UAE announces 479 new Covid-19 cases, four deaths

The UAE has reported 479 new cases of Covid-19, with four additional deaths confirmed due to the virus.

With this, the total number of cases reported in the country now stands at 6,781, with the death toll at 41.

The four patients who succumbed to the virus included three Asian expats and one GCC national, who died due to complications, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said.

It expressed sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the other patients.

“The new cases identified are in a stable condition and undergoing treatment,” it added.

A further 23,000 people were tested, the ministry confirmed. MoHAP is intensifying virus screening as parts of plans to contain the spread of Covid-19.

مستجدات الوضع الصحي والحالات المرتبطة بفيروس #كوفيد19 في دولة #الإمارات
الأحد 19 إبريل 2020
The latest developments on Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the #UAE pic.twitter.com/x9dTbWlu2O

— UAEGov (@uaegov) April 19, 2020

As part of measures to curb the spread of the virus, Dubai announced on Friday that the 24-hour sterilisation programme will continue for another week, with restrictions on movement set to remain.

The programme, which began on April 4, was initially scheduled to end on April 18.

The extension follows the “positive impact of the two-week sterilisation operations and intensified restrictions on movement aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19”, a statement said.

Read more: Dubai extends 24-hour sterilisation drive for another week, restrictions to remain

On April 18, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, opened a field hospital at the Dubai World Trade Center to treat Covid-19 cases.

Read: Dubai World Trade Centre converted into a field hospital

The hospital has a capacity to treat 3,000 Covid-19 patients.

Of the 3,000 beds, there are reportedly 800 set aside for intensive care patients.