Coronavirus: UAE residents urged not to panic as new Covid-19 strain spreads around the globe

Authorities say country's health sector is prepared for any new challenges that may lie ahead

A cyclist passes a model of a dhow in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A Dubai stallholder at work. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A pedestrian looks over the water in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People play cricket at a sports area in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A trader sorts out his stock at a Dubai market. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A staff member at a bakery performs a temperature check in Downtown, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A motorist pays for his parking in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A passer by walks near a safe distance sign in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The head coach at Front Foot sports cricket academy disinfects the stumps in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

UAE officials said the country's health sector is ready and able to meet the challenge of a new strain of Covid-19 as members of the public were urged to remain committed to safety measures.

The emergence of a more contagious form of the virus is being linked to a surge in case numbers in the UK. The new strain has been detected in other parts of the globe.

Dr Omar Al Hammadi, spokesman for the UAE government, urged residents not to panic as analysis of the new form of Covid-19 continues.

"Our health sector is able, thanks to its medical staff, to deal efficiently with any changes that may arise, and to provide the best forms of prevention and health care for citizens and residents," Dr Al Hammadi said in relation to concerns over the mutated virus.

"There has been an emergence of a new strain of the virus capable of spreading faster in some regions of the world, and the issue is still being studied by scientists and the competent authorities."

He said there was no indication vaccines being launched around the world would not be effective against the new strain.

"Clinical research has not indicated the ability of new mutations of the virus to thwart the effectiveness of the response to vaccines, and researchers confirmed, before the emergence of the new mutation, that human immunity was fighting the mutated versions of the original virus more effectively than before."

Dr Al Hammadi said tourists and those returning to the country from overseas should abide by precautionary measures and must seek medical support if they display symptoms of coronavirus.

"We affirm that all those coming from outside the country must adhere to all precautionary measures, including adherence to home quarantine, and go to the hospital in the event of any symptoms appearing, and those outside the country must take all precautions and adhere to the preventive measures for these countries.

"Those outside the country must take all precautions. For airport workers there is a need to abide by all precautions."

Doctors in the UAE told The National that travellers arriving from countries where the new coronavirus strain is active should be cautious and limit gatherings where possible.

Medics said a voluntary period of isolation would protect the community from the fast-spreading Covid-19 variant strain discovered in England.

“People coming from England should try to quarantine themselves and see if they develop symptoms during that time, then they need to be re-tested,” said Dr Maan Jamal, a consultant pulmonologist at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah.

“Early detection is very important to limit the spread."

Dr Al Hammadi called on the public not to spread rumours about the potential impact of a new form of Covid-19.

'We urge the public not to panic and to avoid spreading rumours and views that are not clear.

"We ask you to continue taking precautions. We can face all possibilities by making sure the virus does not spread [by maintaining] social distancing, hygiene and wearing masks."