In a recent UAE government media briefing, Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson of the country's health sector, announced that only those people who have taken the COVID-19 vaccines and participants in clinical experiments can attend public events and activities across the country. Furthermore, they are required to present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours along with an E status in their respective Al Hosn mobile apps.

Dr Al Hosani called on everyone to follow precautionary measures while attending the events, most importantly wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing. She affirmed that the new procedures will come into effect from June 6, 2021.

The UAE is providing proactive services to combat the pandemic, including COVID-19 vaccinations and ensuring ease of access to vaccines, the official added. Dr Al Hosani also asserted that a wide range of vaccines are available across all parts of the UAE along with mobile clinics providing necessary healthcare services to all people in remote areas.

"Today, we see the fruit of our efforts as we proudly announce the UAE becoming the world's leading country in terms of the distribution rate of the COVID-19 vaccine doses for every 100 persons, which highlights the success of the national vaccination campaign," she added.

The national vaccination campaign continues to achieve its objectives as the health authorities have vaccinated more than 78.11 percent of eligible people above the age of 16 and 84.59 percent of people above 60 years.

Dr Al Hosani added that the UAE has administered more than 12 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, at a rate of 124.31 doses per 100 persons. At the same time, over 49 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far.

She further explained that the UAE's proactive strategy is aimed at ensuring maximum protection for all community members, including prioritising the provision of an additional dose of the vaccine to elderly people and those with chronic diseases. A third booster dose is being administered after the main doses to strengthen immunity against the disease.

Dr. Al Hosani underlined that taking an additional vaccine dose a few months after the two main doses will enhance immunity against newly-emerged Coronavirus variants. With the increasing number of vaccinated people, the UAE will swiftly be able to achieve acquired immunity in order to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the country. In this regard, Dr Al Hosani urged all eligible members of the community to take the vaccine and support the national vaccination efforts.

Furthermore, she encouraged people to get tested immediately if they experience any Coronavirus symptoms, stressing the need to getting retested if the symptoms persist despite a negative result. This is crucial amid reports of new COVID-19 variants being detected in a number of countries around the world.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, relevant authorities have been working to protect the health and safety of the community. She noted that all community members, as well as public, private and community entities, have played a crucial role in supporting the national efforts and ensuring success in containing the pandemic by adhering to necessary precautionary measures.

WAM