30% increase in COVID-19 cases among UAE citizens

Authorities in the UAE have reported a 30 per cent rise in new COVID-19 cases among Emirati nationals in recent days.

During a media briefing on Thursday, the UAE's Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said the increase was mainly due to family gatherings and social visits where proper precautions were not taken.

Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais urged everyone not to get complacent, and to continue following the preventative measures and social distancing norms.

He added that the government is counting on people's support to curb the spread of the virus completely.

Al Owais: Unfortunately, we saw an increase of 30% in Covid-19 cases among UAE citizens due to lack of commitment to social distancing guidelines. Social gatherings are parts of our traditions, but we should take the precautionary measures needed to protect ourselves and others.

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 6, 2020

Al Owais: We remind the public to continue to avoid gatherings and family visits, particularly visiting the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. #UAEGov

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) August 6, 2020

The Minister explained that many positive indicators were registered in recent weeks, such as high recovery rates and low infection rates, in addition to not recording deaths for consecutive days.

However, he stressed that these positives do not mean that the challenge presented by COVID-19 has ended, as the experiences of other countries indicate that any negligence, even if only by a small percentage, can have major consequences.

His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention: We need full public support and understanding that precautions need to be taken, especially as we are on the right track

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 6, 2020