From the Editors: The world cannot afford another pandemic

THE WORLD CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER PANDEMIC: An independent WHO panel has recommended that a new global system should be set up to respond faster to disease outbreaks. The aim is to ensure that we do not see a pandemic like COVID-19 that has devastated the world. A delay in declaring an emergency, a failure to impose travel curbs and time lost when countries neglected travel warnings allowed the coronavirus to spread without control, the report said. The world is still fighting COVID-19 and we cannot afford another pandemic of such a scale. All efforts must be taken to strengthen bodies like WHO so they can act fast in cases of emergency. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

RESPONSIBLE CELEBRATIONS: Eid is here and as the festive spirit takes over, UAE residents would do well to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols stipulated by the authorities. It is incumbent on each one of us to wear a mask, maintain social distance and practise hand hygiene if we are to help ourselves and the UAE to keep the deadly coronavirus and its variants at bay. It’s a question of being safe than sorry. Let us do our bit and make this an Eid to remember, while praying for COVID-19 patients and their families all over the world. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

MAGIC OF THE CINEMAS: Watching a movie come alive on a mammoth screen in a darkened hall has become a luxury in this post-pandemic era. After several months, Salman Khan’s Bollywood Eid release ‘Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai’ enjoyed a world premiere in the UAE’s Reel Cinemas on May 12. The revelry was understandably muted, but there was a red carpet rolled out at the entrance of the cinemas along with gigantic cut-outs of the age-defying matinee idol pinned at various corners. There were a few musicians drumming excitement literally on their drums. All the invited guests were masked and were observing strict social distancing as they waited for the doors of the cinema to open. While the excitement was palpable, there was no ignoring the officials who were manning that area to ensure that social distancing norms were followed closely. Here’s the thing: the days of a bombastic superstar greeting their army of fans thronging cinemas is now a thing of the past. Cut to 2021 and the prospect of going to the cinemas feels like a treasured experience. It all felt precious. As we celebrate Eid Al Fitr today, let’s remember to be enjoy these small joys that can instantly cheer you up. Even if the movie’s plot is questionable, there’s no denying the magic of watching a film in the cinemas. [COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features]

PORTO TO GET THE NOD TO HOST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: Porto is set to be confirmed as host of the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City after Portuguese authorities on Wednesday approved the return of supporters to stadiums. Uefa is planning to announce by the end of the week that the 50,000-capacity Estadio do Dragao will be used for the May 29 showpiece with thousands of fans from both English clubs set to be allowed into the game, well-placed sources confirmed to AP. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]