ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Friday recorded 3,498 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 385,160, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health carried by WAM.

The ministry announced 16 more deaths from complications caused by COVID-19, taking the country's death toll to 1,198.

The new patients, all of whom are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care, were detected after the ministry conducted 187,176 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment, according to the ministry. I

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.

A total of 2,478 more patients have recovered from the deadly virus, raising the total number of recoveries to 377,537, according to the statement.

The health ministry also announced that that 87,263 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given in the past 24 hours.

The total number of doses provided up to Friday stands at 5,933,299 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 59.99 doses per 100 people, the ministry added— SG