As number of Coronavirus variant cases rise across the world, UAE health experts say that cold season may be causing Covid-19 to spread faster. Coronavirus is circulating in the air for longer duration because of cold and dry conditions leading to increased transmission rate. Experts say that this can explain the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the UAE even though the country is leading with administering free vaccines to its population.

Over 109,587 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered to citizens and residents in the last 24 hours. This has brought the total 4,901,795 doses at a rate of 49.56 doses per 100 people.

On Friday, 3,307 new cases of Covid-19 were reported. Daily cases of infection have crossed 3,000 since January 12, as the country is experiencing a cold season. On Friday, the lowest temperature in Al Dhafra was recorded at 8.5 degrees Celsius.

Dr Kapil Gupta, general physician, Aster Clinic Al Khail, said that virus can readily spread when people interact in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. “Coronavirus favors cold and dry conditions. In winter, the virus remains persistent as it not only travels farther but remains more infectious from several minutes to longer than a day. This may be the explanation for the rising spread of Covid-19 virus in winter,” he said.

Dr Amaka Kate Uzu, consultant, family medicine, Bareen International Hospital Abu Dhabi said, “Typically, viruses are known to thrive more in the winter months, which then leads to increase in transmission rate.”

Dr Amaka said, “The public may have become less cautious during the recent winter holiday period, by being in crowded places, and not socially distancing or maintaining good hand hygiene measures. The fatigue after more than a year of this pandemic, coupled with optimism around the vaccination programme, could have been misconstrued by some people as a reason to lower their guard.”

Dr Nayzak Raoof, medical director, Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai, said that even though UAE is reaching 5-million vaccine dose milestone, people must not give up following measures to fight against the pandemic. “Vaccination is the only way we can outdo the virus. However, given the surge in infections in the UAE, people should realise that it is not the time to let up our fight against Covid-19. We are on the final lap and victory is closer. The cost of negligence in this crucial time would be high. We must be wary of this. People, whether vaccinated or not, should strictly adhere to the precautionary measures.”

Dr Raoof said, “Wearing masks, sanitising our hands, and maintaining social distancing can save us from getting infected. We shall practice this for some more time for a sooner return to our normal lives.”