Among the residents whom Allah Almighty healed after suffering from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is Elie Yaqoub Jabra, who affirmed that the precautionary measures taken by the UAE and its awareness campaigns about the virus, its symptoms and methods of prevention helped him recover.

“The psychological factor is very important in dealing with someone with strength and self-confidence, as well as faith in Allah Almighty’s omnipotence,” said Jabra, who has lived in the UAE with his family since 2005 and works as a sales representative for a detergent company.

All these factors had a key role in easing his trauma, with determination, patience and satisfaction in Allah’s judgment. His wife also supported him and enabled him to cope, and he is athletic and healthy and does not suffer from any chronic diseases.

“Living in the UAE, I was confident and certain that things would get better and I would be able to overcome this ordeal. This is what happened because the country’s healthcare system is unmatched by any other country. Medical teams, nurses and administrative staff dealt with me professionally and with distinction, which gave me comfort and reassurance,” he said.

About his infection and recovery, Jabra explained that at the end of March, he experienced a high 39˚C fever, so he was admitted to hospital where he was examined in an isolated room and told the medical and nursing team about his symptoms. A nasal swab was taken to reveal the novel coronavirus, and the doctor prescribed him antipyretic drugs and asked him to isolate himself at home until the result of the test.

Elie Yaqoub Jabra speaks to the media at his residence.

Jabra added that the next day, his temperature returned to normal and he felt no pain except for losing his sense of smell and taste.

He remained in this condition for several days until he received a call from health authorities telling him that he tested positive and must be hospitalised. An ambulance then took him to hospital.

Jabra stated that the medical care he received in hospital cannot be described, and he was then given instructions to exercise, learn deep breathing techniques, and given medication to treat a lung inflammation he was suffering from.

He stayed in the hospital for eight days, and after his condition stabilised and he no longer felt any symptoms, he was transferred to a hotel in Al Ain for two weeks for further testing.

WAM