The UAE government held a special press briefing to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation in the country, disclosing that 71% of the total population has been vaccinated. They reported a rise in COVID-19 cases and warned of an increase in mortality rates over the past week compared to the previous week, attributing this to the spread of viral variants and a lack of adherence to preventive measures.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the health sector in the country, confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccine has proven effective in reducing infection rates but does not completely prevent infections. Vaccines have succeeded in lowering hospitalizations, intensive care admissions, and mortality rates. She noted that 16% of COVID-19 cases were among vaccinated individuals, while 84% were among unvaccinated individuals. The hospitalization rate for vaccinated individuals was less than 11%, compared to 89% for unvaccinated ones.
Dr. Al Hosani stated, "The vaccine has been administered to over 71% of the total population of the UAE, which represents 91.8% of the eligible group." This trend was also observed in ICU admissions, where 92% of cases were unvaccinated compared to 8% for vaccinated individuals. She highlighted the rise in fatalities in the past week, linked to the spread of viral mutations and non-compliance with preventive measures, as well as hesitance towards getting vaccinated, with unvaccinated individuals making up 94% of the deceased.
She added, "Recently, there has been increased discussion surrounding the 'Delta variant', which is concerning due to its greater transmission speed compared to previous strains. Global studies indicate that the transmissibility of the Delta variant has increased by about 40-60%. Recent data shows that the risk of hospitalization doubles after infection with the Delta variant, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions."
Dr. Al Hosani mentioned that a few identified variants have led to changes in some characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, such as increased transmission rates or altered severity of the associated illness. Mutant strains consist of a set of genetic mutations, which is expected for coronaviruses over the years. A significant number of mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, have been recorded, most of which have not changed the virus's characteristics or posed risks.
She confirmed that ongoing national monitoring systems have shown that the dominant strains in the country currently are the Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants, which have been identified in many countries worldwide. This calls for collective efforts to expedite vaccinations, emphasizing the importance of booster doses to enhance immunity and increase antibody levels.
Dr. Al Hosani urged everyone to adhere to precautionary and preventive measures such as wearing masks, avoiding gatherings, and practicing hygiene to ensure everyone's protection and safety. With the end of the academic year and travel plans approaching, she reiterated the importance of completing the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and receiving the booster shot for those who had their second dose over six months ago to improve immunity against the disease.
She advised against traveling for those unvaccinated or those who have not completed their vaccine doses due to a higher risk of infection. Additionally, when planning to travel, it's essential to check the health situation in the target country and ensure the stability of COVID-19 cases to avoid any emergency precautionary measures or curfews that may be enforced by certain countries.
Dr. Al Hosani recommended travelers to avoid crowded places and to wear masks and maintain physical distancing regardless of the measures in place in different countries. She advised wearing masks at all times when using transportation, including planes, cars, and ships. Some individuals may insist on getting more doses than recommended, which contradicts medical advice and could lead to undesirable health complications, urging everyone to adhere to their doctor's guidance for their health and safety.
She confirmed that the "Al Hosn" application is currently functioning effectively, allowing users to access PCR test results, laser DPI blood tests, and vaccination statuses. Relevant authorities have taken all necessary measures, particularly in developing high-standard technical solutions, to ensure the application's effectiveness in safeguarding public health and safety in the face of the pandemic.
Finally, she emphasized that the responsibility for obtaining test results and vaccination status primarily lies with the healthcare facility providing the service, which is tasked with communicating with the Al Hosn application and supplying it with relevant data. Authorities have updated the contact center for the Al Hosn application, making it available for users to inquire or connect with the Al Hosn team at the toll-free number 8004676.
