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Due to large-scale vaccination and screening activities, the positive rate has been declining rapidly
Medical experts said that the Covid-19 pandemic in the UAE is now becoming an “endemic disease” and that the country is about to achieve herd immunity.
On Monday, health authorities reported 124 new cases after conducting 276,637 PCR tests, with a positive rate of 0.44. To date, more than 20.5 million doses of the vaccine have been vaccinated, and 95% of eligible people have received the vaccine at least once.
In contrast, on January 28, when vaccination was in its infancy, 168781 PCR tests detected a total of 3966 positive cases, with a positive rate of 2.34.
Due to large-scale vaccination and screening activities, the positive rate has been declining rapidly. The doctors emphasized that the current level of transmission in the community is very low. Since September 19, the number of new cases has been below 400.
Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, medical director of Al Ahalia Hospital in Abu Dhabi, said: “If a disease is always at a baseline level and is predictable and controllable in the community, then it is considered endemic.”
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, an internal medicine expert at the Burjeel Specialist Hospital in Sharjah, pointed out: “More than 85% of eligible people are vaccinated. We are seeing a sharp drop in the number of new cases, which indicates that the level of transmission is low. We will see soon. By the time the number of daily cases fell below 100. All this shows that the UAE is in the epidemic phase.”
The last time the number of new cases fell below 100 was in March 2020, when the UAE just broke out of Covid.
“If the numbers are established, we can say that this country is entering the epidemic phase. The numbers are falling significantly,” said Dr. Jimmy Joseph, an internal medicine expert at the Aster Specialist Medical Center in Dubai International City.
The doctor pointed out that through very successful vaccination campaigns, the UAE is gradually achieving herd immunity. The authorities have relaxed restrictions on gatherings and travel.
Dr. Joseph said: “Research shows that vaccination can significantly reduce the severity of infection. Sooner or later we will achieve herd immunity.”
Dr. JM Gauer, CEO of RAK Hospital, emphasized that strict preventive measures and vigorous campaigns are now producing positive results.
“The sharp and relatively rapid decline in new Covid cases does show that the vast majority of the UAE’s population has developed a good immunity. In my opinion, it’s fair to say that the coveted herd immunity target has been to a large extent Achieved.”
Dr. Gupta emphasized that enhanced injections also ensured protection of high-risk groups.
“A booster dose has been provided to a large population including the elderly, vulnerable groups and medical staff.”
However, doctors insist that people must continue to take preventive measures, such as wearing masks and using hand sanitizer.
“We have to remember that the virus still exists. We seem to be safe in the UAE; however, mutations are still occurring globally. Always stay vigilant, including re-vaccinations and adjustments, will remain the top priority of the agenda . Covid will continue to exist. At least for the foreseeable future, we will have to live with it,” Dr. Gore added.
Ashwani Kumar
I am a journalist from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The heart of a reporter. I heard my story from the street. As a South Indian born in the heartland of Hindi, it is easy for me to connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am a calm, sensitive and very patient reporter like a monk. In the field, I covered a range of topics related to community, health, embassies, tourism, transportation, business and sports. I will stand up to do the right thing and stick to my beliefs.
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