Coronavirus: Younger people most affected by Covid-19 in UAE, says official

Those aged between 20 and 40 falsely believe they will not be infected

Workers clean tables at the food court in Yas Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Safety precautions at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. Victor Besa / The National

Florists at Florette in Dubai prepare bouquets for delivery with Covid-19 prevention measures in place. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Florists at Florette in Dubai prepare bouquets for delivery with Covid-19 prevention measures in place. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Jasson Ramelo takes care of his stall at Jumeirah Fish Market. He says business has been slow since the outbreak.” Antonie Robertson / The National

Jasson Ramelo tends to his stall at Jumeirah Fish Market. Antonie Robertson / The National

Younger people are the most affected by Covid-19 in the UAE because they believe they are less likely to contract the virus, a senior health official said on Saturday.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, said people aged between 20 and 40 falsely believe they will not be infected because they have stronger immunity.

However, the onus is on all members of society to adhere to the safety precautions to protect themselves and others, she said.

"There is a pressing need to continue promoting awareness about the healthy practices related to preventing the spread of Covid-19.

"It has been noticed that the 20 to 40 age group is the most affected due to the wrong perception that their youth will protect them for being infected," said Dr Al Hosani.

She attributed the increase in the number of daily cases over the past few days to some people’s disregard for important preventive measures, including wearing face masks and physical distancing.

She said people were still engaging in social activities, including family gatherings, and were not keeping a safe distance from each other.

Authorities have consistently urged the public to avoid handshakes or other physical greetings to prevent the spread of the virus when gathering in small groups.

The UAE's daily case numbers rose above 400 again on Saturday, with 424 cases of Covid-19 identified.

It brought the country's total infections to 66,617 since the outbreak.

Over the past week, the daily figures have more than doubled from 210 cases with health authorities warning that penalties will be enforced against those who do not comply with safety measures.

On Thursday, the spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said the UAE could bring back stay-at-home orders in some areas if case numbers continue to increase.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri told Emarat TV that the current increase in daily infections was an indication of “complacency among the public” and urged the public to follow safety measures.

He said there would be a renewed effort to clamp down on those who breach safety measures designed to protect themselves and others.

Currently, fines for non-compliance range between Dh3,000 for not wearing a face mask or physical distancing, to Dh50,000 for not adhering to mandated home quarantine.