ABU DHABI — A total of 553 people tested positive for coronavirus in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, raising the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 16,793, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Prevention carried by WAM.

The new cases were identified after conducting more than 41,000 additional COVID-19 tests among different segments of society including citizens and residents over the past few days. All of them are in a stable health condition and receiving the necessary care, the ministry said.

The ministry also reported nine more deaths from the deadly virus, taking the total number of fatalities in the country to 174.

According to the ministry, the deceased, who are from different countries, had pre-existing chronic illnesses coinciding with the coronavirus, which resulted in complications causing their death.

Meanwhile, 265 more patients have recovered after receiving the necessary treatment, bringing the total number of recoveries to 3,837. — SG