The week that ended on July 18 saw several promising developments, indicating a significant slowing down of the coronavirus pandemic in the UAE. On two days, no deaths were reported, and there was a steady decline in new infections. The number of recoveries was also impressive: more than three times the tally of new cases on some days.
The UAE has maintained intensive testing, covering a large section of the population. While the total number of tests have gone up, positive cases are gradually coming down.
If this trend continues to hold, the UAE may soon begin to flatten the curve soon. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, hailed efforts of the UAE’s frontline workers. “Today, we announce no deaths related to COVID-19 in the UAE in the last 24 hours. Our deepest gratitude to our frontline heroes and to society for their commitment to adhering to precautionary measures,” he tweeted on July 15.
The UAE’s disease control steps have yielded significant wins and statistics show the country’s viral load factor is gradually reducing.
While a decline in the number of new cases and the growing rate of recoveries look promising, caution is necessary to make UAE free of coronavirus, and it is too early to lower the guard. Residents and citizens must continue to follow precautionary protocols strictly. Across the world, including in Europe and the United States, the disease sprung back when people resumed their daily lives without masks and failed to maintain social distancing. Several states in the US are forced to reimpose shutdowns after a new wave of infections overwhelmed hospitals and killed many.
The UAE’s disease control steps have yielded significant wins and statistics show the country’s viral load factor is gradually reducing. At the same time, resumption of business activities and government services involves a certain degree of risk. The challenge is to cautiously continue to resume daily lives while following safety protocols, both at personal and institutional levels. Wearing of masks, frequently washing of hands and maintaining social distancing will remain part of our lives. This is the only way to defeat the virus. The coming weeks and months are crucial and will continue to test our resolve. In addition to mass testing and successful implementation of safety protocols, the UAE is also making steady progress in the coronavirus vaccine trial.
Shaikh Mohammed’s tweet is a message for the nation: “We must continue our collective efforts in tackling this challenge.” The fight against the pandemic must go on.
