From the editors: UAE gets a wake-up call as COVID-19 numbers spike, have we become numb to others' plight?

WAKE UP CALL: The steep rise in the number of coronavirus cases in the UAE by 930 on Thursday – the highest in four months – should shake us out of the complacence we have descended into as we cope with the fatigue surrounding the pandemic in recent days. There is no room whatsoever for apathy. It is we as a community who have to face the consequences of our irresponsible actions, however unintentional they might be. At the cost of sounding clichéd, there is no excuse for not adhering to the mask mandates or social distancing protocols defined by the authorities. (Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

DO WE CARE? The sight of thousands of asylum seekers on the Greek island of Lesbos stretching their hands out for food throws light on the shocking state of desperate people in search of a new life. Following a fire that burnt down the country’s largest camp, most of the migrants spent a third night in the open. Homeless, hungry and without shelter, many cried for food, water and medicine. France, Germany and other countries have offered to take in some of the people, especially children. Do we care? Every time we waste food and water, or spend money on what we don’t need, spare a thought for those who are struggling – just to live. (COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

COUNTERING A SECOND WAVE. For all sectors of the UAE economy, everything hinges on capping the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic to manageable levels. A second wave, if it happens, should not set off a shocked and overwhelmed response in businesses. They have had ample time to raise their defenses – yet, the costs to mount a campaign of defense will not sit easy on cashflow and medium-term prospects. This is where banks could come up with a slightly more flexible approach on their own to secure the wellbeing of clients. Banks should not keep waiting for cues from the government to decide what needs doing. Pitch in… help out. (COMMENT BY MANOJ NAIR, Business Editor)

BAD TIMES The misery keeps coming for French Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain. Following their defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final last month, things have gone from bad to worse. First their pre-season was thrown into chaos as a coronavirus outbreak forced many players into isolation. On Thursday night they lost their first match for the new season - going down 1-0 to promoted side Lens - minus seven top players including the quarantined Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. PSG started the match with third-choice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka and the rookie handed Lens the win with an awful blunder. (COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor)

With the denial of the bail plea of Rhea Chakrobortyand her brother, Showik, in the drugs case linked to Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, will the country finally be able to move on – at least until the next hearing? There’s been a horrified, angry fascination with the workings of this case; an entire nation gasped and moaned with each development. This is Bollywood drama played out live and a way to escape the other bitter truths – lockdown is easing but that doesn’t mean COVID-19 cases are; China and India are grandstanding border side. And there is no coronavirus vaccine is in sight. Grim reality or a Bollywood potboiler – India has proven, I guess, what works for it. (COMMENT BY: Karishma Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor)