National Committee for International Health Regulations confirms UAE is completely free of Coronavirus

Dubai, January 23, 2020:    The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has categorically confirmed that the UAE is completely free of the mysterious virus emerging in China (Coronavirus).

The National Committee for International Health Regulations and the Control of Pandemics stated that the UAE has an effective integrated system and plans for emergency and crisis to address public health risks and that the country is in constant touch with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find out the latest updates, recommendations and procedures taken in this matter.

The committee made this announcement during today’s meeting chaired by the Ministry of Health in the presence of strategic partners including Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, NCEMA, the General Authority of Ports, Borders and Free Zones Security, UAE Airports and relevant strategic partners.

The measures taken by the UAE in such cases are enough to protect the country against Coronavirus; therefore, the committee  would like to reassure the public that the detected cases all around the world are still limited in spread, compared to other types of epidemics, adding that the health situation pose no grounds for concern and that the ministry is closely following up on the situation to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

During the meeting, the committee emphasized that the precautionary measures applied at the UAE’s entry points were reviewed to ensure that best global practices are followed, and to avoid the spread of any infectious diseases. It was also agreed to publish awareness leaflets for people coming to the country in different languages,

The meeting highlighted the necessity to educate all health facilities in the country and approved the setting up of a national media committee to carry out awareness campaigns inside the country.

The committee also noted the UAE is in constant touch with the World Health Organization on any new developments or procedures issued in this regard and health authorities are continuously monitoring the current health situation in the Chinese province.

 The Committee also stressed that health security and risk prevention and pandemics is a national priority in the UAE and Falls in line with its strategy to protect society from diseases through strengthening the international health regulations and applying them in the UAE.