The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Gulf Today Report

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced that 81,790 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given in the past 24 hours.

The total number of doses provided up to Saturday stands at 6,015,089 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 60.82 doses per 100 people.

This is in line with the Ministry’s plan to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to all members of society and efforts to reach acquired immunity resulting from the vaccination, which will help reduce the number of cases and control the COVID-19 virus.

Earlier the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said that there would be a 10-week interval between the 1st and 2nd dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19.

The DHA revealed this on its social media platforms, "Recent studies from the University of Oxford on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine showed a higher efficacy and higher acquired immunity when the interval between the first and second dose was increased.

"Based on this study and recommendations of the World Health Organisation, DHA has approved a 10-week interval between the first and the second dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine." The DHA also said, “All those who are due for the second dose of this vaccine will receive a text message with the date and location for their vaccination appointment.”  

In a separate development, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced that the COVID-19 precautionary measures introduced in the beginning of February will be extended until the start of Ramadan in mid-April.

The decision is based on an evaluation of the evolving COVID-19 situation, data showing the effectiveness of intensified safety measures and the recommendations of frontline authorities.

The Supreme Committee said the country’s response to the pandemic is part of an integrated plan to combat COVID-19. Commending the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention for their success in coordinating counter-pandemic measures, the Committee said it will continue to monitor local and international developments to ensure the optimal response.