Despite imposing stringent measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, the number of positive cases across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries has been rapidly increasing with hundreds of detection recorded with each passing day.
With economic activity coming to a grinding halt following the lockdown in West Asia, Non-Resident Indians, especially those from Kerala, are the worst-hit. “We have no idea when this lockdown will end. Initially, the government imposed the restrictions for 17 days. Now it is almost a month,” Hashim Ali, a resident in Riyadh, said.
The situation at labour camps in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar is getting worse. Shabby dormitories and unhygienic sanitary standards in some industrial areas are a cause of concern. Besides, flattening the pandemic curve has been the biggest challenge for all the governments.
Pathetic condition
Likewise, the condition of blue-collar workers residing in thickly populated areas is pathetic. Indians who had reached the UAE on tourist visa are desperate to return. After the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, many middle-class expatriates are planning to send their families back home.
Health authorities believe that COVID-19 is likely to peak in the GCC countries only in the first week of May based on various projections.
“At present, only persons showing symptoms and elderly are being tested. Others also opt to take paid tests costing 550 dirhams (approximately ₹11,450),” said P. Noushad, an IT professional awaiting the COVID-19 result, in Dubai.
Free tests
The UAE has planned to convert government buildings, warehouses, and exhibition halls into medical facilities. Abu Dhabi is conducting free tests to workers in Mussafah industrial areas.
Meanwhile, Bahrain has extended the closure of most public recreational activity till May 7. Its government has converted a car park at Manama into a temporary intensive care unit with 130 beds.
Hosting of Iftar banquets has also been banned. However, small family gatherings are allowed.
Oman, which has extended the lockdown in the capital Muscat to May 8, has also banned mass gathering for Ramzan. Already the UAE and Saudi Arabia have banned mass prayers during the Islamic holy month.
