Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.

With a mission to further tremendous efforts being made by the UAE to minimise the risk and human impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has launched a social campaign titled ‘Greater Than Corona’ in coordination with Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Department in Sharjah to unify institution-wide commitment and individual and social responsibility of all members of the UAE community.

The campaign aims to create social platforms which will relay authenticated messages, communiques and important updates on the constantly changing status of COVID-19, and enable the UAE’s citizens and residents to protect themselves, their families and their communities by instilling positive social practices.

‘Greater than Corona’ calls on the collective strength of humanity, and is a reminder of the fact that a united stand taken by world institutions and societies together in sharing and applying the experiences they have gained, in the past, proved effective in successfully overcoming several daunting challenges including public health crises. The campaign is also a public reminder that the virtues of awareness, united action, patience and solidarity will be critical to overcome this accelerating global health crisis.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman, Sharjah Media Council (SMC), has called on all institutions and individuals to learn and educate others by contributing to the campaign. He stressed on his firm belief in noble human values and their ability to withstand the greatest health crisis of our lifetime, to safeguard the collective well-being of individuals, families, communities and the world, which will ultimately prove that we are ‘GreaterThanCorona’.

Explaining the importance of a centralised, vetted and unified source of information in times of crisis, SGMB explained that the campaign’s main objective was to limit and eliminate rumours or misinformation about the pandemic, keep updating the public, media entities, social media platforms and influencers, and all civil societies on the latest developments, as well as aid local and international authorities in their decision-making process.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “As governments, first responders and healthcare professionals worldwide tackle the COVID-19 head-on, citizenry can support their unparalleled efforts by practising social distancing and staying at home. Community awareness, their commitment to our increased civic duties during these challenging times, as well as correct and reliable information are key to overcoming crises. Misinformation or inaccurate news can put people’s lives at risk, now more than ever. That is why we have a crucial responsibility to communicate accurate, reliable and precise messages, which reflect the UAE’s COVID-19 response strategies.”

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau announced that the purpose of this integrated awareness campaign is not only to disseminate safety instructions and public health information sourced from from credible local and international networks, but also offer guidance on responsible social practices to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

SGMB announced that the campaign would be launched on all media platforms to benefit both local and international audiences. SGMB will collaborate with institutions, which come forward to champion and support this campaign by assuming responsibility to take awareness messages, videos and radio broadcasts from local entities to a broader audience.

Recently, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, directed a 10 per cent reduction in the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Sewa, bills in the Emirate of Sharjah for three months.

The move is in line with the precautionary measures taken by the government and aimed at facilitating the customers amid the challenges posed by the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19. The reduction in the electricity bills will cost the government more than Dhs 230 million.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed stressed that the Sharjah government is constantly following developments and taking appropriate measures that reassure the public and facilitate them.

Dr Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sewa, thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for the humanitarian gesture.