From the Editors: Fight against COVID-19 has to be fought on two fronts

MOBILE CLINIC IN SHARJAH TO FIGHT COVID-19 A STEP IN RIGHT DIRECTION: The launch of a mobile centre in Sharjah to vaccinate people against COVID-19 and also to conduct PCR tests is a very crucial step towards achieving a two-fold goal: Tracking and tracing those who are carriers of the virus and ensuring immunity from the virus for as many people as possible. This timely initiative launched by Sharjah Medical District, in cooperation with Sharjah Police and University of Sharjah, has provided a clinic for vaccination, targeting residents in various regions of the emirate. It has been stressed, time and again, by the World Health Organisation and by medical experts from across the globe, that the fight against coronavirus has to be fought on two fronts: Tracking down as many of the infected people as possible through aggressive testing and making sure large chunks of the population are vaccinated in the shortest possible time. With this mobile clinic, Sharjah has taken a big step towards tackling this pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

NORTH KOREA TALKS NEEDED SOON: Is North Korea testing the waters? The country has launched two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea near Japan, fueling tension and increasing pressure on the US administration. The tests come just days after North Korea launched two missiles that US President Joe Biden said was not provocative and "business as usual." The launches, which overshadowed the start of the Olympic torch relay in Japan, sent out a signal that North Korea is increasing its arsenal. In doing so, its bargaining power when parleys begin will be stronger. Talks to bring back stability in the region must begin sooner rather than later. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

LEAVING A TOXIC ENVIRONMENT: Social media sensation Chrissy Teigen has been bringing the laughs on her Twitter account for many years, but the dark side of the platform has gotten to her. On Wednesday, the model deleted her account saying that the negativity was overwhelming. The star, who is married to John Legend, has faced lots of backlash for her posts that are sometimes edgy, revealing or political. While people have a right to share their opinions, there’s a point where it becomes hateful. Social media can be a toxic place with little to no control. Teigen was right to quit and protect herself from the haters. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barreetto, Assitant Editor - Features]

40 BROADCASTERS ON THE JOB FOR DUBAI WORLD CUP: The 25th edition of Dubai World Cup horserace may be held behind closed doors as per the safety protocols for the COVID-19 pandemic, but as many as 40 TV networks will be on the job on Saturday to help the event reach out to a global audience. The US$26.5million prize money event will have horses from more than 12 countries competing in big races, including six Group 1 contests, at Meydan Racecourse. The feature race is of course the $12m Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, which celebrates its 25th running. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]