UAE residents should not panic over the recent rise in Covid-19 cases, a top health official said on Wednesday.
Dr Anwar Sallam, chief medical officer of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), which runs the capital's public hospitals, told The National it was crucial now more than ever to adhere to Covid precautions to prevent a further surge in infections.
"Unfortunately, the numbers are gradually increasing, which is an expected consequence when the public ease on precautionary measures."
He said the rise in cases was similar to what other countries have seen, but it was important for the public to band together - as they did at the start of the outbreak.
"We demonstrated in the early stages of the pandemic that when all of us as a community apply these precautionary measures, we sail through it with flying colours," he said.
"I would highly advocate that we first of all not panic or be scared that the numbers are increasing, but rather look back and revisit to what extent we are adhering to those precautionary measures."
Dr Sallam said not wearing face masks, regularly washing hands and applying physical distancing would undo the country's good work to date.
"We may lose all the success that we have achieved," he said.
With the winter flu season approaching, Dr Sallam said it was even more imperative to abide by safety measures so people would protect themselves from contracting either influenza or Covid-19.
"I don’t want to scare the public but it is a good opportunity for us to abide by the precautionary measures so we can fight both enemies with the same weapon."
Dr Sallam's call to action came as the UAE recorded 735 new coronavirus cases - its highest daily total in more than three months.
The surge in infections – up from 574 on Tuesday – continues a steady rise in cases in recent weeks.
The figures represent the largest daily total since May 27, when 883 cases were confirmed.
The UAE had not exceeded 700 daily Covid-19 infections since July 4.
The Emirates has reported 71,540 infections since the outbreak began.
On Wednesday, a further 538 patients were given the all-clear as the recovery tally climbed to 62,029.
The death toll in the Emirates now stands at 387 after three more patients died.
The latest infections were detected as a result of 79,623 additional tests being conducted.
To date, the UAE has carried out more than 7.2 million tests, with many residents undergoing multiple tests for work and travel.
