With the continuous efforts and follow-up of the UAE leadership, the country has conducted more than 7.5 million COVID-19 tests since the onset of the pandemic outbreak. In a recent media briefing in Abu Dhabi, the official spokesperson for the UAE Government affirmed that the nation is leading the fight against COVID-19 in the world in terms of total medical tests conducted compared to the population.

Dr. Omar Al Hammadi hailed the continuous efforts of the frontline heroes from the first day of the COVID-19 outbreak that has made the Emirati model an honourable role model across the world in combating the pandemic. He further added that the Emirati model has helped in reducing the death rate in the country to the lowest globally at 0.5 per cent, along with a significant rise in recovery rate in the country at 90 per cent.

During the UAE Government's regular media briefing, Al Hammadi also updated about ongoing Coronavirus-related developments in the country and the measures taken by the authorities to mitigate the impact of the disease. He also spoke about the state-of-the-art essential medical care provided by the leadership across the nation.

Explaining the data, Al Hammadi said that 71,334 additional COVID-19 tests were carried out among citizens and residents recently which increased the total infections to more than 75,000. Out of the total 75,098 infections, more than 66,900 patients have recovered from the disease, with a total of 7,764 individuals receiving treatment.

The Spokesperson went on to urge everyone to be a responsible member of society and adhere to all necessary preventive and precautionary measures to help the frontline workers and professionals in combating the virus from the country.

Al Hammadi further warned that negligence in following the preventive protocols could result in serious outcomes that may affect other people also. In this context, he provided an example observed by the authorities wherein an individual was suffering from mild symptoms of the disease but ignored to deal with the issue. The person did not practice social distancing nor followed any preventive measures, which resulted in the transmission of the virus to 45 other people from three families and the death of an elderly woman from the same family noting that she was suffering from chronic diseases including leukaemia and kidney failure.

He highlighted that recoveries have increased to over 2,000 people in a single day due to various factors including the adoption of new advanced treatments by the country's medical sector and the UAE leadership's strategy aimed at expanding the scope of testing such that infections can be detected as soon as possible and necessary quarantine procedures can be implemented along with providing the best possible treatment to the patients.

"The factors that led to the success of the exerted efforts to contain the pandemic include the presence of highly-qualified medical cadres and advanced equipment, the increased capacity of health establishments, and the abundance of medicines and medical supplies," he said.

Responding to the questions related to a second wave of infections, Al Hammadi indicated that many countries across the world are observing fluctuations in their numbers of infected cases, adding that there are some countries which have been managing to maintain a low number of cases, however, later witnessed a second wave of infections.

He further expressed confidence in the healthcare establishments of many countries that are prepared to deal with upcoming challenges due to a possible second wave. Al Hammadi asserted that specialists and scientists are suggesting that a sudden increase in infection can be due to a gradual resumption of economic activities and tourism across various parts of the world.

Amid these circumstances, Al Hammadi stressed the need for cooperation from every individual to reduce the spread of the virus, adding that the efforts to develop a potential vaccine against COVID-19 have reached the advanced stages.

He further suggested significant ways through which people can contribute to reducing the spread of the virus, most crucially, wearing face masks, observing social distancing and sanitising hands regular along with taking vaccines for other viruses, such as the seasonal flu. Another key factor suggested by the Spokesperson that people can undertake for their health and wellbeing is to follow a healthy lifestyle, exercising, eating healthy food, and avoiding smoking. He went on to advised people with chronic diseases to take their medicines on time as prescribed by the doctor to avoid any complications while urging people to look after the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

WAM