Covid-19: Keep your health in check after NYE celebrations, say UAE doctors

Dubai - Doctors say flu-like symptoms should prompt one to get tested for Covid-19.

Hours before New Year’s Eve festivities begin, the UAE government authorities reminded all residents to stay safe — and keep their health in check after the celebrations.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management (NCEMA), reiterated that everyone must remain committed to following Covid safety rules, noting that there has been a recent spike in positive cases.

Besides wearing face masks and keeping a safe distance from others during celebrations, NYE revellers should also monitor their health in the coming days, Al Dhaheri said during the Press briefing.

“We remind our people of the importance of adopting periodic checks for the family to protect the health and safety of everyone — in addition to domestic workers — especially after their visits or going to official celebrations.”

Doctors in the country agree that the public should remain vigilant, health-wise.

Dr Igbal Mubarak Sirag, internal medicine specialist at Bareen International Hospital in Abu Dhabi, said: “If any family member shows flu-like symptoms, quarantine and bring them to the nearest medical facility for a health check and a test.”

Dr Sirag also stressed that everyone should maintain good personal hygiene to curb the spread of Covid-19. “Always wash or sanitise your hands, wear face masks, and maintain physical distance.”

Another doctor said one cannot be complacent because Covid-19 is still around. Dr Abner Rivas Abejo internal medicine specialist at Medeor Hospital, Dubai, said: “Flu-like symptoms and upper respiratory tract symptoms with or without fever should prompt an individual to get tested for Covid-19.

“This is to ensure that we continue to curb the spread of the virus in our homes and in our communities as early detection and isolation is one of the best proven measure to avoid infecting others. Let us keep the spirit of solidarity and be mindful of others as we celebrate 2021.”

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi