UAE urges public to wear face masks, get vaccinated as COVID-19 cases rise

UAE urges public to wear face masks, get vaccinated as COVID-19 cases rise

A failure to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing face masks, not social distancing and holding large gatherings have contributed to a rise in COVID-19 cases across the United Arab Emirates, the country's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said on Tuesday.

The health authority said an "increasing numbers of infections“ have been recorded across the UAE since Eid al-Fitr was marked in the country in May.

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The NCEMA has urged residents across the UAE to abide by preventative measures put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations in July, and as more residents prepare to travel during the summer holidays.

Health sector spokesperson Dr Farida al-Hosani said the UAE also calls on unvaccinated members of society to take the available vaccinesto protect themselves against the virus.

The UAE has now vaccinated 87.17 percent of its eligible population over the age of 16 and more than 99.52 percent of its elderly residents, according to al-Hosani.

"The UAE is at the forefront of Arab countries in handling COVID-19,“ she said, in a statement.

However, NCEMA said new mutant strains of COVID-19 pose a high risk to residents, especially those