ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Thursday reported 239 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 61,845, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Prevention carried by WAM. The new cases, all of whom are currently receiving necessary care and treatment, were detected after 50,729 additional coronavirus tests were conducted over the past 24 hours, according to a government spokesman. The spokesman announced that 354 patients completely recovered from the deadly disease, taking the total number of recoveries in the UAE to 55,739. One more death was recorded, raising the total number of virus-related fatalities to 354, the spokesman said. The number of patients receiving treatment has reached 5,752, added the spokesman during a special media briefing which was also attended by UAE Health Minister Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais. Speaking to reports, the health minister said that there was a 30 percent rise in new coronavirus cases among UAE citizens during the last period and warned of the dangers of social visits and gatherings that do not follow all preventive and precautionary measures. The minister said that the leadership of the UAE has, from the outset of the crisis to this day, been eager to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, but some social practices may pose a risk of infection and contribute to the spread of the virus, especially among the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Al Owais stressed that Emirati customs and traditions are greatly appreciated and respected by society, as they constitute a source of strength that enhances the solidity of the social fabric of the UAE. However, the exceptional conditions imposed by the spread of the pandemic makes it imperative that everyone exercises caution and care in order to protect our families and our society. The minister said there were many positive indicators recorded during the recent period, such as high recovery rates and low infection rates, in addition to not recording deaths for consecutive days. However, he stressed that these positives do not mean that the challenge presented by coronavirus has ended, as the experiences of other countries indicate that any negligence in the application of preventive measures, even if only by a small percentage, can have major consequences. Al Owais said that the support and cooperation of all community members through the adoption of preventive and health and safety measures would help to accelerate the pace of recovery and return to normal life in the UAE.
