UAE authorities have stressed that receiving a third Covid-19 vaccine shot is necessary to ensure the well-being of residents, amid new waves of the virus emerging globally.

A government spokesman said the new outbreaks are due to reduced following of precautionary measures and a low vaccination rates.

Until now, boosters have largely been directed for people who have received the Sinopharm vaccine in the beginning of vaccination campaign, especially those who got vaccinated more than six months ago. Elderly people and patients with health conditions were also encouraged to receive third shot. Many people who were vaccinated with Sinopharm also got Pfizer booster dose for travel purposes.

Before UAE’s 50th national day celebrations, residents were prompted about rules and measures to stay safe during the occasion, including maintaining a physical distance of 1.5-metres. Venues are also operational at 80 per cent capacity.

On Tuesday, UAE reached a milestone with total fully vaccinated people against Covid-19 reaching over 90 per cent of the population. More than 99 per cent have received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine. This has enabled areas of the Emirates gradually returning to normality.

The UAE announced 70 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, that brought number of infections to 741,570 since pandemic started. 86 people recovered, bringing the recovered tally to 736,333. No deaths were reported for the eighth day in a row, keeping death toll at 2,144.

The UAE has updated Covid-19 rules for entering through its land borders with immediate effect. These rules apply to citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia and Oman, that share borders with the Emirates. The procedures were announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management on Tuesday.