AR
UR
Amid the ongoing efforts to ease COVID-19 related restrictions across the UAE, doctors have urged residents to continue following necessary protocols and exercise caution at all times to limit the impact of the virus.
Earlier, the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management (NCEMA) removed mandatory wearing of face masks in public places, making it optional for people in outdoor areas across the country.
Noting the updated protocols, UAE doctors have called on all residents to continue practising basic sanitation measures.
Dr Rasha Alani, a specialist in family medicine at Medcare Medical Centre, Khawaneej, noted that the country is on the journey towards recovery from the pandemic.
"The new rules are a positive step towards recovery from the pandemic. These new regulations in healthcare and travel prove robust recovery," Dr Alani added.
However, she urged people to continue following basic hand hygiene and sanitisation rules to protect vulnerable members of the community.
She further called on individuals experiencing symptoms of the illness to maintain a distance of three metres from others and report to relevant authorities. The doctor also stressed the significance of taking vaccine and booster doses to ensure enhanced protection against COVID-19 and its mutations.
“Any respiratory symptoms such as flu or cough should be considered as a necessity to wear a face mask to prevent droplets spreading the disease among the population,” she added.
Dr Nasrullah Jakhrani, internal medicine at Aster Jubilee Medical Centre, Bur Dubai, called on all residents to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 infection.
"Although wearing masks are optional outdoors, it is important for everyone to keep wearing them in closed places and while using public transportation," Dr Jakhrani added.
The doctor also urged people with symptoms like fever, cough, cold and body pain to stay home till they feel better. People must also practice frequent hand-sanitisation in public places, Dr Jakhrani noted.
Dr Pawan Shrivastava, consultant internal medicine, NMC Speciality Hospital Dubai, underlined that SARS-CoV-2 transmission is less likely to take place in the fresh air of the outdoor environment. At the same time, government agencies are closely monitoring the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on a daily basis. When the authorities observe a reduction in the positivity rate, they relax certain measures to ensure recovery from the pandemic crisis.
Dr Shrivastava also asked unvaccinated people and those with chronic diseases to continue wearing face masks for better protection against the virus.
He also welcomed the easing of COVID-19 restrictions as a positive message to the public. Thanking the UAE government for effectively handling the COVID-19 pandemic, he also hailed the massive vaccination campaign conducted by the health sector across the country.
"We should continue to still take all precautions, especially in closed spaces, and if one has any symptoms,” he added.
SOURCE : Khaleej Times