Coronavirus update: UAE announces 12 new cases, total now at 98

The UAE announced 12 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday, taking the total number of cases recorded in the country to 98.

Most of the cases were identified by examining the contacts of those who travelled from outside the country, including some who were in quarantine. The others infected were those who had travelled abroad themselves, official news agency WAM reported.

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said that the patients are nationals of South Africa, Australia, China, the Philippines, Lebanon, Britain, Italy, Iran and the UAE, as well three individuals from India.

The ministry said the cases are being monitored, and individuals are currently in a stable condition and are receiving all necessary health care.

MoHAP also stressed that medical facilities have been equipped with all the necessary equipment and supplies to provide care and take all measures required to deal with Covid-19, including airborne infection isolation rooms, following World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.

The UAE has taken several measures to curb the Covid-19 outbreak, which was declared a pandemic by the WHO on Wednesday.

The country has suspended the issuance of all visas to foreigners with effect from March 17 and closed all the schools and universities.

Read: UAE suspends issuance of all visas, bans travel to Italy, Turkey, among others

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have also closed all major tourists landmarks as well as theme parks and issued a ban on shisha.

All events in Dubai have also been cancelled until the end of this month, while gyms, spas, cinemas and parks have been closed in the emirate.

Read: Covid-19: Dubai closes theme parks, cinemas, gyms, spas and cancels all events