Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE government affirmed on Wednesday that the country is currently witnessing a significant decrease in the number of infections and deaths due to the COVID-19 virus.

Dr Taher Al Amiri, the official spokesman of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said, “Nowadays, there is a significant drop in the number of infections and deaths, thanks to the wise vision and directives of the wise leadership to enhance the strategic balance between all sectors of the country regarding combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanks to the harmony, cooperation and integration between the concerned authorities aiming at controlling the pandemic.”

Al Amiri added during the media briefing of the UAE government in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening, to review the latest developments in the situation in confronting the COVID-19, that the UAE’s management of the crisis was characterised by professionalism and thus, according to global indicators, it became one of the most successful global models, not to mention its humanitarian initiatives at the local and global levels.

He stressed that achieving the national strategic goals lies in the effectiveness of the roles and responsibilities of all sectors and as a result of proactive plans and integrated strategies to contain the repercussions of the pandemic and finally working as one team.

“The concerned sectors continue to monitor indicators of the epidemiological status and assessing them continually to support decisions and achieve plans and indicators of recovery from the COVID-19 crisis,” Al Amiri  indicated.

He pointed out that the UAE government, in its continuous review of the developments of the crisis, is updating procedures and protocols with the aim of maintaining the security and safety of society and the balance between all sectors comprehensively.

Al Amiri indicated that, in support of the national efforts to achieve sustainable recovery and the return of a new normal life in the UAE, a protocol for the return of the Ramadan iftar tents in the Holy Month of Ramadan, 2022 was announced, with the need to obtain permits to set up fasting iftar tents from the Emirates Red Crescent Authority (RCA), taking into account that the local committees and teams of INCEMA in each emirate have the power to approve the setting up of tents, to decide the allowed numbers for each tent, and to specify their locations.

“Tents must be designed in the form of a canopy which is open from all sides or air conditioned to be in line with the rise in temperatures. They must also provide all the required safety and prevention systems, and adherence to the physical distance of one metre between people, besides providing security guards or volunteers to organise the entry and exit, provide posters on all entrances and exits and to monitor banning of shaking hands.”

Al Amiri affirmed  “The tents should be opened to receive fasting people two hours before Iftar to avoid crowding, with the mandatory adherence to the Green Pass System, providing masks and sterilizers by the organisers, with a commitment to use tablecloths, dishes, cups and spoons for single use while maintaining a distance of one metre,” according to the updated protocol.

Al Amiri noted that these standards may be updated or changed according to the latest requirements and studies of the health authorities in the UAE.

“The responsibility is now shared and the community has a pivotal role in preserving the gains achieved by the UAE during the pandemic and going forward to sustainable recovery,” he added.