Covid Cases At Its Peak In Two Months In UAE

On 27^th May 2021, UAE faced the highest number of Covid cases in nearly two months. This is because UAE reported 2,167 new cases on Thursday, the greatest number of cases on a day since April 2^nd, when it was 2,180.

What is the present condition?

Although this isn’t as high as the number of cases back in January and February when it crossed 3000, it is still concerning. The highest at that point was 3,977 cases as reported on February 3^rd. It was exactly a month ago on April 27^th, when the number of reported Covid cases hit 2,094, that the cases had last surged beyond 2000.

Initially, this month had witnessed a sizable drop in the number of infections. The lowest number of cases of all time was also earlier this month, from May 14^th to the 17^th. During these four days, the number of positive covid cases was as low as around 1,200. The least number of cases over the last five months starting December 27, 2020, was on May 17^th, with only 1,229 infections having been reported.

While the global average rate of Covid mortality is 2.1 percent, UAE’s is at a much lower rate of 0.3 percent. Throughout last month and May so far, in UAE, the average number of deaths per day has been less than three, which is a huge difference from the daily average of 13 deaths reported in February and 9 in March.

What Could Be The Cause Of This Sudden Spike in Covid cases?

One reason for more cases being recorded could be that UAE has improved its PCR covid testing system. With more frequent and rigorous testing, more infections will come to light.  Over the last Wednesday and Thursday, 225,967 PCR tests were carried out in UAE. Comparing the number of tests done to the number of positive Covid-19 reports, the rate of positivity appears to be at 0.95 percent.

Doctors have also stated other possible causes, specifically community transmission. Dr. Pulak Gupta internal medicine (general practitioner) at Aster Cedars Hospital, underscored the issues that arise with people not taking Covid safety measures seriously anymore. He has observed that due to the present state of the weather, more and more people are getting together indoors in closed spaces. Even though travel restrictions are in place to control it, it could be that the mutant variant of the virus is causing the trouble.

What can we do about it?

To put a reign on the outbreak, medical experts are highlighting the importance of following Covid safety protocols, now more than ever before. Most importantly, these healthcare specialists encourage the public to wear their masks correctly.

Dr. Vito Annese, HOCD internal medicine at Fakeeh University Hospital has reminded everyone that Covid has not passed and therefore the guidelines have not changed. People are advised to continue quarantining at home, but in case there is a need to step out, they must take precautions. In addition to properly wearing your masks, it is also important to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and maintain social distancing.

The doctor also added that individuals who show symptoms and even those who have just come in contact with an infected person must get tested immediately. Dr. Gupta suggested that people should practice good respiratory hygiene and monitor their health every day.

Experts are also urging the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Dr. Mukesh Kumar Ram, internal medicine and nephrology specialist at Canadian Specialist Hospital explained this by saying, “If 10 people are vaccinated and four are not, there are chances for the virus to spread. Ninety percent of the population in Dubai is vaccinated. We need those 10 percent to also get vaccinated to be safe”.

Even though so many people have been vaccinated, there is a rise in the number of cases. Dr. Vito reminds the residents that although taking the vaccination reduces the risk of getting the disease, it is not sufficient to prevent the spread of the contagion. Since it does not completely protect the individual, all the Covid-19 safety rules must continue to be followed even after finishing the vaccination course.

However, taking the vaccination has reduced the complications for those who did test positive, as the severity of the disease and the number of deaths have been much less. Dr. Gupta thus thinks it has made a “striking difference”. Therefore, everyone should take the vaccine at the latest and ensure that they follow the Covid guidelines diligently.