ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Thursday announced 659 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 37018, according to a statement from the country's Ministry of Health and Prevention carried by state news agency WAM. The new cases were detected in the last 24 hours after the health authorities conducted more than 54, 000 tests as part of the health ministry's plan to widen the scope of examinations. Meanwhile, a total of patients have fully recovered after receiving the necessary treatment, taking the total number of recoveries to 19, 572. The ministry also announced three more virus-related deaths, bringing the number of fatalities in the country to 273. The ministry expressed its regret and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and its wishes for a speedy recovery for all positive cases, calling on members of the community to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and follow social distancing rules to ensure the health and safety of all.