ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday reported 365 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 64,906, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Prevention carried by WAM. The new patients, all of whom are receiving necessary medical care, were detected after the ministry conducted 59,759 new coronavirus tests, according to Dr. Omar Al Hammadi, the official spokesman for the UAE government. Dr. Al Hammadi also said that a further 115 people have recovered from the virus, bringing the total number of recoveries in the UAE to 57,909. He added that two deaths were recorded, bringing the total to 366. According to the spokesman, the number of patients who are currently receiving treatment stands at 6,631. He pointed to the worrying increase in the number of daily cases among citizens and residents, by 136 cases, compared to the previous period. He attributed this to people attending gatherings and visits without following basic precautionary and preventive measures such as physical distancing and wearing masks. Meanwhile, the UAE's Minister of Health, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, announced that the UAE has exceeded six million laboratory tests for the coronavirus, COVID-19. Al Owais added that the UAE recently launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research, which is a qualitative addition that will contribute to the development of the UAE's scientific research sector. The center will focus its specializations on research into communicable diseases in the country in addition to research on COVID-19. The minister pointed out that these initiatives will enhance the role of the UAE and its active contribution to support global efforts to aid the health sector and society as a whole. Al Owais also said that during the past two weeks there has been a noticeable increase in daily infection rates, which may be an indicator of an alarming increase in the number of cases in the coming period. He stressed the importance of adhering to all precautionary measures, including avoiding gatherings and visits and following physical distancing rules. With regard to the third phase of clinical trials that are taking place in the UAE on a promising vaccine for COVID-19, the minister said that there have been tangible developments and that the results are very reassuring, with no side effects recorded among the volunteers. He thanked all of the participants and volunteers for assisting in the trials. Al Owais renewed his call to all members of society to participate in this noble humanitarian work, which will benefit not only the UAE but millions of people around the world. He expressed his great confidence in UAE society, including all citizens and residents for their constant eagerness to support positive initiatives at all times and in all circumstances. He added that the government's strategy for dealing with the pandemic and limiting its spread cannot be completed without the full commitment of all members of the public to the Government's instructions and all precautionary measures.
