Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, reported a significant decrease in Covid-19 infections of 62% in August 2021 in comparison to January 2021.

During the UAE Government media briefing surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Al Hosani expressed flexible strategies that the UAE has adopted, noting its fast and proactive decision-making process aimed at addressing the pandemic's repercussions and reaching full recovery.

The country's initiatives and efforts have led to the necessary measures to ensure the return to a new and safe normalcy, she added, noting the health sector is continuing its efforts to and acquire immunity by offering vaccines to eligible people.

She then stressed 87.19% of the population have taken their first vaccine dose while 76.12% have taken both doses.

"The health sector has harnessed its efforts and capabilities in terms of research and clinical trials to ensure vaccine efficacy. Today, we have achieved satisfactory and safe results in terms of national vaccine distribution rates. Therefore, we appreciate the public's trust in the work of the health sector," Dr. Al Hosani said.

"From January to August 2021, we have witnessed a significant decrease in infections, amounting to 62 percent," she further added.

She attributed this decline to several factors, most particularly the readiness of the healthcare system and its rapid response, as well as the expanding scope of national Covid-19 testing aimed at reducing infections and providing adequate treatment on time, in addition to promoting a culture of regular testing.

Furthermore, she added that the price of PCR tests was reduced to AED50, and safe vaccines are available for all age groups and all segments of the community.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani pointed out that the vaccine booster shot, which is an additional dose taken after the first two doses, also helped strengthen people's immunity and decreased the number of infections.

Additionally, she then highlighted the positive role of community members and their full adherence to the precautionary measures, which contributed to the country's success in reducing infections and containing the pandemic.

Al Hosani stressed the importance of vaccinating students with the beginning of the new academic year, where she stated: "Our message to parents is that our children are the source of our joy, and our duty is to protect their health and safety. The vaccine encourages the immune system to produce antibodies, therefore, reducing the possibility of contracting the virus. We wish them a good academic year full of success."

Dr. Al Hosani welcomed people travelling to the UAE from abroad, stressing the importance of their adherence to all precautionary measures during their holiday, as well as undergoing the necessary tests and committing to the appropriate quarantine period upon arrival.

Furthermore, the UAE is accepting applications for tourist visas from vaccinated people from around the world, whilst highlighting its keenness to protect the health and safety of citizens, residents, and visitors, as well as to achieve sustainable recovery across all sectors, including the economic sector, she added, stressing that adherance to precautionary measures, and conducting regular tests will help curb the spread of Covid-19.

"Community coherence is currently essential, and we all must adhere to relevant precautionary measures. We have returned to workplaces, our children have returned to schools, and the capacities of businesses have increased, proving the country’s strategic balance succeeded in reaching the recovery period. We appreciate your commitment and sense of awareness, and we urge you to continue supporting the country's efforts to contain the virus," she concluded.

WAM