At an unexpected UAE press briefing on Sunday at 5pm, the UAE addressed the ‘highly transmissible’ new COVID-19 Variant.

This follows the World Health Organization reports that the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, has major genetic mutations which will affect its characteristics and make it potentially more contagious than previous mutations.

‘On 26th November, the situation was declared alarming’

The Health Sector: During this period, the media and several international organisations have monitored a new variant, called “Omicron,” with the first case of infection being recorded on 12th November. On 26th November, the situation was declared to be “alarming.” pic.twitter.com/HDhUeUe3t6

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— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 28, 2021

Only a couple of days after being identified in South Africa, cases of the Omicron variant were found in Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Israel and countries around the world are taking immediate measures to curb the spread

Emirates banned flights from several counties in Africa as a precautionary measure against the new Covid-19 variant Omicron.

The Health Sector:  The new variant has been reported in South Africa, and a few other cases were reported in a number of countries.#Together_We_Recover

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 28, 2021

The NCEMA announced that for adults aged 18 who are vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Sputnik vaccines, a third dose should be taken without delay.

Initially, a third booster of the vaccine was given only to senior citizens.

The Health Sector: Vaccinated people over the age of 18 should receive the booster shot six months after taking the first two doses of Pfizer or Sputnik V.#Together_We_Recover pic.twitter.com/3DCEZOheIk

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 28, 2021

The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) is reminding everyone to adhere to the necessary precautionary measures of facial masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing

The Health Sector: The community’s adherence to precautionary measures, including wearing face masks, sanitising hands and respecting social distancing, remains important.#Together_We_Recover pic.twitter.com/mwnetUCELX

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) November 28, 2021