Rise in Covid-19 cases: UAE police, doctors issue advisory for residents

Dubai - All members of the society need to stick to preventive measures by 100 per cent because the coronavirus pandemic is still on.

The UAE’s experts and authorities — from the police to the doctors — are all calling on residents to keep their guards up and follow safety rules to the letter, amid the rise in Covid-19 cases.

Over the past three days, the country has seen the number of additional cases hit over 3,500 per day, with 3,552 new cases and 10 deaths reported on Friday. Recoveries, however, have been at record highs, with 3,945 added yesterday.

Lt-Gen Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, on Thursday pointed out that the rise in cases could be blamed on irresponsible gatherings and visits between friends and relatives, particularly during special occasions.

“All members of the society need to stick to preventive measures by 100 per cent because the coronavirus pandemic is still on,” he warned. “(Complying with safety rules) is the least we could do for the government that has given all the support to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Doctors agree that residents’ laxed behaviour is causing the spike in cases.

Dr Shilpa Murthy, general physician at Aster Clinic–Arabian Ranches, explained: “When the Covid-19 pandemic began early in 2020, people were actually keen on following all the precautions to protect themselves from the virus. Definitely, human behaviour plays a major factor in the latest surge in cases.

“Some follow Covid-19 precautions and others are not considering themselves part of this pandemic. No matter what season it is and which strain it is, as long as the basic steps of prevention — physical distancing, handwashing, wearing masks, and respiratory hygiene — are not maintained, continuous rise in numbers is not a surprise.”

Dr Rowena Eadie, family medicine specialist at Valiant Clinic and Hospital, Dubai, agree that there has been a “noticeable awareness” in the community because of the surge in cases, bothe locally and internationally.

“By now, most people personally know of someone — a friend or family member — who has had Covid, so it has become a reality. It is, therefore, vital that we continue to follow hygiene measures for the foreseeable future.”