EXCLUSIVE

COVID-19: Follow safety protocol, Kerala health minister appeals to expatriate Indians in UAE, Gulf

There have been cases of people falling sick upon return to India, Shailaja explains

Last updated: June 14, 2020 | 11:34

2 MIN READ

Kerala Health Minister K.K. Shailaja told Gulf News that it is vitally important for people to maintain personal hygiene and follow health guidelines in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

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Dubai: K.K. Shailaja, the Health Minister of the Indian state of Kerala, has urged the Indian community in the Gulf and UAE, particularly Malayalis, to adhere to the health regulations and safety guidelines put in place by the governments in the respective countries of their residence to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking exclusively to Gulf News over the phone on Saturday night, Shailaja said: “I would like to appeal to the Indian community in the Gulf, and particularly to those from Kerala, to please take good care of yourselves. In the recent past, we have had cases where people arriving from the Gulf have had health issues over the prevailing COVID-19 situation.”

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She further said: “The governments in the Gulf countries and in UAE are doing everything possible to keep residents safe. It is the responsibility of every resident now to make sure he or she follows those safety protocols that have been put in place.”

Reaching out to the expatriate Indian community in the UAE and the Gulf, Shailaja added: “Please wear a mask whenever you have to step out of your homes and please maintain social distancing. These are absolutely crucial in fighting the outbreak.”

Full interview to follow on gulfnews.com