Amid a rapid resurge in Covid-19 cases, Dubai has been providing its citizens with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccines. However, in a latest development, the country received the first shipment of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on February 2, with the jab being authorised for use by Dubai Health Authority in its list of vaccines currently available to residents and citizens. The Dubai Health Authority posted on its official social media channels with details of who can get it, where they can get it from and how to book an appointment. Regarding who is eligible for the vaccine, it is available for people falling under two categories.
First category
1. Emiratis
2. Dubai residents who have a chronic disease
3. People of determination
The vaccine will be available for individuals from the age of 18 to 60 years.
Second category
1. Frontline workers
2. Essential workers
For individuals who fall under the first category, call the DHA hotline – 800 342. Select the option for COVID-19 vaccine, and then select ‘Vaccine appointments’. You can then select AstraZeneca and schedule your appointment. Those who fall in the first category must go to the One Central Vaccination Centre located at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. People who fall in the second category are required to head to the DHA Vaccination Field Centre.
Dubai witnessed a drastic decline in the coronavirus positivity ratio towards the last leg of 2020. As the Gulf emirate eased Covid-19 restrictions and opened tourism, allowing visitors from around the globe, the country has yet again been forced to introduce stricter SOPs in order to curb the number of infections. In light of this, Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced updates to travel protocols effective from Sunday, January 31. The new rules include UAE citizens being required undergo a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Dubai, irrespective of the country they are coming from. Moreover, the validity period of PCR tests has been reduced from 96 hours to 72 hours. Along with the new protocols which have been put into place, earlier precautions such as social distancing and wearing a mask at all times will continue to be in effect. The capacity of indoor venues, including cinemas, entertainment and sports venues, has been reduced to 50%. Hotels have been advised to operate at 70% of the total capacity, while guests allowed at swimming pools and private beaches in hotels have been limited to 70% of total capacity.