UAE Covid cases surge: How vaccine will bring them down

The recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the UAE is a worrying trend, but the curve will flatten as vaccines start producing antibodies. This happens within 14 days after a person takes his/her second dose.

The UAE recorded 3,362 cases on Wednesday — the second day straight that over 3,000 cases were reported in 24 hours.

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Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, Chairperson, National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee, is confident that the number of cases will decline soon.

“Of course, we are worried. The numbers are going up. The only way to control the numbers is by following the precautions and taking the vaccine. The number of cases will fall, but it will take time. The vaccine is effective 14 days after taking the second dose. So, till we see that effect, it will take some time,” said Dr Nawal, who is the Principal Investigator of Phase III Clinical Trials.

The second dose is administered 21 days after taking the first one. And in the 14-day period after taking the second dose, antibodies will be produced against the infection.

As on Monday, nearly 250,000 people had received the second dose.

Dr Nawal reiterated the need for fully vaccinated people to continue taking precautionary measures.

“Hopefully, we will be able to bring the numbers down. I think people are tired. I totally understand that. But if they follow the precautions, things should be ok soon.”

Ashwani Kumar

I am a newspaperman from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A journalist at heart. I get my stories from the streets. A south Indian born in the Hindi heartland, I easily connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am calm like a monk, sensitive and very patient reporter. On the ground, I cover a range of topics related to community, health, embassy, tourism, transport, business and sports. I will go out on a leg to do what’s right and stand by what I believe in.