On Thursday, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention reported 2,687 cases and 902 recoveries following the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. A total of 405,418 additional tests were conducted to detect the new cases.
There are 25,258 active cases.
Since the first Omicron infection was reported on December 1, Covid-19 infections have spiked in the UAE.
According to a high-ranking UAE official, initial studies suggest the current vaccines offer less protection against the Omicron strain than they did against the Delta strain. Dr Farida Al Hosani, a government spokesperson, said booster doses are helping to protect people from it.
On Wednesday, Abu Dhabi announced that all eligible government employees must get vaccinated against Covid-19, and that a booster shot is required as well. The update will take effect on Monday, January 10, and is designed to strengthen precautionary measures at government entities and further protect public health.
Authorities in the UAE have urged residents to have a Covid PCR test performed before visiting extended family members, in particular elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
UAE residents are reporting long queues at testing centres and delays in getting appointments as demand for Covid PCR testing has increased in the emirate
