From the Editors: Follow COVID-19 safety protocols during celebrations and festivals

FOLLOW COVID GUIDELINES, STRICTLY: The festival season is upon us, and that calls for abundant caution in these times of COVID-19. So people in the UAE should heed the advice of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority which has imposed some restrictions on celebrations and public gatherings for the festivities, including UAE National Day. Since there’s no let-up in the number of new infections in the country, it is essential to take precautions and observe the protocols mandated by the government and health authorities. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

PRO-IRAN MILITIAS IN IRAQ ARE OUT OF CONTROL: The rocket attack on the fortified Green Zone in Baghdad signals the end of a month-long truce by pro-Iran Shiite militias in Iraq against the US embassy. Since it comes at a time when Washington has announced plans to reduce troops in Iraq, and days after the US president has toyed with the idea of an attack on Iran’s nuclear site, a massive American retaliation against the militias in Iraq, cannot be ruled out. The Iraqi government has to shoulder the blame for letting the militias run amok. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

NEW ZEALAND CRACKS DOWN ON ERRANT BACKPACKERS: New Zealand is a beautiful country, and the government hopes to lure tourists once the pandemic is over. But the backpackers are giving the country a bad name. The government has promised to take action against those who relieve themselves at natural beauty spots, leaving human waste by the side of the road. Good hygiene and health go hand in hand, and it is easy for a few rotten apples to spoil the whole bunch. So the crackdown is essential. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

ECONOMIC RECOVERY NEEDS CONTINUED SUPPORT: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has emphasised that it was not time to shut down emergency programmes aimed at battling the economic fallout from COVID-19. The resurgence of the coronavirus is slowing or stalling recovery in several economies. While the Fed has been a vocal supporter both fiscal and monetary stimulus in the US, in the UAE, the Central Bank has taken a bold step to extend the applicability period of the key components of its economic stimulus package. The decision to extend the duration of the Zero Cost Facility (ZCF) of Dh50 billion will go a long way in supporting the most vulnerable individuals and businesses. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

CRICKET RETURNS TO PAKISTAN: The successful conclusion to the Pakistan Super League augurs well for Pakistan cricket, which has been suffering from an extended period of isolation from international cricket. And the COVID-19 situation made it worse when the final stage of PSL had to be suspended. So when Babar Azam on Tuesday steered the Karachi Kings to victory over Lahore Qalandars, it marked a significant triumph for Pakistan cricket. More so since all the team have foreign players. And that in itself is an endorsement for international cricket in Pakistan. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

BEATING THE BLUES WITH MUSIC: Can art help heal troubles of the mind and body? Country singer LeAnn Rimes seems to think so. The Grammy Award winner, 38, has released a new album of chanting that she says can relieve the pandemic blues. Rimes says recent stress caused her psoriasis to flare up. People around the world are facing high levels of anxiety, and this can often lead to physical symptoms. Allopathic medicine can help deal with these issues, but the arts – music, painting, creating – are known to calm the mind. There is no harm in trying to incorporate this into everyday life. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]