The UAE government spokesman recently addressed a news briefing on Coronavirus developments in the country, announcing that those individuals infected with the disease who have not developed adequate antibodies will be given the COVID-19 vaccines by the authorities.

Speaking at the briefing, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, the official spokesman of the UAE Government, stated that it was seen that people who suffered moderate or severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection that required hospitalization developed adequate immunity. He added that it can be checked through examining or detecting their immunity for antibodies.

Dr Al Hammadi further explained that those immunity tests which generate positive results will not require vaccination. However, if antibodies are not formed in an erstwhile infected individual, then they would require a vaccine to battle the COVID-19 virus, noting that some people who have previously been infected with the disease may not develop adequate immunity to Sars-CoV-2.

Dr Al Hammadi also stated that studies have revealed that people, who had minor COVID-19 infections or were asymptomatic after being infected with the disease, may not necessarily have developed immunity against the virus.

"The vaccination of infected people depends mainly on the recommendation and evaluation of specialists,” the UAE government spokesperson added.

Amid the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 infections, the government official also urged the people to comply with all precautionary measures in order to contain the spread of the disease.

He stated that the ongoing winter vacations also coincide with school holidays which potentially increase social and tourism activities. While it is important for students to stay active and enjoy recreation time with family and friends, the government called on every individual to adhere to necessary COVID-19 precautionary measures, Al Hammadi added.

During the briefing, he urged everyone to continue wearing face masks, follow social distancing measures, wash and sanitize hands regularly, particularly when coming in contact with the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

"Cooperation is required and important, especially in places where gatherings may occur during the vacation period,” Dr Al Hammadi added.

He further revealed that during the week from December 9-15, the UAE carried out more than 1,000,000 tests nationwide, which indicated that positive cases remained at an overall rate of one percent. At the same time, the death rate during this period was reported at 0.3 percent, which is significantly lower than most countries in the world, including the European Union, the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.