Covid-19: UAE reports 1,171 cases; Dubai’s DHA urges travellers to get doctor’s advice for vaccination

The UAE has announced 1,171 new Covid-19 cases in the country after conducting 128,562 additional tests over the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced on Sunday.

The total number of Covid-19 recorded cases in the UAE has now reached 193,575.

The infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care, the ministry said.

It stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases.

MoHAP also announced three deaths due to Covid-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 637.

Meanwhile an additional 866 individuals fully recovered from the virus, with recoveries now reaching 168,995.

The latest update of #Coronavirus (#COVID19) in the #UAE #We_Are_All_Responsible pic.twitter.com/B3zgs9VXm6

— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) December 20, 2020

Vaccination

With the UAE now offering Covid-19 vaccinations across the country, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has urged those who plan to travel to take advice from their healthcare provider before taking a dose.

“In terms of the Covid-19 vaccine, people who intend to travel should first seek their healthcare provider’s advice so that they can assess their medical condition, allergies if any, pre-existing health conditions and accordingly seek advice with regard to the vaccine,” official news agency WAM quoted Dr. Alia Mohammad Al Dallal, consultant family physician and acting director of Specialised Programme Services Department at DHA as saying.

She also urged travellers to ensure they take any other required vaccinations well in advance of their journey.

“Since vaccination requirements vary by country and some require second doses, it is important to visit a travel clinic at least one month prior to travel. Often traveller’s need more than one vaccine so planning is recommended.

“Travellers may need to undertake the Covid-19 test prior to travel depending on the requirements of the travel destination. Therefore, they need to correctly time this test so that it is valid at the time of travel. They should also follow all the necessary precautionary measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and frequently hand washing or sanitising their hands,” she added.