Covid-19: UAE announces 300 new cases of coronavirus

The UAE has confirmed 300 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, bringing the total number of infected persons in the country to 2,659 as of Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said.

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said 53 patients have made a full recovery, taking the total to 239.

The UAE has conducted 539,195 coronavirus tests in the country so far.

Responding to a questions on the use of monitoring patients in home quarantine, Dr. Al Hosani said the UAE has started using the application 'Stay Home' to monitor people in home quarantine. "We urge people in the UAE to make use of the app," she said.

She noted that the drive-through testing centers in Abu Dhabi have been successful.

"Preparations are ongoing to have drive-through testing centers in all emirates. Priority at the facilities is given to the elderly, disabled and those with respiratory conditions," she said, adding that people should wear masks while at the testing centres.

Answering a question about if the UAE is having a high-rate of recovery, she said the recovery rate around the world is 25 per cent and that there are recoveries from mild infections in 2-3 weeks. "For severe cases it's much longer than that, she said.

Dr. Al Hosani has condemned reports of some UAE residents who litter masks and gloves any how.

"Such behaviors of littering masks are bad and we condemn them," she said adding that the masks can be contaminated which might cause the spread of coronavirus.

"Masks should be disposed of properly in garbage containers. There is need to promote good behaviours among the community," said the official.