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The United Arab Emirates effectively eliminated all coronavirus restrictions two and a half years after the coronavirus increased levels as cases continued to fall in the Gulf region. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said that starting on Monday, masks won't be required in most public areas, including houses of worship. In hospitals and centers for the disabled, wearing masks will still be a requirement. After analyzing the country's epidemic condition and keeping an eye on hospital occupancy rates, along with the COVID-19 cases, phase 2 of relaxing the restrictions will be implemented.
Citizens are no longer required to use the "green pass" system on the government's health app to gain access to public facilities. The app will only be needed for necessary documentation of vaccination and test results, which has a color-scheme system to show vaccination documents and test status. For the last few months, the UAE, which comprises the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has been reporting around 300 cases on average per day. The nation has one of the highest vaccination rates, with about 100% of the populace receiving all recommended vaccinations.
The UAE mostly avoided the widespread lockdowns experienced by the rest of the world during the epidemic and relied instead on rigorous mask regulations and vaccination programs. Tourists across the world seeking to escape restrictions in their native nations were attracted by the government's quick response to the outbreaks.
Dr. Saif AI Dhaheri said that a better understanding of how to manage epidemics and diseases is the result of the UAE government's persistent efforts over the past several months to control the COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare sector has boosted its efforts to resolve the health issue in partnership and cooperation with the appropriate authorities. It is mainly because the healthcare sector has proved that smart leadership plays a major value in maintaining societal health. An announcement has been made that the healthcare sector will perform active surveillance in all regions across the nation, to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19’s further development.
The UAE reported its first coronavirus case on January 29, 2020. Later after two months, the nation's first two coronavirus-related deaths were reported on March 20, 2020. Following these deaths, the first lockdown was started a week after that, on March 26, during which the UAE effectively closed its borders and stopped all incoming and outgoing travel. The UAE had previously decided that the requirement to wear a mask would be lifted in September. Since then, almost two years have passed since the face-mask regulation went into effect.
Dr.AI Dhaheri said that they have seen a considerable decline in illnesses and fatalities throughout the recent time, which demonstrates the depth of society's understanding and adoption of all precautionary and preventive measures to maintain the nation's accomplishments and successes. The work of the healthcare sector over the last three years demonstrates the country's concern for the health and safety of all residents, particularly the elderly, the strong, and those who are afflicted with chronic diseases. Moreover, their efforts were successful because of societal efforts and individual community members' self-responsibility, as well as the wise leadership's guidance and vision in combating the pandemic.
Yash Ranjan11/07/2022
