Combating coronavirus: Recoveries rise as UAE leaves no stone unturned in Covid war

The UAE is witnessing a rise in recoveries as the government is making use of various experimental drugs available, including plasma therapy and the drug hydroxychloroquine, in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. (Coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates)


Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, said in a virtual press briefing that 170 new patients have made a full recovery after receiving the necessary treatment, taking the total number of recoveries to 588.
"Health experts are continuing to review the latest drugs available to support patients fighting the virus. Hydroxychloroquine medicines and other anti-viral drugs are being used in the UAE and we are following up on their effectiveness," Dr Al Hosani said.
"Blood donated by people who have recovered from Covid-19 is also being used in critical cases," she said.
Dr Al Hosani also announced 376 new cases, bringing the total number of infected persons to 3,736. The new coronavirus cases are of various nationalities, all of whom are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary care, she said.
She also announced the death of four patients, taking the total number of deaths to 20.
Dr Al Hosani said the UAE has conducted over 20,000 additional Covid-19 tests among UAE citizens and residents in a day, bring the total number of tests conducted to 648,195.
She attributed the increasing number of Covid-19 cases over the recent days to an increased scale in testing.
"Because of the quick check-up measures, including the new drive-through testing facilities, we can detect more cases and quarantine those infected with the virus and those they have been in contact with," said Dr Al Hosani, adding that there are now 13 drive-through testing centres across the UAE, in addition to the one at Zayed Sports Centre in Abu Dhabi.
ismaiil@khaleejtimes.com