Dr Farida Al Hosani on Sunday pointed out that the Beta variant of the SARS-Cov-2 virus is currently responsible for an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in the UAE. Addressing a weekly COVID-19 briefing of the UAE government, she said that the authorities conducted a genetic investigation system for Coronavirus variants in the country, following which it was found that the most commonly present strain is the Beta variant. It has resulted in 39.2 percent of the total infections in the country, followed by Delta variant causing 33.9 percent of infections. In addition, the Alpha COVID-19 variant has caused 11.3 percent of the total new infections in the UAE.

According to the national monitoring systems, Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants of the virus are found to be the most dominant strains in the UAE.

"These are mutated strains of the original virus that have been monitored in many countries of the world,” the official added.

While medical experts have stated that the Delta variant is a cause for concern resulting in 33.9 percent of the total infections, Dr Al Hosani affirmed that vaccines are working against the virus to safeguard the public health.

In this regard, she called on all community members to get vaccinated with both doses, particularly before planning summer travel to foreign countries. Vaccination will protect them from getting seriously ill from the disease, she noted.

Dr Al Hosani added that the UAE has reported a rise in the number of COVID-19 deaths in the past week due to the spread of viral mutations in the country as well as public carelessness in following precautionary measures and reluctance to getting vaccinated.

Therefore, the UAE authorities have urged everyone to follow necessary safety protocols and get vaccinated to curb the spread of the virus in the country.