Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus has taken the world by storm. According to the World Health Organisation, it is spreading far more rapidly than the Delta variant of COVID-19. Experts have raised concerns that the new variant is likely to multiply "about 70 times quicker" than the original and Delta versions of Coronavirus.

In a recent editorial, Gulf News stated that the number of COVID-19 cases has risen in the UAE in recent days. However, the UAE authorities are taking all possible safety measures to protect the health and wellbeing of community members.

"From the country’s airports to various leisure destinations and the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai, all safety standards are in place to ensure the health and safety of tourists, visitors, holidaymakers and customers alike," the paper wrote in its editorial.

As of December 27, Expo 2020 Dubai witnessed an increasing number of visitors upto 8,067,012. The editorial added that organisers have enhanced safety at all the stops to help visitors to the site in enjoying a memorable time responsibly and cautiously.

The authorities have implemented COVID-19 safety measures at Expo 2020 Dubai to protect the health and wellbeing of all visitors and staff on the site. The measures include mandatory mask-wearing both indoors and outdoors for visitors, all staff and participants.

"A few venues may be temporarily closed for deep cleaning and sanitisation in response to a couple of positive cases detected," the paper added, citing a statement of the Expo 2020.

Since the launch of the Expo 2020 Dubai, authorities are facilitating transparency and assigned extensive workforce testing protocols. Social distancing of at least two metres between people has also been encouraged.

Most venues and common areas are being cleaned regularly as part of the overall sanitization mechanism. Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the vast site.

"Organisers at Expo 2020 Dubai have ensured appropriate facilities and specialist staff to manage any issues on site," the paper said.

With world-class facilities in place, Expo 2020 recently celebrated Christmas with a series of special events. Thousands of visitors safely enjoyed the festivities with the benefits of festive pass.

In conclusion, the newspaper affirmed that the UAE continues to be a safe place for all community members despite Omicron outbreak worldwide. The country is leading the world in its vaccination rate and provision of best and most efficient healthcare system facilities.

"That is exactly why Expo 2020 Dubai continues to enjoy unprecedented numbers of visitors. It is for these reasons and more that UAE continues to be one of the safest places on the planet to enjoy year-end activities," the newspaper concluded. 

WAM