The rapid drop in daily COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates is a huge success of the visionary leadership of the United Arab Emirates (“Face mask not mandatory in certain places in UAE,” Sept.22, Gulf Today).

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced on Wednesday that it is not mandatory to wear a face mask in certain places while keeping a safe physical distance of two metres.

“This decision comes after the noticeable decrease in the number of registered COVID-19 cases in the country, which reflects the successful national efforts in expanding the scope of testing nationwide that led to early detection of cases, and the availability of multiple vaccines along with the cooperation of the community in committing to the precautionary and preventive measures,” the two entities said in a statement.

The United Arab Emirates authorities adopted the best strategy to fight against the most deadly virus in the world, not only saving the precious lives of the UAE residents but also keeping the country’s fast growing economy on track.

At the same time I would like to appreciate the cooperation of the people of the United Arab Emirates who strictly followed the standard operating procedures set by the UAE authorities to bring the dreaded coronavirus situation under control.

With the bright results of countering the coronavirus situation, the United Arab Emirates started to relax the coronavirus rules that will surely bring happiness in peoples’ lives.

It is also important to remember that the fight against the deadly COVID-19 is not over yet, so, we the residents of the UAE should stand firm and united to follow the standard operating procedures set by the UAE authorities till the present pandemic is completely eradicated.

Qasim Jalali — By email