Businesses, public spaces and offices are opening up in the UAE as the country eases back to normalcy. However, the government has stressed on residents’ commitment to precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
At a virtual Press briefing about the Covid-19 situation in the country on Saturday, Khaleej Times asked if the authorities were expecting an increase in the number of infections now that restrictions had been eased.
Dr Farida Al Housani, official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said: “It all depends on how committed everybody is to the precautionary measures.”
She was referring to measures like mandatory use of face masks; the need for social distancing and avoiding gatherings; and good hand hygiene.
Dr Amna Al Dahhak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson of the UAE Government, said: “The gradual opening up of economic sectors and return to normalcy will not be successful without the full cooperation of the community and their awareness. It requires the commitment of all citizens and residents.
“We have full trust that the community is aware and we shall all stand together until we emerge from this challenge.”
Reiterating the #WeAreAllResponsible slogan, the official said: “Our bet on moving on to the next stage is based on shared responsibility, and all precautionary measures are dependent on the extent of individuals’ response and responsibility. We are all responsible.”
Dr Al Housani stressed that the present situation makes it necessary for high-risk individuals to be extra careful. “People who are more vulnerable would be those with chronic diseases (diabetes, blood pressure, asthma) and respiratory illnesses.”
She urged all families to help their at-risk members avoid going out by getting their essentials and needs.
When asked if the Covid-19 spread has begun to decline at the global level, Dr Al Housani said it is difficult to generalise. “It is declining in some countries whereas it is increasing in? some others – like some in South America, some Southeast Asian countries and those in the Middle East.
“It is difficult to tell for sure whether the curve of the virus has begun to be flattened. We are still at a critical juncture which requires commitment and responsibility from everybody in the efforts to stop its spread.”
