Doctors warn of 'pandemic fatigue as UAE reports highest Covid tally for fourth day

With the UAE reporting its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases for the fourth day straight on Saturday, doctors have warned about a 'pandemic fatigue' that seems to have set in as residents lower their guards. The country recorded 1,231 cases on the day - the highest ever - and comes after three days of 1,000-plus daily infections.

Dr Jean Marc Gauer, CEO, RAK Hospital, said: "The reason for this (surge) is undoubtedly related to the fact that a certain level of 'pandemic fatigue' mixed with a degree of complacency has set in. In addition to this, not only in the US but also in Europe, there are a considerable number of people who are just not willing to accept the fact that this pandemic is much more than a common flu and that the consequences of ignoring it can be devastating."

Referring to the UAE's proactive steps in fighting the spread of the virus, Dr Jean said: "Not in all countries have the authorities been so visionary and consequent in taking preventive action as here in the UAE. In many countries, the goals were not achieved, the approaches were not uniform, half-hearted and thereby ineffective. Unfortunately, in Europe there is even a small, but very loud, group of scientists and doctors who deny the danger of Covid-19 and undermine the efforts of regulators."

As countries, including the UAE, gradually reopen facilities to rebuild the economy, residents need to stringently follow Covid-19 protocols, experts said.

Dr Ramanathan Venkiteswaran, Medical Director of Medcare and Aster Hospitals and Clinics and Access clinics, said: "The UAE residents must take up the responsibility to prevent the spread of the disease by following the four cardinal rules - wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, maintaining hygiene by frequent hand washing/sanitisation and avoiding gatherings."

Doctors also said a spike in infections is not unusual when countries reopen.

Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, specialist pulmonologist and respiratory medicine at Medeor Hospital in Dubai, said: "The number of Covid-19 cases is increasing compared to the recent past. This is usual in any pandemic situation. Before the virus would be contained, there would be two or three phases. The present surges could be a result of (mass) screening. People are also undergoing routine screening. Many asymptomatic patients are now being tested for Covid-19. These cases are being identified as we are screening more number of people.

"If we strictly follow the Covid-19 precautions, the number could be reduced."