The UAE is rapidly recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the efforts ensured by relevant authorities in enhancing testing and vaccination campaigns in the country. These efforts have helped in reducing new infections in the country to the lowest levels in a year.

Addressing a weekly Coronavirus briefing of the UAE government, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector, noted that the UAE is witnessing one of the lowest death rates due to COVID-19 in the world. She added that a rise in vaccine administration and rigorous screening combined with strong public support and cooperation with safety measures, have helped in guiding the country back towards normality.

"The UAE is experiencing a rapid recovery from the pandemic," said Dr Al Hosani.

Dr Hosani highlighted results of new global statistics that showcased UAE's leading performance in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the community against the COVID-19 virus.

Statistics released by Our World in Data, leading international data index, ranked the UAE first for the percentage of population receiving at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine at 81.55 per cent.

The UAE emerged on top for the number of vaccine doses administered per 100 people with fifth lowest COVID-19 death rate in the world. It gained the third spot in terms of the number of PCR tests conducted per 1,000 people.

"We see the fruit of these efforts through the results and data that indicate a significant decrease in the incidence of COVID-19 in the country, as it has decreased by 60 per cent compared to last August, thus registering the lowest percentage in the number of infections in a year," she said.

Dr Al Hosani further called on eligible community members to receive their vaccine booster dose. People who received their second vaccine dose six months ago are eligible for the booster. She underlined that the administration of vaccine booster has significantly contributed to reducing daily infection cases in the country by enhancing the immunity against the disease.

"We recommend that individuals who are eligible for the booster dose be sure to take it on time," the official stated.

Dr Al Hosani also stressed the importance of taking the flu jab, particularly for vulnerable age groups such as children, elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses. It is particularly essential amid the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The health sector official recommended two weeks of interval between the influenza vaccination and Covid-19 vaccination.

"The seasonal flu season coincides with a pandemic. The symptoms of both diseases are very similar," she added.

In conclusion, the senior health official hailed the support showcased by the public in complying with safety measures that has helped in reducing infection rates and boosting the vaccination strategy of the country. The UAE government expressed its appreciation toward the public's commitment and awareness in following COVID-19 safety rules in recent weeks.

"The commitment of the public to all precautionary measures reflects our care for ourselves, our loved ones and our society. It is of the utmost important to protect ourselves against the spread of COVID-19," Al Hosani concluded.