Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Official Spokesperson of the Health Sector, recently addressed a media briefing of the UAE government on the ongoing developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the briefing, Dr Al Ghaithi affirmed that the UAE has been adhering to a differentiated model of precautionary measures to contain the impact of COVID-19 and its new variants. The UAE developed efficient testing protocols in accordance with the directives issued by the UAE leadership to maintain public health and safety.

The UAE has set an example with its proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic and adopting high-standard safety practices. she added that the authorities maintained a strategic balance and cooperation between key sectors across the country in addressing the crisis. All entities worked as one team to overcome the pandemic and ensure the community’s health and safety.

The health sector has been keen on supporting preventive and precautionary measures. In accordance with these measures, the UAE reinforced the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to limit infections, analyse information, and assist medical and nursing personnel in monitoring patients among other services.

Al Ghaithi stressed the health and medical situation in the country's hospitals is stable amid the rise in infection rates compared to previous weeks and months. Over 55 percent of the hospital and ICU beds are empty and COVID-19 bed occupancy rate is also below 3 percent, she added.

The official further underlined that the UAE has been continuously monitoring COVID-19 variants and implementing relevant plans to tackle the surge in infections. The authorities are harnessing all available resources to contain the variants and establishing plans and programmes in accordance with the scientific data confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Medical teams across several countries are working continuously to monitor the pandemic developments. At the same time, all national sectors are coordinating efforts with the health sector to monitor and review the pandemic-related situations in the country and worldwide.

"Reviewing resolutions and procedures regularly play a key role in ensuring the country can keep pace with the developing situation and implement appropriate procedures on time while providing the public with transparent information," she added.

Dr. Al Ghaithi highlighted the strict measures taken by the UAE authorities, including necessary restrictions on international passengers and mandatory use of green pass system on Al Hosn application.

In a major boost to the country's inoculation drive, 100 percent of the total UAE population has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 91.50 percent are fully vaccinated against the disease. Vaccines are being provided on a large scale to all sections of society for free of cost in line with the directives issued by the UAE’s leadership.

"Today, the country’s vaccination rate is getting higher, which will ensure the collective immunity of the community and supports the country’s recovery efforts," she added.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Ghaithi thanked the UAE community for supporting the vaccination campaign which played a key role in establishing sustainable collective immunity. She also hailed the continuous efforts of the frontline defenders in addressing the pandemic.

She called on eligible community members to take the booster vaccine dose to obtain necessary antibodies to counter variants.

In this regard, she explained that booster vaccination is a key factor in protecting public health and safety of the community. Booster vaccine must be taken by individuals six months after taking the second dose of the vaccine.

"Studies have shown vaccines and booster doses significantly contribute to reducing the disease’s effects and play a major role in countering variants," she stated.

She also urged all eligible individuals aged 18 or over who are yet not inoculated to take the vaccine at their nearest vaccination centre.

Al Ghaithi urged people wishing to travel to foreign destinations to be informed about travel restrictions in those countries for smooth experience. Affirming that vaccination does not exempt people from complying with precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks, sanitising and keeping a safe physical distance, she urged all community members to continue compliance with the safety protocols.

In conclusion, Al Ghaithi underlined the importance of social responsibility and key role played by community members in contributing to maintaining the country’s achievements amid the crisis.

 WAM