Highlights of the UAE government news briefing on the developments of COVID-19

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokeswoman of the health sector in the UAE during the news briefing on COVID-19 developments:

62% of the total cases are males, while females represent 38% of the total infections.

• 12% of the cases during the past two weeks belong to citizens and residents coming from outside the country, despite their negative results in the country of departure according to the conditions, in addition to their lack of commitment to the 14-day quarantine.

• 88% of the cases were the result of direct contact and gatherings, including parties, funerals, work and breaching the quarantine protocol.

• 10% of the cases were for administrative and educational staff in schools, parents and students who chose to return to schools as part of the Ministry of Education’s plan.

• One of the reasons for the increase in the number of daily cases is linked to the individual’s commitment. This includes complacency in preventive measures such as physical distancing, wearing masks, and gatherings in houses or restaurants.

• Failure of some shopping centers, commercial stores and public facilities to implement precautionary measures, such as the limited capacity, physical distancing, and wearing masks have contributed to the recent increase in the cases.

• Some individuals have ignored the appearance of the virus symptoms and the lack of medical response, yet continued to be in contact with others while not adhering to preventive measure.

• The complacency and negligence of a number of private educational institutions in the country, and their failure to apply isolation measures and suspend studies for a period of 14 days after detecting cases, despite the controls and procedures set by the Ministry of Education for all educational institutions.

• Some Cases have arrived at the country and subsequently developed symptoms, which contributed to the local transmission of the virus and the increase in the number of infections.

• The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority has begun with the emergency and crisis committees in the local Emirates to tighten supervision and conduct inspections. Violators of preventive measures will be held accountable, whether individuals, commercial centers or restaurants.

• The balance between gradual recovery measures in all vital sectors is the responsibility of all including individuals, families, and even institutions in all sectors.

• The recovery equation is very simple. Our commitment reflects on the number of cases.

• Any person who was in contact with a positive case must apply the approved quarantine protocols, and should not rely on the negative test result to use it as an excuse to return to normal life.

• The incubation period for the virus may last up to 14 days, hence, only the negative test result on the 14th day of contact determines the end of quarantine.

• Any family who wishes to celebrate a special event must limit the gatherings to the minimal number of people while taking all the preventive measures.

• With Regards to the observations about the gradual opening and linking it to the increase in the number of cases, we would like to emphasize that the UAE government has put in place all the measures and requirements for the reopening and return of the various sectors, all individuals and institutions are mandated to adhere to the health guidelines.