Dubai. Photo: Unsplash
As concerns continue to mount over the rising number of Covid-19 cases across the UAE, director-general of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), Obaid Al Shamsi posits that the surge is accounted for, and is being addressed by the nation’s healthcare officials. Noting that the UAE is prepared for what might eventuate into a ‘second wave,’ Al Shamsi discussed the prospect of implementing a localized sanitization strategy in an interview posted to Twitter yesterday.
As opposed to wider restrictions that would include the closure of shops and malls, and a return to the national disinfection program, the new approach would seek to contain the spread of the virus in certain hotspots, such as a building or community. “The spread, through a point such as an area or building, will be isolated and quarantined,” said Al Shamsi, “and the sterilization will take place in that area.”
“We do not impose measures to restrict freedoms, we impose measures to protect the community of the UAE” H.E Obaid AL Hassan Al Shamsi, Director-General at the National Emergenc, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority #NCEMA#CommitToWin #نلتزم_لننتصر
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 23, 2020
Discussing the implications of a one-sided approach, Al Shamsi continued, “We need to be aware that the UAE strategy is a balance between the health sector and the economy.” “People think that by opening the economy, the pandemic is over. It is not over. And if we neglect it, then we will face a second wave.” Referencing the Spanish flu, the crisis authority chief said “Opening and easing movement and opening the economy doesn’t mean being less cautious. We have tied previous history with the modern-day. We studied herd immunity and see the best international practices and we see international figures.” “We are prepared for the worst and the unexpected,” he said.
While acknowledging the difficulties associated with social distancing and the avoidance of large gatherings, Al Shamsi urged the public to take responsibility for stemming the spread of the virus. “The last spread was during Eid,” he confirmed. “We warned to not visit and to use other means of contact, but our culture of visiting caused us not to adhere to it.” However, going on to praise the overall response of the public during the crisis he said “We are all partners in protecting our community. Follow all of the procedures. We will not give up on protecting you.”
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