Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Acting Executive Director of External Therapeutic Services, stated that the health sector is continuing its efforts to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 by providing vaccines to eligible people, noting that 79.3%of the population have received their first dose while 70.96% have received both doses.
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Studies have proven the success of the drug, Sotrovimab, which prevents complications leading to death by 97 percent and ICU admissions by 99.5 percent, with full recovery being achieved within 14 days after taking the drug at a rate of 99 percent and hospitalisations being reduced by 20 percent she explained, affirming that 13,000 people in the UAE have taken the drug, which is available around the country and can be used to treat adults and children over the age of 12.
"The UAE was among the first countries of the world to receive a shipment of Sotrovimab, one of the most successful anti-viral medicine in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 cases among high-risk patients including adults, pregnant women and children aged 12 and above who are at risk of progressing to severe symptoms and meet other relevant criteria."
"Therefore, we stress the importance of quickly heading to health centres to receive adequate treatment and healthcare," she added.
"We also stress the importance of adhering to COVID-19 related protocols and contacting health authorities as soon as possible to ensure prompt treatment, which will accelerate the pace of recovery," she further said.
Dr. Al Ghaithi explained that the UAE is keen to monitor its citizens travelling to other countries, noting that after the outbreak of the pandemic, the "We Are With You" action team was formed, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) and representatives of local health authorities, to monitor Emiratis infected while abroad.
She then urged travellers to check the health situation in the country they wish to visit before travelling, highlighting the importance of taking both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before their travels, as well as buying appropriate international medical insurance, registering in the ministry’s "Twajudi" service, and adhering to related precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks, practising social distancing and sanitising hands.
If Emirati travellers test positive for coronavirus, they are required to contact the country’s diplomatic missions abroad, their medical insurance company or their airline to cover treatment costs, she said, stressing that the role of the community in the coming period is as important as the role of relevant authorities in addressing the pandemic. ■