From the Editors: Reporting COVID-19 results is a must

REPORTING COVID-19 RESULTS IS A MUST: The UAE Federal Public Prosecution’s public reminder that people infected with COVID-19 must inform health authorities is extremely significant. This is especially true in the case of asymptomatic patients who may think there is no need to report their condition and go about their daily grind. Not only is this a violation that could incur a jail term and a fine of Dh10,000-Dh50,000, it is also a huge disservice to the community as such patients can end up as super spreaders without their even knowing it. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

CLIMATE CHANGE STILL ON RADAR: The deadly winter storm in the US has affected millions of people, with many without electricity and others being told to boil tap water before drinking it. The storm is the latest demonstration of the vagaries of nature and how it takes us completely by surprise. But experts are now saying that these weather conditions could become more common because of climate change. The effect is all the more deadly because of its effect on COVID-19 vaccinations. It all goes on to show that despite the pandemic, we should not take our eyes off climate change. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

RONALDO’S FIRST OUTING FOR JUVE IN PORTUGAL BRINGS NO JOY: FC Porto, who won the Uefa Champions League in 2004 and ushered their coach Jose Mourinho on way to stardom, showed they can be a tough customer at home. The Portuguese team ruined Cristiano Ronaldo's first game for Juventus in his native Portugal as they were outplayed 2-1 in the Champions League last-16, first leg tie last night. Juve’s lacklustre performance prompted their coach Andrea Pirlo to say that his team handed victory to their hosts on ‘’a silver platter’’. It could, however, be a different story when Juventus host the second leg in Turin on March 9. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

SPEAKING AGAINST HATE: Actress Olivia Munn is the latest star to speak out about the spate of hate crimes against Asians in the US. Actors such as Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Wu and Gemma Chan have already voiced their concerns over the brutal, racist treatment that has sometimes been caught on tape. In the incident Munn talks about, an elderly woman is seen being shoved onto the pavement by a younger man. It’s shocking to see such a violent act take place, especially to an innocent senior citizen. Celebrities speaking out will hopefully inspire more people to take notice and ensure action is taken against perpetrators. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor]