National Disinfection Programme completed in UAE

Web Desk
The United Arab Emirates announced the completion of its National Disinfection Programme to combat Covid-19 with effect from June 24,Wam reported.

This was announced at a media briefing by Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi,official spokesperson of the UAE Government;Dr Saif Dhaheri, the Spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA);and Dr. Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, while providing an update on the measures taken to reduce the pandemic impact.

702 recoveries, two deaths

Al Shamsi said that more than 44,291 additional Covid-19 tests were conducted among UAE citizens and residents, resulting in the detection of 450 new cases and taking the total number of infections in the country to 46,133.702 have fully recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to over 34,405. She said that of the 11,421 patients being treated, most are in stable condition.Two deaths as a result of Covid-19 complications were reported,taking the total number of fatalities in the country to 307.

Vaccine trials

Al Hosani said that the UAE health sector has started phase III of the clinical trials of a Covid-19 vaccine,as part of global collaborative efforts to curb the virus.”Medical research in the UAE focuses on three pillars:studies of pandemics, diagnostic studies and clinical trials, which include developing vaccines,” she said.She also said that the participation in the First Phase III Clinical Trial of Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine comes in through cooperation between the Chinese Sinopharm China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Group 42 (G42). G42 will lead the clinical trial operations in the UAE.

“Clinical trials are led by the Department of Health to accelerate the process of developing an effective and safe Covid-19 vaccine. We hope to make it available by end of 2020 or earlier 2021.The vaccine succeeded in passing the first and second stages of the clinical trials without causing any harmful effects,”she said,adding that the percentage of volunteers who managed to generate antibodies two days after taking the vaccine reached 100%.Al Hosani pointed out that people with chronic diseases, include heart diseases, hypertension and respiratory illnesses face an increased risk of developing complications.”The higher risk groups also include people who smoke, are obese or have a weak immune system.”

Sterilisation complete

Al Dhaheri announced the completion of the National Disinfection Programme nationwide and the sterilisation of all utilities,including public transport. He added that sterilisation of public and private establishments will continue.”Children below 12 are now allowed to enter commercial centers and restaurants across emirates,”he said.

However,public gatherings will remain prohibited,and he advised the public to avoid family visits. He noted that it is compulsory to follow the three-passenger limit per vehicle unless the occupants are from the same family.Al Dhaheri warned that legal action will be taken against any violators of preventive measures.