ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates recorded on Friday 1,269 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 156,523, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health carried by WAM.

The ministry also announced three more COVID-19-related deaths, taking the country's death toll to 547.

The new patients, all of whom are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care, were detected after the ministry conducted 129,558 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment, according to the ministry.

In the statement, the ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery, calling on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions, and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.

It also announced the recovery of a total of 840 more patients from the deadly virus, raising the total number of recoveries to 147,309. — SG