UAE to ease Covid-19 curbs

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The venues would be allowed to operate at full occupancy by the middle of February, reports Asian Lite News

The UAE is gearing up to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions on activities and events capacities in public places within days, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

During the UAE Government’s media briefing on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, official spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, said venues would be allowed to operate at full occupancy by the middle of February.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Official Spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, highlighted the importance of community responsibility and the pivotal role of community members in maintaining the country’s achievements and supporting the efforts to achieve sustainable recovery.

All sectors are fully cooperating with the health sector and are constantly monitoring the pandemic both locally and internationally, to ensure an immediate response, she added.

Specialist teams are providing the necessary support to ensure the timely treatment of infections, monitor those exposed to infected cases, and provide the necessary medical equipment, treatments and vaccines.

The health sector is also using the best systems to ensure rapid intervention, aided by qualified medical personnel, she further added, affirming that the country has established plans and programmes based on accurate scientific facts and the international monitoring of the virus.

Al Hosani also explained that the health sector is constantly monitoring the pandemic and exerting efforts to curb its spread and create a healthy and preventive environment in the country.

She then stressed that the health sector continues to provide eligible segments of people with vaccines, with 100 percent of the country’s population receiving the first dose of the vaccine while 94.75 percent are fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and efficient in preventing infection and are very effective in reducing severe symptoms, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths, she said, and added that vaccination is the best way to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

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Dr. Al Hosani pointed out the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be provided to children aged between 5 and 11 in accredited health centres.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorised for emergency use for children by the FDA and international and local organisations, she added.

There is no major differences between the types of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, but the version for children aged 5 to 11 contains a smaller dose compared to the adult vaccine, she explained.

“Scientific studies conducted by relevant international advisory commissions in charge of ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children, confirmed its clear that it benefits all age groups, as it reduces infections, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths,” she further said.

Dr. Al Hosani stressed community awareness is the cornerstone of addressing the crisis and highlighted its importance and the pivotal role of community members in safeguarding the country’s achievements.

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