From the Editors: New EDE scanners in Abu Dhabi malls a potent weapon in the fight against COVID-19

New EDE scanners in Abu Dhabi malls a potent weapon in the fight against COVID-19 Abu Dhabi has taken the fight against coronavirus to a whole new level by introducing EDE scanners at its shopping malls. These highly-advanced scanners detect possible COVID-19 infections by measuring the electromagnetic waves, that change if the scanner detects RNA particles of the virus in a person’s body and the results can be obtained within seconds. While thermal scanners can merely check the body temperature for a person, these EDE scanners go several steps ahead and can actually check for the presence of the virus, thereby making real-time surveillance at a public place or at any mass gathering that much more effective. Moreover, these scanners can rule out the possibility of an asymptomatic person not getting caught in thermal screening and therefore constitute a more fool-proof weapon in fighting the pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

Delta variant’s spread a matter of concern: The World Health Organisation’s announcement that the more contagious delta variant is identified in 98 countries and is continuing to evolve and mutate in many nations, is a matter of serious concern. The news comes as India has confirmed 400,000 deaths from COVID-19. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had urged world leaders to ensure that by this time next year, 70 per cent of people in every country are vaccinated. Getting people vaccinated is the only long-term solution that would effectively end the acute phase of the pandemic. WHO said crowds at Euro 2020 soccer stadiums and in pubs and bars in host cities are driving the current rise in COVID-19 infections in Europe. In the run-up to the Tokyo Games opening on July 23, the International Olympic Committee should tread with caution as domestic spectators will be allowed up to 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

Murray needs time to heal to get back to his best: Given that he has been battling back from groin and hip injuries for several years now and continues to play in discomfort, Andy Murray may feel his return to Wimbledon following a four-year absence from the tournament was a success. Sure, he was knocked out last night 6-4 6-2 6-2 by Canada's Denis Shapovalov in the third round but the 34-year-old had an encouraging run. He beat Georgian 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili and German qualifier Oscar Otte after surviving a wobble in the first and fighting back to win a dramatic five-setter in the second. He was giving serious thought to retirement in 2019 and it seems clear that his body needs time to heal fully before we are to see the best of him again. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

Another Bollywood marriage bites the dust: Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao seemed like the perfect Bollywood couple you would like to invite home for a dinner party. Khan with his trademark humour was the perfect offset to Rao’s gentle intelligence. Yet, after 15 years of marriage and a separation that emerged as one of Bollywood’s best kept secrets, the couple finally announced their divorce in a joint statement. We’re sure before the dust settles, the rumour mill will work itself into a frenzy trying to decipher the reason behind the split of one of Bollywood’s most respected couples. While digging for those skeletons though, let us hope it is dealt with dignity for the sake of their nine-year-old son Azad Rao Khan. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]