PROTECT THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM THE VIRUS?
It’s true that doctors and other healthcare workers are exposed to the risk of contracting the disease themselves, but they have to abide by the precautionary measures necessary for the job. Once home, these professionals must immediately wash their hands and sterilize their work clothes and shoes. Precaution is the only way to go about it.
WILL EATING FOOD WITH HANDS FROM THE SAME PLATE RISK SPREADING THE VIRUS?
There are is no evidence to prove it, but for the time being it’s best to eat your food from separate plates.
CAN ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE WHO TEST COVID-19 POSITIVE PRACTICE SELF-QUARANTINE AT HOME?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Covid-19. People who have tested positive, asymptomatic or not, must be separated from others and isolated to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, for as long as there are no symptoms and none of the members test positive for Covid-19, the family can stay quarantined together at home.
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Here are a few more frequently asked questions about the coronavirus pandemic.
WHY DO SOME COUNTRIES HAVE A STEEPER SPREAD OF THE VIRUS THAN OTHERS?
Coronavirus is highly contagious. The rate at which the virus spreads is directly proportionate to the frequency of people mingling with others in the country. This is one of the biggest reasons why governments are urging people to #StayHome unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out.
HOW IS COVID-19 DIFFERENT FROM COMMON FLU?
Coronavirus may clinically resemble the common flu or the influenza virus, but it’s more pathogenic and fatal than the latter.
CAN ANTIBIOTICS TREAT COVID-19?
It’s a common belief that antibiotics are an effective treatment for viral infections. However, that’s not the case. Antibiotics aren’t a promising remedy for any kind of viral infections, including Covid-19.
That brings us to the end of this post on frequently asked questions about Covid-19 and its impact on everyday life. If you have any, ask questions about coronavirus using #askDXBdoctor to get reliable answers from health professionals in Dubai.
Disclaimer: All of the answers given on this post are based on the responses from the healthcare community as part of the #askDXBdoctor initiative. None of the opinions expressed belongs to Bayut or a member of our team.
Social distancing, no matter how unpleasant, has become the need of the hour. It is therefore imperative that we act responsibly during the coronavirus pandemic in the UAE.
It is also important to practice all precautionary measures as directed by the health professionals and the government. Remember, despite the tons of Covid-19 preventive measures taken by the UAE government, the state alone cannot defeat the pandemic unless we contribute to flattening the curve.
So do your part. Adhere to the coronavirus travel restrictions in the UAE. The ongoing situation has created a lot of confusion among the masses. You may also have a number of travel-related FAQs resulting from the recently imposed travel restrictions. We have tried to answer most of them for you.
Do what you can to safeguard your workplace and your homes from the Covid-19 outbreak. But most of all, stay home and stay safe.
