Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

With summer vacations around the corner, the demand for air travel is rising and is set to reach its peak in July.

Travels agencies across the UAE are seeing a surge in bookings on almost all the sectors.

Keeping this in mind UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention has issued fresh COVID-19  and monkeypox guidelines for all who wish to travel abroad in the coming months.

Before travelling

• Check the Covid-I9 stats in areas where a new

variety is spreading and travel only if necessary.

• Vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, diabetics, and those with cardiovascular diseases must avoid traveling to areas where the virus is spreading unless necessary.

• Complete the recommended doses of the vaccine

While travelling

• Wash your hands regularly (with soap and water or sanitizers with 70% alcohol)

• Maintain physical distance with others

▪ Avoid crowded places

• Consult your doctor immediately if you feel sick

• Comply with local Covid-19 guidelines for travelling, transportation and gatherings

After travelling

• Conduct a PCR test to ensure your safety and avoid spreading the virus.

Prevention of monkeypox

The Ministry affirmed that it is cooperating with other health authorities in implementing an epidemiological surveillance system, in accordance with the highest global practices, to ensure sustainable efficiency and community protection from communicable diseases, and rapid detection, as well as work to limit the spread of all diseases and viruses, including monkeypox.

"All health authorities in the country are committed to a national unified medical guide for dealing with Monkeypox-infected people and their contacts. This includes complete isolation of the infected in hospitals until they recover, while quarantining their close contacts for a period of no less than 21 days at home and monitoring their health condition, while enforcing their compliance with home isolation."

The Ministry called for obtaining information from official sources in the UAE, and for refraining from spreading rumours and false information, highlighting the importance of staying updated on developments and guidelines issued by the UAE health authorities.