From the Editors: No quarantine for UAE travellers to UK

UK exempts UAE travellers from quarantine: In a tribute to the stringent health protocols being followed in the UAE to prevent the spread the COVID-19 pandemic, The UK has added passengers from the UAE to its list of countries exempt from a 14-day quarantine requirement. The UAE has opened up its borders once again and international flight movements are rapidly returning to their normal levels. The UK’s move is likely to boost traveller numbers to that country from the UAE. As we reach the final stages of a pre-COVID vaccine era, it is critical to maintain our vigilance to win this war. [COMMENT by Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

Is the vaccine rally going to fizzle out? Pfizer signaled the beginning of the end of the pandemic last week by revealing its COVID-19 vaccine is 90 per cent effective. The news triggered a big rally across all risk assets, causing value stocks to sharply outperform growth stocks, while crude oil, and commodities also rallied as haven assets such as gold and yen slumped. News driven market rallies are bound to fade after sudden spurts and that is indeed happening across the markets. While the continuing surge in infections will remain a cause of concern in the short run, the reality of an effective vaccine should offset those worries to support lasting economic and market recovery. [COMMENT by Babu Das Augustine, Banking Editor]

No plans for US lockdown to fight COVID-19: US President-elect Joe Biden's top COVID-19 adviser has said that there were no plans for a nationwide lockdown to curb surging cases of coronavirus. The statement comes as three US West Coast states, California, Oregon and Washington, jointly called for a halt in non-essential travel. The daily increase in coronavirus cases in the US rose to more than 177,000 on Friday, a new all-time high. As Europe and the rest of the world is seeing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, strict measures must be taken to stem the spike in cases, keeping people safe before the vaccine becomes available to all. [COMMENT by Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

The news that Mo Salah, Liverpool and Egypt’s star striker, tested positive for coronavirus while on international duty with the African side came as a surprise to many. Never a reckless man and seen by many to be an astute character, his positive result once again acts as a sharp reminder that we are all — each and every one — at risk from this virus and need to do everything we can to both protect ourselves and others, and help eradicate the illness. Superstars are not immune, and neither are we. [COMMENT by Matt Smith, Sports Editor]

Actress Sigourney Weaver has said she and the team of the cult hit ‘Alien’ are happy that the film still has an impact on audiences. The first movie, directed by Ridley Scott, released in 1979. Even 41 years later people are watching and enjoying the movie and it makes you wonder if projects these days have the same lasting power. Yes, there are a few movies have stood out (superhero flicks do not count). But are there enough original, exciting ideas that can stand the test of time? The constant churn of sub-par movies leaves much to be desired. [COMMENT by Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]