Gulf countries are gradually reintroducing social distancing norms as Covid cases rising again

Dubai: The Gulf countries are witnessing a surge in daily coronavirus cases and gradually reintroducing social distancing norms. The GCC states also made it mandatory for all the people to have a third dose or booster shot.

The regional hub, UAE, reported the highest number of daily coronavirus cases with 2,234 cases on Wednesday. The Ministry of Health reported 2,234 cases of COVID-19 infections and 775 recoveries in the previous 24 hours. No new deaths have been reported, according to state news agency WAM.

The numbers reflect a climb from 1,846 infections reported on Tuesday. In early December, cases had dropped to below 50 a day.

The Dubai government also initiated stringent measures for New Year event celebrations, mandating wearing of masks indoor and outdoor besides maintaining social distance during gatherings.

Dubai Expo 2020 announced that Covid-19 outbreaks among



staff may force some parts of the fair to close temporarily.

It also discouraging the physical classes for students in the emirate, the similar initiatives taken by other emirates in UAE and also, Kuwait.

The UAE remains one of the top countries in the world when it comes to vaccination rates and has managed to report low numbers of cases and deaths in recent months while remaining open to business and welcoming visitors from abroad.

Abu Dhabi announced new border rules will be implemented from Thursday for those entering the emirate.

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that it will reinforce wearing masks in public places including outdoor events from Thursday amid a rise in COVID-19 cases worldwide, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Kuwait, Qatar has suspended leave for all health care workers amidst a rise in the cases in the region.