Abu Dhabi denies coronavirus case in residential compound

Early on Sunday morning, the Department of Health for Abu Dhabi said that reports of a coronavirus case being detected in Abu Dhabi were “untrue”, according to news agency WAM.

The statement came at a time when the UAE has confirmed that it has 21 cases of coronavirus in the country.

Read: Coronavirus update: Number of cases in the UAE total 21, nurseries to be closed from March 1

Following the cancellation of the UAE Tour cycling competition following two cycling technicians testing positive for the coronavirus in the UAE, 612 people were examined.

Of these, 450 were given the all clear, and as of early Sunday morning, the results of another 162 cases are expected soon.

Nurseries across the UAE have been closed from Sunday and the KHDA has stated that all internal and external school trips and activities will also be suspended.

The Ministry of Health also urged the public not to wear the N-95 facial mask as it may cause stress on the respiratory system and possibly result in future respiratory diseases.

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تعرفوا معنا على أضرار هذا القناع الذي لا يُنصح أبداً بارتدائه
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learn more about the disadvantages of these masks, and why it is not recommended to wear them.#فيروس_كورونا_المستجد #كوفيد19#وزارة_الصحة_ووقاية_المجتمع_الإمارات#coronavirus#covid19#mohap_uae pic.twitter.com/Nzbuv5vGY9

— وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع الإماراتية – MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) February 29, 2020

“The Ministry of Health and Prevention is the official source of information on COVID-19 in the UAE,” stated the statement from Abu Dhabi’s department of health, urging the public to rely only on official sources for any updates regarding the virus in the country.

The ministry added that it was taking steps to combat and contain the virus in line with the guidelines set out by the World Health Organization, including early epidemiologic and clinical investigations; providing qualified medical teams working 24/7; check-up of all those in contact with the reported cases; and quarantine measures, in line with best practices.