UAE coronavirus testing and numbers are a good sign

Our readers have their say on testing for coronavirus, holy water, forgiveness in Sri Lanka and messages on passports

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Medical personnel secure a sample from a person at a drive-thru Coronavirus COVID-19 testing station at a Kaiser Permanente facility on March 12, 2020 in San Francisco, California. Kaiser Permanente has opened a drive-thru Coronavirus test station where patients who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus can be referred by a physician to be tested. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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Regarding the article Coronavirus: 387 new Covid-19 cases in UAE as 22,000 are tested (April 12): good job, UAE. It is outstanding that already so many thousands have been tested. The country has stayed consistent in its approach. Those who tested positive are quarantined. This is how we will contain this and not let the infection spread. Stay home, friends.

Alva Rosendo Acuna, Dubai

Of the people tested so far, a fraction are actually infected. If you do the math, the percentage is minuscule, which is amazing. This is why we all love this country. We respect the UAE and their efforts to keep its residents safe. A lot of countries are not able to do that even with their own citizens. There is a lot to be grateful for.

Ajay Bhatia, Dubai


The country is doing a fantastic job. One reason the numbers are low could be because the UAE does not have a large elderly population. Also, let's bear in mind, broadly speaking, we are a healthy demographic. That much is ensured when we land here and take the medical tests. All these measures pay off.
Saraih Jones, Dubai 

Not quite the vaccine but holy water as a cure for the morale 

With regard to Khaled Yacoub Oweis's report Coronavirus: Saudi authorities send holy water to hospitalised patients (April 12): this is a very good decision by the Saudi government.

Mohammed Farhad, Dubai

That's a great move.

Abrar Ahmed Lodhi, Dubai


In tough times, the power of morale can look like magic.
Scott Birch, Bahrain 

A year on, church in Sri Lanka takes a large-hearted step

With reference to the report Sri Lanka Catholic church 'forgives' 2019 Easter suicide bombers (April 12): forgiveness is what this world could do with in times like these. If we continue to ask about an eye for an eye forever, then war and conflict will never stop.

Raphael von Eyestone, Dubai

All people connected with this act of terror need to go to prison.

Arif Khan, Abu Dhabi

Something to smile about at check-in 

Regarding Katy Gillett's piece 'We'll meet soon': farewell message being placed in passports of those flying out of Dubai (April 13): such good motivation to keep spirits up. Nicely done.

Ibrahim Jehangir, Dubai

Beautiful gesture.

Patricia Brown, Leeds, UK

Thanks, UAE.

Rosvy Bolo, Al Ain 

That's a lovely gesture in horrible times.

Lisa Worth, Liverpool, UK

Someone thought of this and that is wonderful.

Tarja Yilmaz, Dubai