Combating coronavirus: UAE conducts over a million Covid-19 tests
The UAE has conducted more than a million Covid-19 tests, the Ministry of Heath and Prevention said on Saturday. "We continue to increase Covid-19 tests to identify cases as early as possible, with more than 14 testing centres around the UAE, including drive-through testing facilities and home testing for people of determination," said Dr Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

The country announced 532 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total tally to 9,813. There were also 127 new recoveries, with the total now at 1,887. Seven new deaths were reported.

The increase in cases is expected, the minister said, as the UAE ramps up testing among its population. As many as 1,022,326 tests have been done up to April 25.




Getting more than a million tests done also "reflects the amount of efforts done by our frontline healthcare providers across the UAE", Dr Al Owais added.

"I am conveying to you a message from our frontline healthcare providers across the UAE: We are determined to continue caring for you and protect your health. We highly appreciate your commitment and cooperation to prevent the spread of coronavirus."

Besides healthcare frontliners, the Emirati scientific community has also been stepping up to the plate in the war on Covid-19.

Dr Alawi El Sheikh Ali, the official spokesperson for the advanced science sector in the UAE, said: "We have been examining more than 58 studies to better understand Covid-19 and laying out programmes to alleviate the pressure on medical centres."

Teams from various universities are also developing medical equipment, he added. "We are looking to expand the scope of tests by adopting rapid tests yielding quick results. We are continuing our partnership with various bodies in this regard."


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