From the Editors: Do not lower your guard against COVID-19

DO NOT LOWER YOUR GUARD AGAINST COVID-19: As more people are expected to go on holidays this summer in light of the easing of the pandemic and related curbs globally, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has shared timely COVID-19-related advice for travellers. The Ministry has advised people to always check the COVID-19 stats in areas where a new variant is spreading and travel only if necessary. Vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, diabetics, and those with cardiovascular diseases must avoid travelling to areas where the virus is spreading, unless necessary. Travellers must complete the recommended doses of the vaccine and they should not lower their guard against COVID-19. Every traveller must follow COVID-19 safety protocol including washing or sanitising hands regularly, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded places. [COMMENT BY:Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

FINALISSIMA: MESSI HAS THE LAST LAUGH: It may be a friendly, but Lionel Messi will certainly be happy for scoring the brownie points in the Fifa World Cup year as he played a key role in Argentina’s 3-0 rout of Italy at Wembley on Wednesday night. Billed as the battle between the Copa America winners and the European champions, the contest saw Messi as an inspiration as Argentina raced into a two-goal lead in the first half with strikes from Lautaro Martinez and Angel Di Maria. Paulo Dybala capped Argentina’s rout as Messi, thrown into the air by his jubilant teammates after the final whistle, said: ‘’Today was a nice test because Italy are a great team. We knew it was going to be a nice game and a nice setting in which to be champions.’’ [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

IT’S A WIN FOR JOHNNY DEPP, OR IS IT: After weeks of airing details of their toxic marriage to the world, Johnny Depp emerged as the victor in the defamation trial against Amber Heard. The seven-member jury found that Depp is entitled to $10 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages of $5 million. Another $2 million was awarded to Heard for the ‘hoax’ remark made by Depp’s lawyer, who accused the ‘Aquaman’ star of fabricating the abuse.Yet, despite the verdict being given in Depp’s favour, one has to wonder whether there are any true winners in this long and drawn out case. With social media camps shaping their reputations, it remains to be seen whether either of them can return from this intact. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]