Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, Spokesperson of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), recently addressed a UAE government briefing about COVID-19 developments in the country. Addressing the briefing, he noted that the UAE’s proactive response against COVID-19 is characterized by professionalism and has become one of the most successful international models of crisis management. Al Dhaheri underlined the regional and global humanitarian initiatives implemented by the UAE with the aim of curbing the impact of the health crisis.

He noted the UAE’s flexibility and preparedness in addressing any unprecedented circumstances along with proactive approach, decision-making, planning and strategizing have helped in containing the repercussions of the pandemic. He lauded the exceptional role played by the national media in spreading official and accurate data and information related to COVID-19 which helped in better addressing the crisis with complete transparency.

According to Bloomberg’s COVID Resilience Ranking, the UAE has ranked first regionally and 15th globally, stepping up three positions compared to July 2020. According to Our World in Data (OWID), a scientific online publication, the UAE is leading the world in the number of fully-vaccinated people as well as in terms of the rate of vaccine distribution for every 100 persons.

"Achieving the nation’s strategic objectives and reaching recovery depends on the roles and responsibilities of all relevant sectors in terms of managing the pandemic," he explained.

In recent months, the UAE has witnessed a high level of strategic integration and cooperation across all sectors which facilitated the achievement of all objectives of proactive planning and combating the pandemic crisis.

There has been a significant decline in the number of COVID-19 infections, which is seen as another achievement of the cooperation between the health sector and other key sectors in overcoming the repercussions of the pandemic. The UAE's community has also supported national efforts and showcased immense cooperation with preventive measures that helped in reducing new infections.

It is because of these initiatives in line with the vision of the UAE’s leadership and the efforts of the National COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Management and Governance Committee, chaired by Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, which promoted a safe and rapid return to normality in the country.

“The committee has adopted a comprehensive strategic plan with performance indicators for the post-COVID period across all target sectors, to gauge the efforts of national authorities and establishments to achieve the return to the new normal. It also electronically linked digital indicators and statistics and identified the financial and economic factors essential to supporting the recovery process,” he explained.

Last week, the UAE saw successful and safe return of students to in-person classes in their schools with the help of cooperation between academic and administrative cadres. The Ministry of Education adopted strategic and safety protocols that helped in ensuring safety of physical education for students, teachers and other staff. As per latest statistics, more than 36 percent of students have been vaccinated against COVID-19, while the percentage of vaccinated school staff including administrative, academic or services staff, has reached to 89.5 percent.

The NCEMA official has also called on parents and educational cadres to get vaccinated which has been made available at all health centres in all emirates to ensure the provision of safe learning environment for all community members.

In order to ease the burden on parents and educational cadres, the authorities have coordinated with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Education to provide PCR tests free of charge in all public and private educational establishments.

"As part of the efforts to achieve sustainable recovery across all sectors, the protocol for the reopening of mosques has been updated," Al Dhaheri added.

In conclusion, he stated that the physical distancing requirement for worshippers has been reduced to 1.5 metres in mosques and other places of worship. Furthermore, 50 people are allowed funeral prayers, noting that the cause of death is not COVID-19. “We are aware that the community has a major role in ensuring the safety of everyone and protecting the country’s regional and global gains,” he concluded.