Between Omicron and Christmas in Dubai

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, just like Andy Williams puts it in the award-winning Christmas song. The month of December by default is one of the most anticipated months for many people. While some see it as a final lap before venturing into the new year/phase, others use it to recount how the year had been, matching their objectives and achievements.  

Through it all, beyond all race, beliefs, and gender, Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays by all that exudes warmth, love, and merry even in Dubai. This aura is usually set in most times from the beginning of the month but finds greater attention from the mid-month with Christmas decorations, trees, lights, and gift packages going everywhere as seen in the Dubai malls. This is the norm, basically one of the things we live for. 

However, we cannot negate a contender in the place of our present reality after the outbreak of the Covid-19 earlier in the year 2020, which held not just the UAE [United Arab Emirates] to a ransom but crippled the global economy, forcing them to seek adaptive measures for their selves and businesses. 

Today’s topic will have us consider who gets the better part of the hype this year, between the Omicron strain of the COVID-19 and Christmas in Dubai. 

The Omicron variant is a strain from the COVID-19 virus, which has been designated as a variant of concern by the WHO [World Health Organization] due to evidence that it has numerous mutations that may affect how it acts. While research is still underway, there is a great deal of confusion about how this virus can be transmitted, its severity, and the case of reinfection. 

The Omicron strain became a scare after being identified in the first week of December in the UAE. the government in their bid has ensured medical forces and increased research to be carried out to curb the spread, and have their citizens return to their way of life. 

Truth is, the Omicron is spreading at a faster rate than the other variations. WHO had estimated that Omicron will likely exceed the Delta variant if COVID-19 transmission is present in the population, based on current data. 

Getting vaccinated and taking precautions like avoiding crowded settings, keeping a safe distance from others, and wearing a mask is all-important in preventing the spread of COVID-19. 

With a mind open and clear as a whistle, the government of the UAE has never before had strict laws that wade off travellers or investors, rather they make their constitution favourable to ensure the fluidity of business relationships. This, therefore, has made celebrations like Christmas a jolly one for all. 

Christmas in Dubai may be a little different considering the weather being hot instead of snow, however, there are beautiful spots that has made Dubai a wonderful place to be this Christmas, places like Winter Wonderland in Ski Dubai, Dubai Expo 2020, Global Village, The Legoland, the annual Festive Market at Madinat Jumeirah, amongst other things. 

Although measures are taken by the government of the UAE on daily, likewise in Dubai to curb and expunge the omicron variant. While this is in view, it is your responsibility to guard yourself at all times while outdoor or indoor. Below are some pointers we think could help out. 

1. Ensure to boost your immune system with Vitamin C-rich fruits. 

2. Avoid contacts where necessary, and keep a distance of at least 1m when outside. 

3. Wear a certified double-layered face mask once a day, or change if damaged. 

4. Ensure to wash your palms and face once back or if necessary, before consuming anything. 

5. Use the hand sanitiser outside and inside often. 

6. Use the spray sanitiser were necessary to clean surfaces that you consider exposed. 

7. Take a warm bath after you return from your fulfilled trip or stroll. 

8. Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spots. 

9. If you feel sick at any point, liaise with your doctor. 

10. Stay abreast of news and updates of the COVID-19 and Omicron. 

The general PCR [Polymerase Chain Reaction] tests conducted will detect COVID-19 infection, likewise, Omicron, using PCR and antigen-based fast diagnostic assays.  

 

The sad news is the Omicron variant is trying to get the buzz from the groupie to love Christmas gets from all of us by default. Well, if you guard yourself well, and ensure your neighbours and relations do the same, we are all bound to have a lovely Christmas celebration. 

 

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