COVID-19: Updates from UAE government media briefing

Health authorities in the UAE have once again highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

During the latest government media briefing, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the UAE health sector's spokesperson said the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has increased in recent weeks because of locally transmitted infections and also due to international travellers.

She added that authorities are closely tracking changes in the components or characteristics of the virus through health monitoring and follow-up systems.

Dr. Farida emphasised that the vaccine is one of the most important solutions available to reduce the impact of the disease and the severity of its spread.

More than 150 centres across the UAE are currently providing the COVID-19 vaccine and home visits will be carried out for elderly people who are unable to get to the vaccination centres.

New genetic mutations of the components of SARS Coffey 2, commonly known as #Covid19, have been detected in several regions of the world and are mutated strains of the virus. #TogetherWeRecover

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021

It's important to follow the mutations and the extent to which they affect the transmission & severity of the disease. The vaccine is considered as one of the most important solutions available to reduce the impact of the disease & the severity of its spread.#TogetherWeRecover

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021

National and local efforts have been combined to provide the vaccine through increasing the number of health centers in the #UAE to more than 150 medical centers, spread across the #UAE.#TogetherWeRecover

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021

Our message today is to a dear group to our hearts that we prioritize their health and safety, they are the blessing and light in every house, our elders. We have prioritized the availability of vaccine to them as a priority.#TogetherWeRecover

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021

"Authorities in the UAE will also continue to focus on early detection and rapid intervention through contact tracing, isolation and quarantine procedures," she explained.

Dr. Farida highlighted how the country's health sector has proven its ability to deal with the virus by increasing the capacity of healthcare facilities and laboratories, in addition to establishing screening centres and field hospitals.

"The community role has also been crucial to this success with members of the public adhering to safety measures," she added.

The health sector in UAE has proven its ability to deal with the virus, and the ability to control it by increasing capabilities & the capacity of hospitals, health centers & laboratories, as well as having a proactive approach in establishing screening centers & field hospitals.

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021

These efforts are paying off today as a result of our leadership’s direction in providing the vaccine to all segments of society, including our elderly, individuals with chronic diseases & vulnerable groups. This proves the effectiveness & safety of the vaccine available in #UAE.

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021

Updates from the #UAE Government media briefing today. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/0FiWfDlGqS

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) January 12, 2021