Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has assured Emiratis and residents in the country that the health sector is fully geared and prepared to address any challenges associated with the new coronavirus wave.
Speaking during a meeting at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, Sheikh Mohamed said that the emerging Covid variant omicron will take some time, but will disappear as was the case with previous strains.
“According to experts and specialists, the pandemic comes in waves. However, the new strain is less harmful to human beings though it spreads faster than other variants. Therefore, we have to exercise caution because infections may increase, but God Willing and thanks to the determination of all stakeholders and their collaboration, we will survive the new wave,” he said.
On Wednesday the UAE reported its highest number of daily coronavirus cases for six months. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) reported 2,234 infections, the highest mark since June 26 when the country saw 2,286 cases.
“There should be no complacency in ensuring compliance with all preventative and precautionary measures rolled out by health and other competent authorities. God willing, this wave will disappear as was the case with that of the past two years,” Sheikh Mohamed added.
Earlier this week, organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai warned that some venues might need to close temporarily as the mega event ramps up measures to protect visitors from the recent rise in coronavirus cases.
Despite the impact of the pandemic, visits to the global extravaganza have continued to climb substantially, increasing to 8,067,012 in the period up to December 27.
A statement issued by the main office at Expo 2020 Dubai said: “Throughout the Expo 2020 Dubai journey we’ve worked hard to balance between holding a responsible, safe, fun Expo and navigating our way through a pandemic. Like the city and the country, we have learnt how to live and operate effectively within a Covid world, as long as we remain agile, factual and responsible.
“Expo 2020 Dubai’s stringent Covid-19 safety measures are designed to protect everyone visiting and working on site; they include mask-wearing – indoors and outdoors – for visitors, staff, and participants. On-site PCR testing facilities enable frequent testing of country pavilion staff, frontline workers, and entertainers.
“The health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone continues to be of the highest priority and we remain committed to working with our participants to welcome visitors to a safe, fun and exceptional Expo.”
Abu Dhabi previously announced that all schools in the emirate will adopt remote learning for the first two weeks of the new term but authorities in Dubai will continue with face-to-face lessons, albeit with increased restrictions in place.
The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, revealed the plans for all students at both public and private schools in the emirate, including training institutes, colleges and universities to further protect health and safety of education community.
Testing for staff will be increased with a view to returning to in-school learning.
However, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said that private schools will continue to have regular face-to-face learning in the second semester, although collective classroom and extracurricular activities will be discontinued, while canteens will be closed for the first two weeks and gatherings and school trips will be suspended.
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