Dr. Saif Al Dhaheri, Official Spokesperson of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), has affirmed that the UAE's national vaccination campaign continues to achieve its goals in protecting the health and safety of all members of the community. Addressing a UAE government media briefing on COVID-19, the senior official added the national vaccination campaign has highlighted the strength of the country’s medical and health system.

During the press briefing, Dr. Al Dhaheri said 69.89 percent of all eligible people over the age of 16 years have received the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, 77.84 percent of people above the age of 60 have been vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease.

He further noted that the UAE health sector has administered more than 10,700,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses in the process, at a rate of 108.99 doses per 100 persons. At the same time, the total number of COVID-19 tests conducted so far has increased to 45 million in the UAE.

He asserted that the UAE is steadily moving towards combating the pandemic with the support and cooperation of all state institutions, citizens, and residents in the national efforts. UAE's authorities have also started planning for the post-pandemic recovery phase.

"The UAE's approach in containing the pandemic has become a model, thanks to the proactive vision of our leadership, the successes made by the frontline heroes and the efforts of our health institutions," Dr. Al Dhaheri said.

Later, he stressed the need for taking the vaccine to support the Emirati society and sustain the achievements made by authorities in the ongoing fight against the pandemic. The NCEMA senior official urged all members of the community to adhere to precautions issued by relevant authorities including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing even after being vaccinated in order to ensure the rapid return of normal living. He further called on everyone to take the vaccine, particularly in view of the emergence of the new variants of the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. Al Dhaheri also highlighted that national travel protocols have been revised in order to ease restrictions for vaccinated people in terms of quarantine. The decision was taken in line with the preventive procedures aimed at ensuring the safety of all members of the community.

With the festival of Eid al-Fitr approaching, all community members have been urged to cooperate and adhere to precautionary measures and instructions and avoid family gatherings and visits. UAE's residents and citizens must limit their celebrations to close family members living together in one place. Other measures such as wearing face masks and ensuring social distancing must be followed, especially with elders and people with chronic diseases.

In conclusion, Dr. Al Dhaheri urged the public to exchange greeting with relatives and friends through electronic means such as via social media or online platforms. He asked people to avoid in-person exchange of gifts and food with neighbors as well as refrain from giving Eid bonuses to children. If required, people must use electronic means to gift Eid bonuses through bank transfers. 

WAM