Abu Dhabi - Authorities conduct over 20,000 tests among citizens and residents.
Published: Sat 11 Apr 2020, 3:57 PM
Updated: Fri 17 Apr 2020, 10:02 AM
The UAE announced 376 new cases of coronavirus, on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 3,736 as of April 11.
The new coronavirus cases are of various nationalities, all of whom are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary care.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said in a virtual press briefing that 170 patients have made a full recovery after receiving the necessary treatment, taking to 588 the total number of recoveries.
The official also revealed the death of four patients suffering from Covid-19. The total number of deaths in the country has now reached 20.
Al Hosani said the UAE has conducted over 20,000 additional Covid-19 tests among UAE citizens and residents, in line with the Ministry of Health and Prevention's plans to intensify coronavirus screenings in order to contain the spread.
The total number of Covid-19 tests conducted across the country is now 648,195.
Covid-19 treatments in UAE
Regarding the rise in the number of recoveries, Dr Farida said the increase was because of mild cases recovering within two to three weeks.
"Majority of the Covid-19 cases recorded across the country are simple and mild cases. All those with high fever and respiratory distress should go directly to the test centres," said the official.
"Health experts are continuing to review the latest drug treatments available to support patients fighting the virus. Hydroxychloroquine medicines and other anti-viral drugs - as per research - are being used in the UAE and we are following up on their effectiveness."
Dr Al Hosani said recovered patients are playing their part in helping those fighting the disease to get back to full health.
She said that the UAE has started clinical trials of plasma therapy for treatment along with a number of other treatments. Their effectiveness is being researched, and the UAE is keen to further look into studies and treatments around the world and will not delay in providing any available treatment to citizens and residents.
"The blood donated by people who have recovered from Covid-19 was being used in plasma treatment to boost the speed of recovery for people who tested positive to the coronavirus," she said.
When will the pandemic end?
According to Dr. Al Hosani, it was not possible to predict when the country would reach its peak of Covid-19 cases.
She noted that all precautionary measures were put in place, including the #StayHome initiative, guidelines for proper hygiene in homes and workplaces - as well as sanitising and washing hands were helping in preventing the spread of the virus.
"Continuation of physical distancing and national sterilisation programme is a must as we continue to battle the spread of virus", said Dr Al Hosani.
Last rites of deceased
Responding to a question on the last rites of the bodies of Covid-19 patients, the official said corpses of people were being handled in respectable manner, in line with Shari'a.
"We have trained the workforce regarding the handling and washing of the bodies of Covid-19 victims in a professional and safe manner," she said.
Al Hosani added that funeral and prayers for the dead were limited to only a small number of family members as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the disease. For all those wanting to condole with the families, she advised them to convey their condolences via phone call.
"Let's all be positive as we continue to follow the precautionary measures in place," she said.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
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