AR
UR
UAE's top health official has urged people not to let their guard down amid the ongoing fight against COVID-19 during Ramadan celebrations.
Addressing a briefing, Dr Farida Al Hosani, executive director of infectious diseases at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and official spokeswoman for the UAE's health sector, pointed out that daily COVID-19 cases are reducing in the country and there is normalcy after two years. However, people must not become careless about following safety measures as it can hamper the achieved progress.
“COVID-19 is still out there, and maintaining safety measures is still very important,” Dr Al Hosani said.
She further reminded the importance of continuing the compliance with precautionary measures, particularly the wearing of face masks in closed spaces and maintaining social distancing. People are also advised to stay away from crowded places to prevent the transmission of the virus.
“We know that measures have eased not only in the UAE but the rest of the world however it is important to keep a balance and to continue to adhere to many of the health and safety measures that we have grown accustomed to over the past two years. This is important to maintain the current state of stability that we are witnessing," she added.
In this regard, the health official recommended people continue sanitising their hands and using hand sanitisers, particularly during Ramadan.
During the Holy Month, the official advised people to avoid visiting family and friends in case of any COVID-19 symptoms until there are no signs of illness and negative PCR test.
People must self isolate and avoid visiting family and friends or going to the mosque for prayers until they get a negative test result, she added.
“The majority of the elderly are vaccinated and some have had Covid and have recovered but that doesn’t mean that we should be less careful and continue visiting them if we suspect that we have Covid ourselves," she underlined.
People are also urged to follow safety measures and relevant rules at mosques. With prayers allowed to take place at mosques, the country is witnessing a state of stability. Therefore, it is important for people to continue wearing the mask, bring their own prayer mats and maintain social distancing at the places of worship to enhance safety against COVID-19.
Women going to the Tarawih prayers for the first time in two years are advised to not bring their children to the mosque.
SOURCE: The National News