Covid-19: Experts hail Abu Dhabi’s ‘farsighted plan’ to control virus

Abu Dhabi - Doctors say new measures will help prevent surge in cases after the long break.

The new Covid-19 initiatives in the Capital are proactive and farsighted to deal with the threat from different variants, including the Delta, and a significant step to prevent a surge in cases ahead of the long Eid break, medical experts said.

“Yes, this is indeed a very strong initiative at the right time. In the past, surge in infection rates were noted in different parts of the world after public holidays and festivals. This was attributed to more people accessing public areas and close gatherings as a part of festivities,” said Dr Sreehari Karunakaran Pillai, medical administrator and specialist internal medicine, NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi.

With more than 5 deaths per day, the average mortality rate across the country is steadily rising in the past few months since Eid Al Fitr: May (3), June (4.36) and 16 days of July (5.06).

However, after the two-month high of more than 60,000 caseloads in June, there is a dip in new infections so far this month.

But data from the local authorities have shown that historically Covid deaths and new cases have spiked rapidly after the three previous public holidays.

To prevent a repetition, the authorities will relaunch the national sterlisation programme, for the first time this year, along with capacity curbs in restaurants, cafes, buses, and stricter screening requirements to enter Abu Dhabi.

Dr Pillai added: “The sterilisation programme in Abu Dhabi will be very effective in ensuring safety of public areas. It creates an awareness in the minds of the public that the danger is still real and not to lower one’s guard.”

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com