Dr. Saif Juma Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesman of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), addressed the UAE Government media briefing on the developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. During the media briefing, the official announced the safety protocols for Commemoration Day and UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

As per the safety protocols, it is mandatory for attendees to present negative results for a PCR test conducted within 96 hours of the event’s date. Furthermore, they will undergo temperature checks and must wear facemasks at all times in closed spaces or crowded areas. Noting that the maximum capacity at the event must be 80 percent, people have been urged to maintain 1.5-metre physical distancing with one another. The protocols also called on people to greet others while maintaining a distance without shaking hands.

People of all age groups fully-vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines as well as those who have received a booster shot or show a Green Pass on their Al Hosn app are allowed to enter the event. It is necessary that attendees took their last vaccine dose 14 or more days before the event.

Dr. Al Dhaheri underlined that designated teams will be formed by the organizing entity to ensure the implementation of all safety requirements and compliance with entry and exit procedures to avoid overcrowding. He further stressed the necessity of sanitizing relevant places on a regular basis. He called on all attendees to follow the protocols of local authorities to ensure the health and safety of the community.

"The UAE government has a vision and is capable of overcoming unconditional conditions and addressing challenges, as well as the country’s readiness to meet any challenges," Dr Al Dhaheri affirmed.

The UAE health sector is continuously working towards achieving herd immunity in the country with the provision of COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible categories for free of cost. According to the latest data, 97.92 percent of the population have received their first vaccine dose while 87.86 percent are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Prevention approved the emergency use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children in the age group between 5-11 years. In this regard, the NCEMA official noted that the UAE achieved many successes during its fight against the pandemic. In the Bloomberg index for October 2021, the UAE maintained its prominent regional and international stature as stepped up three places to rank third globally and first regionally in terms of showcasing flexibility in the battle against COVID-19.

The health sector is working in coordination and collaboration with relevant partners to monitor the pandemic situation in countries across the world. Dr Al Dhaheri added that the UAE's health sector is also continuously monitoring the emergence of variants of the virus, urging people to follow crucial developments related to foreign destinations they are planning to travel to.

Speaking about the COVID-19 situation in the UAE, Dr Al Dhaheri noted that the health sector is working on boosting the number of Coronavirus tests and providing the vaccines to all target categories free of charge.

"The country is fully ready to address the repercussions of the pandemic, and the health sector is exerting all possible efforts to ensure the health and safety of all segments of the community," he said.

In conclusion, he stressed the key role played by the community in maintaining the accomplishments achieved so far. Therefore, he urged all community members to comply with the precautionary measures as UAE is approaching its Golden Jubilee.

WAM