Pakistani consulate in Dubai closed this week over coronavirus fears

In this undated photo, Pakistani flag flies at Pakistani consulate general in Dubai. (Photo courtesy: social media)

• No consular services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after new COVID-19 cases emerge, “thorough sterilization” to be carried out
• Normal service to resume from Sunday when the consulate would serve 25 applicants at a time with coronavirus health guidelines in place

ISLAMABAD: The consulate general of Pakistan in Dubai has said it will remain closed for three days this week to carry out “thorough sterilization” after new coronavirus cases emerged.
The United Arab Emirates has so far reported over 350,000 coronavirus cases, with less than a thousand deaths.
“Consulate General of Pakistan, Dubai, will remain closed for all Consular Services on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (9, 10, and 11 February 2021) due to some Corona cases and for thorough sterilization process,” the consulate said in a statement on February 8, adding that it would resume normal service from Sunday when the consulate would serve 25 applicants at a time with all coronavirus health guidelines in place.
“Only applicant himself/herself will be allowed to enter consulate premises,” the statement added. “All community members are requested to cooperate for implementing Corona SOPs as per UAE laws.”
The United Arab Emirates has recently swung open its doors to visitors betting that the blistering pace of its coronavirus vaccine rollout means it can keep infections in check while giving its economy a shot in the arm.
UAE authorities have said they focused on early detection and rapid intervention, helping achieve one of the lowest death rates from COVID-19. Analysts say this is helped by a relatively young population with its large number of expatriate workers.