Saudi Gazette report

ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Monday recorded 528 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 infections to 52,068, according to a statement from the country’s Ministry of Health and Prevention carried by WAM.

The new cases were detected after health authorities in the country carried out 28,009 additional coronavirus tests, said Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson of the UAE government, during a daily press briefing on coronavirus.

The spokesperson also announced that 424 more patients have completely recovered from the deadly diseases, raising the total number of recoveries 40,721 across the country.

She also said that one more death was recorded, taking the total number of virus-related fatalities in the country to 324.

The spokesperson added that 11,023 patients are still undergoing treatment in medical institutions.

Making a major announcement, Dr. Amna said that the UAE government will complete more than two million coronavirus tests in the next two months to continue to curb the spread of the virus.

The health ministry will complete these tests to ensure the testing of a large segment of society including those working in public-facing roles for private and government sectors, including public transport drivers, taxi drivers, hospitality workers and retail workers as well as government agencies employees, she added.

The aim of intensifying medical surveys is to ensure the health and safety of all members of society and to ensure that individuals are free from Covid-19. Those who test positive will be isolated and provided medical treatment.

The spokesperson revealed that the number of cases had slightly increased during the last weekend, unlike the previous two weeks.

She stressed that this increase is a cause for concern and is due to the negligence of some individuals who refuse to adhere to the preventive measures and guidelines. Any increase is dangerous as it could undo the collective efforts and successes which have been achieved so far.

Dr. Amna asserted that all those who violate guidelines risk not only their own health but the health of those around them and the wider community. Those who violate continually risk legal action and fines from the state.

She stressed the need to gain news and information from official sources and other verified sources before sharing, as penalties will be applied to anyone who spreads incorrect information.

Dr. Amna appealed to all members of society to fully comply with the instructions issued by the authorities, stressing that commitment is necessary and indispensable in the current period, especially with the reopening of various economic and business activities.

The spokesperson also said that the current stage in the fight against the pandemic has only been reached due to the huge, unwavering efforts made by government institutions and the efforts heroes from the first line of defense; together they have shielded the wider UAE nation.

Dr. Amna stressed the need to show individual accountability, particularly when away from the home and in public places to ensure that we do not expose ourselves, or others, to unnecessary risks.