Middle East Experience

Dubai extended the temporary closure of commercial activities in the emirate until April 18 in line with its ongoing efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus, according to a Twitter post by the e emirate's Department of Economic Department (DED) on Tuesday.Vital sectors exempted from the lockdown will continue to operate as usual.Supermarkets and pharmacies are considered essential services and have stayed open while bars, malls, and other commercial activities have been forced to close. Restaurants are operating delivery-only.Dubai announced a two-week lockdown starting on April 4 at 8 p.m. to disinfect the emirate and contain the coronavirus. The emirate had previously shut businesses ranging from bars to gyms to limit the spread of coronavirus via human-to-human contact.Read more:Coronavirus: Dubai announces two-week 24-hour curfew as disinfection continuesCoronavirus: Can it spread through air conditioning?Coronavirus: Does washing fruit and vegetables with soap prevent infectionE-commerce supply chain exemptDubai has exempted e-commerce facilities such as warehouses from the ruling or the requirements to have move permits under the lockdown, allowing businesses such as Noon and Amazon to continue their services.“In line with preventative measures to limit the spread of Corona Virus (Covid-19), The Department of Economic Development in Dubai informs that the warehouses & delivery services supporting e-commerce sector, are considered as an activity under the Supply Chain sector which is exempted from obtaining the move permits,” tweeted DED on Tuesday.City under lockdownRestrictions on movement in Dubai have increasingly tightened. On Sunday, the emirate said that permits would now be required for any trip outside the house.As well as drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Dubai are required to register for a movement permit during the 24-hour restrictions as part of a nationwide sanitation program, according to an update on the newly launched Dubai permit website.Walking and cycling have been introduced on Monday among the transport options given for people to click on while applying for permission to go out.Dubai Police urged people to register for a movement permit on the website https://dxbpermit.gov.ae/permits.For all the latest coronavirus news visit our dedicated page
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Dubai extends suspension of commercial activities until April 18

Saudi Arabia recorded a total of 2,795 coronavirus cases as of Tuesday, according to the health ministry.The death toll is now 41 in the Kingdom. Meanwhile, 615 people have recovered.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section. In an effort to slow the spread of the deadly virus, Saudi Arabia imposed a 24-hour curfew and lockdown on the cities of Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran and Hofuf and throughout the governorates of Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar as of Monday night, the Saudi Press Agency reported citing a source from the interior ministry.Read more: Saudi Arabia imposes 24-hour curfew in several cities, including RiyadhLast week, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz ordered coronavirus treatment to be available for anyone in need of medical care, including people who have overstayed their visa in the Kingdom.Last month, the Kingdom imposed several measures including the closure of malls and parks, banning restaurants and cafes from serving food and beverages on their premises, as well as suspending workplace attendance at most government agencies.Read more:Saudi's King Salman orders treatment for all, including visa violatorsCoronavirus in Saudi Arabia: The latest facts about what is closed and bannedSaudi Arabia closes malls, bans serving food in restaurants, cafes
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records a total of 2,795 cases

Coronavirus, social mobilization, and the precarious future of northwest Syria..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Interview with Syrian Physician and Activist Dr. Khaled Almilaji

"The defendant is currently in custody because of the risks that he will flee or attempt to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective witnesses.";
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: R. Kelly's request for prison release due to coronavirus denied by judge

Infected persons alerts database delayed by week to secure privacy; Guarding Passover Zoom seders from attack;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel cyber chief: We are protecting vaccine efforts from hacking

In the time of the coronavirus emergency, the Jewish Agency is stepping up to help, in the Diaspora and in Israel.;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Herzog to 'Post': Communities to face financial, antisemitic trouble

In Lebanon, the majority of Syrian refugees were already living below the poverty line. New coronavirus restrictions unfairly targeting refugees now further curtail their livelihoods..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Self-immolation of Syrian man shows the financial impact coronavirus measures have caused refugees in Lebanon

Algeria and Morocco appear to be using the coronavirus pandemic to quietly silence dissent and arrest journalists who are reporting on the pandemic..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Algeria, Morocco using coronavirus to curb freedoms, activists say

153 in serious condition, 113 intubated * Israel loses 37-year-old to the disease;
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Coronavirus Passover: Israel under lockdown, 61 people dead

Experts called out shortfalls in how the coronavirus pandemic is being addressed around the world during an e-symposium broadcast from Abu Dhabi..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Abu Dhabi e-symposium addressed global impact of COVID-19