Abu Dhabi: The UAE Minister of Health and Prevention Abdul Rahman Al Owais has taken the country’s first Covid-19 vaccine dose days after authorities approved it for emergency use for frontline health workers, the official Wam news agency reported yesterday.
Al Owais said the UAE aims to provide all safety means for the “heroes” working on the frontlines and to protect them from any dangers they may face due to the nature of their work in battling the coronavirus outbreak.
The vaccine is “fully and completely compatible with laws and regulations,” the minister said during a televised Press conference on Monday. He also said the vaccine is effective and safe and has resulted in a “strong response” by generating antibodies in trial volunteers.
Health authorities also outlined the latest safety protocols that says only 10 immediate family members can attend social events and gatherings.
In a post on Twitter, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said that weddings and other family occasions must be limited to only 10 “first degree attendees of both families.”
Guests are also required to conduct a Covid test 24 hours prior to the event as a precautionary measure.
NCEMA added that buffets are not permitted and recommended using disposable utensils and cups in order to prevent spreading or contracting the virus.