The UAE, under the directives of the wise leadership, is consistently monitoring the COVID-19 situation both locally and internationally in view of rising infections in countries across the world. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector, recently addressed a media briefing on the pandemic, noting that the UAE has enhanced its medical preparedness to tackle rising cases of infections in the country.

"The UAE is addressing this increase in cases with advanced medical preventive systems. All national medical teams are fully prepared for all possible scenarios, by raising the community’s awareness, implementing preventive measures, and regularly testing and providing vaccines," the official said.

UAE's medical teams are braced for all possible scenarios amid the critical circumstances. She underlined that the emergence of new Omicron COVID-19 variant has resulted in the implementation of renewed precautions by world governments. In line with this development, relevant authorities in the UAE are also announcing necessary safety protocols.

UAE's health authorities have stressed the importance of vaccine booster doses to strengthen acquired community immunity against the virus.

Since the onset of the pandemic in the UAE, authorities have been ensuring proactive steps to limit its impact. Taking note of the rising COVID-19 cases, all federal and local sectors continue to perform their proactive role in implementing precautionary and preventive measures across all areas in terms of early response, monitoring, treatment, follow-up, clinical trials and scientific development, she added.

The official also highlighted that the UAE's health sector is tirelessly working towards achieving collective immunity by providing vaccination to all eligible community members. 100 percent of the UAE's population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 91.80 percent are fully vaccinated. The UAE also leads other countries in terms of vaccination rate with more than 22.5 million vaccine doses administered so far.

At the same time, the UAE has authorised the emergency use of the new Sinopharm protein-based vaccine as a booster dose for enhanced protection against the virus. The Sinopharm vaccine uses protein from the spinal cord surrounding the COVID-19 virus. It allows the body to identify the virus and tackle it in the event of exposure. Similarly, the vaccine will help in protection against several variants of the virus.

"The Sinopharm protein-based vaccine and other Sinopharm vaccines are effective in producing antibodies. However, the new protein-based vaccine could achieve more comprehensive results to ensure higher effectiveness in preventing variants," she added.

Dr. Al Ghaithi explained that the approval given to the protein-based vaccine was in line with essential regional and international laws and regulations as well as strict assessment of trials conducted in the UAE. She added that the vaccine will be offered as a booster dose to those who took the Sinopharm vaccine with effect from January 2022.

"The new Sinopharm protein-based vaccine may be given to people over the age of 18 as a booster shot six months after receiving the Sinopharm vaccine, and it has been shown to provide a new level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants," she pointed out.

As per guidelines, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women planning pregnancy in six months are exempted from the protein-based vaccine. They may receive other types of authorised vaccines. In addition, people allergic to the contents of the vaccine are also exempted. The authorities have also clarified that side effects of the protein-based vaccine are similar to those of other vaccines, including headache, pain in the vaccinated area, exhaustion, mild fever.

Dr. Al Ghaithi also stressed the importance of booster vaccine doses as critical factors that strengthen protection of health and safety of the community and promoting collective immunity.

During the media briefing, Hazza Al Mansouri, Official Spokesman for the Education Sector, also issued updated information about the preventive measures of the Ministry of Education. He affirmed the preparedness of the education sector to address any emergencies and ensure thorough monitoring of the crisis.

Al Mansouri announced remote learning system in the first two weeks of the second term, starting from January 3, 2022. The new protocols apply to schools, universities and training centres across the country. In addition, specializations relying on practical activities, laboratories, clinical exercise in universities and training centres will follow hybrid learning models.

The UAE's education sector is working towards ensuring a safe return of students, teachers and educational staff to in-person classes in schools. In this regard, he stressed that the ministry has adopted a number of measures to ensure the continuity of the educational process in the upcoming period.

According to the protocols, all students are required to present negative PCR tests results taken within 96 hours during the resumption of academics. Furthermore, parents are required to present the green pass on their Al Hosn app to enter educational facilities. School administrations will also contact parents to provide updates related to the changes in the learning system and health situation.

In conclusion, he stressed the protocols are subject to change depending on the COVID-19 situation in the region and guidelines communicated by the health authorities. The authorities are working in coordination with the emergency and crisis teams in each emirate to enhance the protection of the community against COVID-19.

 WAM