Covid-19 update: UAE conducts over 2.5 million tests, total death toll now at 275

The UAE’s health entities have conducted more than 2.5 million tests for Covid-19 in the country since the pandemic began.

The numbers were reached after the UAE announced on Saturday that some 52,996 additional tests led to the detection of 626 new cases, taking to 38,268 the total number of infections in the country.

An additional 724 patients have fully recovered after receiving the necessary medical care, raising the total number of recoveries to 21,061.

Meanwhile the death toll has reached 275, after another patient succumbed to the virus.

The number of Covid-19 patients still receiving treatment now stands at 16,932. They belong to different nationalities.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the official UAE government spokesperson said authorities have adopted a series of decisions to alleviate the repercussions of the crisis on various sectors, official news agency WAM reported.

This includes the “proactive approach to fighting the pandemic as well as expanding the scope of testing nationwide”, she said.

Meanwhile Dr Farida Al Hosani, the spokesperson for the state health sector, called upon the public to refrain from circulating rumours and stressed the importance of adhering to preventive measures.

She also stressed that the gradual return to work would not succeed without community awareness and cooperation.

“Although restrictions have been eased in some sectors and activities, individuals remain responsible for themselves and for the people around them. Continuing to be cautious and aware remains to be a key factor in these exceptional times,” she said.

Al Hosani also said that it has not been scientifically proven that wearing masks could cause any harm or lead to side effects.

“There are, however, some rules to be followed when wearing a face mask, including making sure that the mask is worn one time unless it is designed for reuse; that reused masks are cleaned thoroughly and replaced when worn for long times; and that they are comfortable.

She also said there was no requirement to admit asymptomatic patients in hospitals and that they were normally referred to the quarantine centres or asked to undergo home quarantine.

“On the same note, vulnerable patients, like the elderly with diabetes and a heart condition, must be taken to hospital if any symptoms, however minor, appear. Their conditions usually require quick intervention to avoid complications,” she added.

Al Hosani also affirmed that no Covid-19 patients are discharged from the hospital without ensuring that they have fully recovered.

“According to updated scientific studies, the incubation period of Covid-19 starts two days before symptoms appear and continue for a maximum of eight days. After that, the patient is unlikely to be infected,” she added.