From the Editors: Abu Dhabi protocols take us closer to pre-COVID normal

ABU DHABI PROTOCOLS TAKE US CLOSER TO PRE-COVID NORMAL: The UAE capital has returned to 100 per cent capacity in all places and events, in line with the low and stable COVID-19 cases seen across the country. The emirate has also approved an extension of the Alhosn green pass validity period from 14 to 30 days for those who are fully vaccinated. These easing of measures only come after a sustained government response to curb the pandemic and residents’ close adhere to precautionary rules, such as masks, which they still have to wear indoors. It is vital to continue following all the latest advisory to ensure that we stay firm on the path to full recovery from the global health crisis. [Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

COVID-19: THE FIGHT GOES ON: There is every indication that South Africa has likely entered a new wave of COVID-19. The WHO’s Africa office has flagged the rise in South Africa’s infections as the main driver of an uptick on the African continent. India, which is seeing a rise in cases, has put all states on alert for the fourth wave, even as Kerala brought back the mask mandate. Top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said pandemic is not over and it is unlikely that the US will ever eliminate COVID-19 but should strive to control the virus. In Beijing and Shanghai, authorities are in a race against time to detect cases and isolate those who have been around them. China, India and the US have the three largest populations in the world. So, it goes without saying that these countries must guard their populations against another COVID wave. And people’s cooperation plays an important role — whether it is to take the vaccine or follow the COVID guidelines. [Stephen N.R., Senior Asociate Editor]

BECKER HAS NOTHING TO SHOW FOR HIS GLITTERING CAREER: No one is above the law, not even tennis legend Boris Becker. The three-time Wimbledon champion has been jailed for two and a half years after being found guilty of flouting bankruptcy rules by hiding more than £2.5million in cash, shares and property. The former world number one was declared bankrupt in 2017 over an unpaid loan of more than £3million on his estate in Majorca, Spain but he said he was acting on expert advice. He also had a previous conviction for tax evasion in Germany in 2002. Becker burst onto the scene in 1985 when he won Wimbledon at age 17 to become the youngest singles champion. His dynamic play made him the darling of the All England Club crowds. But now the 54-year-old’s reputation is in tatters and following a pricey divorce from his first wife Barbara Becker he has nothing to show for his glittering career. That is nothing short of a tragedy. [Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

CELEBRATING REGIONAL CINEMA: Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi’s latest movie ‘Acharya’ is out now and in an interview with Gulf News he talks about South Indian movies getting their moment in the spotlight. India has a wide variety of cultures and unique viewpoints, so it’s only natural that it would show itself in regional movies and shows. It’s about time that those regional movies get recognised as valid and important on a grand scale. Indians can learn more about cultures beyond their own and be exposed to new things in an entertaining way. [Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]