The number of Covid-19 tests conducted across the UAE has crossed two million, a top UAE health official has announced.
During the regular virtual Press briefing on Monday, AbdulRahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, revealed that over 2.04 million tests have been conducted in the country. The minister attributed the success in conducting such a large number of tests to the tireless efforts of dedicated medical teams.
“We are adopting a proactive approach to curb the spread of the virus in the country. We are now at a critical juncture that requires individual responsibility,” he said, adding that it requires cooperation from everyone to continue with the precautionary measures.
Dr Amna Al Dahhak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson of the UAE Government, pointed out that 41,202 fresh tests were conducted, detecting 822 new cases.
The total number of cases has now reached 30,307, she said, adding that 601 new recoveries bring the total recoveries to 15,657. With three deaths, the total number of deaths is 248.
Al Shamsi said 14,402 people are currently receiving proper treatment and medical care.
“This year, Eid Al Fitr came amid unusual circumstances. It was completely different; all families had to stay home and steer clear of harm by avoiding gatherings and physical visits. Doctors had to report physically to their hospitals and attend to their patients; volunteers had to be in the field, forging ahead with their successful efforts and exemplary dedication,” she continued.
“It is a different occasion for those under quarantine who have to stay away from their loved ones; it is a different occasion for paramedics, nurses and disinfection squads, as well as all those belonging to our first line of defence. We stand by them all and pray that we all can weather this crisis and gather together again with our families and loved ones very soon.
“The pandemic has imposed a new reality for contact and communication even between the members of the same family. The social distancing rule has made it necessary to let go off old age traditions like family visits, social invitations and Eid gifts exchange. However, people have got to invest their time in new habits that could strengthen the family ties,” she added.
Dr Al Shamsi called on everyone to take the initiative to call any healthcare worker or others in the frontlines in the fight against Covid-19 and wish him/her Eid Mubarak and express his/her gratitude for their enormous efforts.
