From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Highly vaccinated UAE reports its highest daily COVID cases in months
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The United Arab Emirates records its highest daily virus caseload in months, a spike that comes as the Omicron variant races across the globe and the Mideast tourist hub prepares to welcome hordes of tourists for the holidays.
The emirate reports 452 infections in the past 24 hours, including two deaths — an increase not seen in the highly vaccinated Gulf Arab state since mid-September. Infections had plummeted to record lows, around 50 a day, just over a week ago.
A nationwide mask mandate remains in place outdoors, but Dubai’s bars and restaurants have been teeming with mask-less revelers. Most luxury hotels report that they’re booked through the December holidays. Each year, giant New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city draw thousands of tourists and social media influencers fleeing wintry weather in Europe.
The UAE boasts one of the world’s highest vaccination rates, with authorities reporting that over 99% of eligible residents have received at least one dose. The government also offers Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots to all adults.
A passenger on Prime Minister’s Naftali Bennett’s flight home from the UAE last week tested positive for the virus. Israel shortly afterward banned travel to the UAE due to the high risk of infection.
The Times of Israel Community.