Photo used for illustrative purpose.

The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective solution to contain the pandemic and mitigate its impact, said Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector.

Dr. Al Hossani made the remarks today during the regular UAE Government media briefing, held today to present the developments to the efforts of national authorities to counter the coronavirus, COVID-19.

She said the UAE health sector has been instrumental in handling and controlling the spread of COVID-19 by building capabilities and increasing capacity of hospitals, clinics and laboratories, and by proactively establishing test centres and field hospitals.

Dr. Al Hossani also underlined the significant increase in COVID-19 cases, and attributed that to many reasons, including those who contracted the virus through the movement of individuals locally and from the individuals arriving from abroad.

"New COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) have also been detected in more than one country of the world. It is an expected occurrence, but it is important to continue the efforts to identify any changes in the virus components and characteristics and to monitor their effect severity when contracted by the patients," she added.

Commenting on the global increase in COVID-19 cases and fatalities, Dr. Al Hossani revealed that the health authorities in the UAE are constantly focussed on early detection and quick intervention to minimise the spread of the virus by monitoring the contacts and intensifying isolation and quarantine measures.

"COVID-19 has been a major challenge to many governments and healthcare systems around the world. The UAE, however, demonstrated a remarkable competence in containing the pandemic and managing its impact. The country's healthcare sector maintained a closer cooperation with the other sectors to implement the highest health and safety standards within the community."

Such efforts, Dr. Al Hossani continued, have come to fruition, following our wise leadership's move to provide the vaccine to all segments of the society, including elderly citizens and residents, people of determination and the vulnerable people with pre-existing conditions.