Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,315 Covid-19 cases, 1,452 recoveries, 2 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 1,315 Covid-19 coronavirus cases, its highest daily tally so far, along with 1,452 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported.
Nearly 97,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, taking the total to over 11 million tests so far.
The previous high of daily Covid-19 cases was reported on October 3, at 1,231 cases, while the third highest tally was announced on October 2 at 1,181. Daily reported cases breached the 1,000 mark for the first time on September 12.

In a major announcement yesterday, it was revealed that trials for the Russian adenovirus-based vaccine are set to commence in the UAE. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia's sovereign wealth fund, is partnering with Aurugulf Health Investment on the UAE trials of the vaccine, which was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. The vaccine, named Sputnik V, was first licensed by Russian authorities for domestic use in August, and is currently being tested on 40,000 volunteers in Moscow.

In a step that makes Covid-19 testing more convenient, it was announced yesterday that residents can now book appointments to get a Covid-19 PCR test across malls in Dubai. The PCR testing stations, located in Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira, are receiving customers seven days a week from 11am to 6pm with prior appointment, the Dubai Health Authority said. Appointments can be booked by calling the DHA toll-free number 800DHA (800342). Those who have a fever or any respiratory symptoms should not get tested at the mall as this service is specifically for those who require a PCR test result for travel and other non-medical purposes.

Meanwhile, in a move that could play a significant role in curbing pollution caused by disposed of masks, a 100 per cent biodegradable mask has been developed in the UAE, it was announced on Monday. A team of researchers from the Khalifa University developed the first working prototypes of the environment-friendly NavaMASK. It is a fully biodegradable and biocompatible anti-viral adaptive face mask. It is made of nano-fibers, giving it strong anti-microbial properties. "We recognised the need for an environment-friendly alternative to the currently available face masks in the market, (while) ... maintaining the highest safety and breathability standards," said Dr Shadi W. Hasan, associate professor chemical engineering at Khalifa University.