UAE reports 477 new cases, total tally at 6,302

The UAE reported 477 new Covid-19 cases as well as two additional deaths from the virus on Friday.

The total number of cases in the country has now reached 6,302, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said.

The new patients belong to different nationalities and are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary care, the ministry said.

The increase in new cases comes after over 24,000 additional Covid-19 tests were conducted among UAE citizens and residents over the past few days. The ministry is intensifying virus screening as parts of plans to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The two patients who died from Covid-19 were GCC citizens and suffered from pre-existing chronic illnesses, a statement said.

The death toll from the virus has now reached 37.

MoHAP also announced the full recovery of 93 new cases after receiving the necessary treatment, taking to 1,188 the total of those fully cured.

The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to all patients, calling on the public to co-operate with health authorities and comply with all precautionary measures, particularly social distancing protocols.

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