Dubai - Limited number of cases of the new variant detected in the UAE.
(File photo used for illustrative purpose)
The UAE on Tuesday announced that it had detected a “limited number” of cases of the new strain of Covid-19 that originated in Britain.
The infected individuals had come from abroad. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has advised residents to remain calm and stick to all the Covid safety measures announced earlier. Here is all you need to know.
What is this new strain of the coronavirus?
According to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a variant of the coronavirus, which could be up to 70 per cent more transmissible, is spreading rapidly in the UK. This has led to several countries suspending flights to the UK.
ALSO READ: Full list of countries where highly infective variants are found
Has the strain been detected in the UAE?
The UAE has detected a limited number of cases of the new strain — all coming from abroad.
Will Covid-19 vaccines work against the new strain?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is not enough information to determine whether the new variant could undermine vaccines being rolled out internationally. According to the UAE’s NCEMA, there is no evidence to suggest that Covid-19 vaccines will not work against the new strain of the coronavirus.
ALSO READ: New Covid strain: Vaccine developer says it can make new jab in 6 weeks
What you need to do to stay safe.
According to the NCEMA, the best way to stay safe from the virus is continue to adhere to Covid safety measures.
“We call on everyone to continue taking precautionary measures and to be careful to not allow the virus to spread and multiply. This can be done maintaining physical distancing, sterilising hands and wearing masks,” the NCEMA said. “Those who are outside the country need to take all precautions and adhere to the procedures of the countries they are in.”
Coming back to the UAE from abroad? This is what you need to do.
This is the NCEMA’s advice: “All those coming from outside the country should adhere to the precautionary measures, including home quarantine and not mixing with others; following up on their health; and going to the hospital if any symptoms appear.”
What do UAE officials say about the new strain?
Here is what the NCEMA tweeted last week: