During the UAE government media briefing.. New COVID-19 mutations detected in a number of countries

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, the spokesperson for the health sector in the UAE:

• New mutations that have been detected in a number of countries. The mutants are still under study and investigation by experts and researchers at the international level to know the extent of danger and impact on humans.

• The World Health Organization confirms the spread of the alarming mutants worldwide, where the delta mutant has become dominant in all countries of the world by this October, followed by the spread of the alpha mutant, which still appears in the Americas and some European countries.

• The health sector indicators and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases point that we are getting closer and closer to the immunity we aspire to until we return to our new normal life.

• We affirm that the national system in the country continues to study all possibilities and situations, whether locally or regionally, and accordingly, the decisions of precautionary and preventive measures are applied.

• International health reports indicate a direct relationship between the severity of complications and the age, weak immunity or the presence of chronic diseases. Still, all available vaccinations are effective in reducing complications and the rate of hospitalization.

• Variants of “SARS-CoV-2” appear at a high rate worldwide, so the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization are promptly analyzing the characteristics of these variants to inform public health authorities.

• We advise those wishing to travel in the coming days to protect themselves by following the instructions at their destination and continue to adhere to the precautionary and preventive measures.

• We recommend getting vaccinated or boosting your immunity by receiving booster shots.