The United Arab Emirates authorities said on Sunday that about one in three COVID-19 cases in the country is of the highly infectious Delta variant. Officials said the number of deaths in the country had increased and this was attributable to the spread of mutations, not following rules and failing to take a vaccine. The figure was released during a special COVID-19 briefing on Sunday. Most deaths occurred in those unvaccinated – 94 per cent – while the percentage in those immunised was just six, the briefing heard. Most cases – 84 per cent – affect those unvaccinated, while the percentage of people admitted to hospital who had not been immunised was 89 per cent. These rates are also evident in cases admitted to intensive care, where non-vaccinated people account for 92 per cent of cases, the briefing heard. The most common strain found in the UAE is the Beta strain – 39.2 per cent – followed by Delta at 33.9 per cent and lastly Alpha with 11.3 per cent. Data received from some countries show the risk of hospital admission doubles after infection with the Delta variant compared with Alpha, especially in those with underlying health conditions. It also heard the UAE has provided a COVID-19 vaccine to more than 71 per cent of the total population, which represents 91.8 per cent of the eligible category. Officials also addressed taking another regimen of a different vaccine, but said people must consult their doctors. The briefing also heard that health officials advise against overseas travel if you are not vaccinated. — Agencies
