Coronavirus: UAE reports 179 Covid-19 cases, 198 recoveries, no deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 179 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 198 recoveries. No deaths were reported.
Nearly 59,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out in the country, the ministry added.

In a statement, the ministry has once again affirmed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment, and more than 5.5 million tests have been carried out so far.

On Sunday, it was announced that four new rapid Covid-19 testing facilities have been opened in Dubai, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah that will perform laser tests for residents looking to enter Abu Dhabi. The UAE's capital requires a Covid-negative test result for residents and visitors to enter. The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) on Sunday announced that the new centres, including two in Dubai's Rashid Port and Al Khawaneej area, conduct tests using a DPI laser-based technology that produces results within five minutes. Four such centres are operational in Abu Dhabi.

It was also announced that all students, teachers and staff of private schools in Sharjah must test negative for Covid-19 before in-person classes begin in the new term. This is among the several guidelines spelt out by the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) for reopening schools from August 30. A copy of the circular that Khaleej times has seen states: "In collaboration with the health authorities in Sharjah, all students, teachers and staff of all private schools will be tested for Covid-19 (ahead of ) ... of physically joining the school. This very important initiative - which is undertaken by the UAE Government to ensure the safety of students (and) school staff - might continue at different times during the reminder of the academic year in which regular testing of students, teachers and other staff members will be conducted."