COVID-19: UAE government confirms presence of new variant

WAM

The UAE has confirmed the presence of a limited number of cases of the new variant of COVID-19 in people who travelled from abroad.

During the UAE government's latest media briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Omar Al Hammadi the official government spokesman emphasised the need to follow precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

“We affirm the need to continue to adhere to all precautionary and preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone, with an emphasis on the continuity of the efforts of the health sector and its workers to contain the virus and limit its spread,” Al Hammadi said.

From December 23 to December 29, more than 900,000 examinations were conducted nationwide of which 8,491 cases were confirmed positive. The mortality rate in the UAE remains at 0.3%, one of the lowest rates in the world.

He revealed that the UAE is prepared to facilitate and support the distribution of 6 billion doses of vaccinations around the world, with this capacity increasing to 18 billion by the end of 2021.

“The UAE has applied the highest scientific standards in its treatment of COVID-19, surpassing all countries of the Middle East and Africa, and it is the tenth in the world in the effectiveness of treatment,” he added.

The country uses laser scanning technology to diagnose COVID-19 disease, and was one of the first countries to use plasma and stem cell therapy to stimulate recovery.

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