As many as 82,344 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry said.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday reported 330 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 101 recoveries. One death has also been reported.
As many as 82,344 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry added.
The Phase 3 trials of an experimental vaccine for Covid-19 in the UAE have reached the target of 15,000 volunteers in less than a month, with individuals from 102 nationalities participating in the programme. The trials were a world first when they commenced in Abu Dhabi on July 16. Volunteers across the UAE said it it was proud moment to be part of the initiative dubbed 4Humanity, and 15,000 of them – including 4,500 Emiratis – have already received the first of two vaccine shots in the process. Over 140 doctors, 300 nurses, and many more administrative and technical support staff helped to facilitate the vaccine trial. Volunteers are now going through the next stage, receiving their second shot of the vaccine – developed by leading vaccine manufacturer Sinopharm CNBG. Since its launch last month, the #4Humanity trials have captured the imagination of the UAE’s multinational population eager to help fulfil the UAE leadership’s commitment to overcome the pandemic through a global collaborative effort.
A senior health official has said that the Phase III clinical trials for the vaccine is “very critical” and so far, “no serious side effects” have been reported in the UAE. In the Phase III, the effectiveness of the vaccine will be known by measuring the antibodies in a volunteer after 14 days of taking the second dose. Also, volunteers who took vaccines and placebo will be checked for Covid-19 cases. Once the second dose, which is done 21 days after the first dose, is administered on all the volunteers and the study is complete, there will be tests done after one, three, six, nine and 12 months to check for antibodies, the official added.
Meanwhile, returning UAE residents flying to Dubai will need a pre-approval as the authorities have revoked the earlier decision to do away with return permits. Earlier on Wednesday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) had announced that returning residents don’t need a pre-approval to return. That decision stands revoked according to the latest tweet sent out by airlines. The Dubai Airports Operations Control Centre also sent out a notification to airlines stating returning residents need pre-approval. An official statement from GDRFA and ICA are awaited.
