Sterilisation to return if COVID cases surge in UAE

OUR CORRESPONDENT

The UAE could be in the verge of a second outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic if residents and citizens do not adhere to the strict precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus, said Obaid Al Hussan Al Shamsi, director-general of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), on August 23 in an interview on Abu Dhabi TV.

Earlier on August 21, Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, NCEMA spokesman had warned that the National Sterilisation Programme could return if the number of COVID-19 cases kept increasing.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on August 23 reported 390 new cases, 80 recoveries and three deaths. The ministry has urged the public to cooperate and stick to the Covid-19 precautionary measures outlined by the UAE government. The ministry said the recent surge in daily infections was because all people did not follow preventive measures such as wearing masks and practising social distancing.
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The NCEMA on August 22 denied the validity of reports circulated on television and social media regarding the death of five members of one family as a result of COVID-19, WAM reported. The matter has now been referred to the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution to take the necessary legal measures in coordination with the authorities concerned.

Newspapers had reported the news based on a family member’s version given to a local TV channel.