While several nations are still struggling to cope with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc everywhere, the speed and accuracy with which the UAE handled the situation is not only noteworthy, but has proved that its proactive crisis management measures have been immensely effective.

However, people have no reason to let their guard down.

Citizens and residents have a major role to play for their own sake as well as for the sake of their dear ones. The pandemic is an enemy of humanity and there is no scope for any laxity.

The rising number of coronavirus cases is a point of concern in the country.

In the words of the official spokesman for the UAE National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) Dr Saif Al Dhaheri: “We stress the importance of following precautionary measures. The first of which is physical distancing and avoiding visits and gatherings, which may be a primary factor in any increase in the number of cases. The increase in the number resulted from non-compliance, and the sterilisation programme may return in some areas if the cases continue to rise.”

As he put it, “We do not want to go backwards in our fight to combat COVID-19 due to a lack of commitment and responsibility towards society and the efforts made by competent authorities.”

The authorities are doing their best.

Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammad Bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, last week announced that the UAE has exceeded 6 million laboratory tests for the coronavirus, COVID-19, an important development in the government’s strategy to tackle the virus and protect society.

In addition to taking proactive measures to confront the pandemic at the health, social and economic levels, the UAE continues to support scientific and medical research to develop effective solutions to tackle the virus.

The UAE recently launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research, which is a qualitative addition that will contribute to the development of the UAE’s scientific research sector. The centre will focus its specialisations on research into communicable diseases in the country in addition to research on COVID-19.

People should not use products that are being wrongly promoted for their ability to combat COVID-19 without any scientific basis.

There are also those who inspire others. A person of determination, Ahmed Mohammed Al Shaibani, who is a senior call centre officer at Al Ain Hospital, which is part of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA, volunteered to participate in a coronavirus, COVID-19, clinical trial, due to his patriotism and loyalty to the UAE.

The trial is part of a campaign to serve humanity carried out by SEHA, in cooperation with the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi and G42 Healthcare, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based technology company Group 42 (G42), and under the framework of Phase III of a new coronavirus vaccine trial.

Al Shaibani has expressed his happiness at participating in the trial, stressing his keenness to serve the community and noting that he insisted on participating despite his disability.

Yes, the return to normalcy reaffirms the principle ‘We are all responsible.’

The increase in the number of infections is an indication that COVID-19 cannot be overlooked and that people need to continue to follow all of the preventive health and safety measures, the most important of which is physical distancing and avoiding huge gatherings and visits.

Everyone should continue adhering to the precautions in place in order to reduce cases to zero.