UAE's authorities have called on all members of the community to carry out regular testing, noting that new genetic mutations in COVID-19 components are being detected in a number of countries across the world. During a weekly UAE government briefing on Tuesday about the developments in the COVID-19 situation in the country, the official said it is crucial to take another test if symptoms continue to persist even after negative results.

The official underlined the important role played by community members, government, private and community institutions in strengthening the efforts against the pandemic and the success achieved so far. The success was gained with strict adherence to precautionary measures and instructions issued by the concerned authorities with the aim of containing the spread of the virus and facilitate rapid recovery from the pandemic.

The government official also urged everyone to get vaccinated under the inoculation programme and participate in the national recovery efforts.

"The best way to achieve immunity and go through the recovery stage is immunisation of the community by taking the vaccine," the official added.

The official underlined that more than one type of COVID-19 vaccine is available in the UAE, adding that they are highly effective in boosting the immune system to fight the virus and limit its spread. The official explained that the vaccines contain the inactive or weak parts of the organism that causes the disease or the genetic code that would activate the same response and stimulate the immune system to counter the virus.

The official noted that vaccines help the immune system in recognising a foreign object and then producing antibodies to fight it. Therefore, the official urged all eligible members of the community to support the national vaccination campaign and take the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Increasing the number of vaccines administered contributes to reaching community immunity and limiting the spread of the virus," the official concluded.