UAE health minister announces surge in COVID-19, warns against social gatherings
United Arab Emirates Minister of Health and Prevention, Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, has announced an increase in new COVID-19 cases among the citizens.
While disclosing this on Friday August 7, 2020, Owais sensitized the citizens to the danger of social visits and large gatherings that violate all preventive and precautionary measures.
He disclosed this during a special media briefing by the UAE government in Abu Dhabi on the latest developments related to COVID-19.
The Minister said the UAE leadership had been eager to preserve the health and safety of citizens and residents, but some social practices may pose a risk and contribute to the spread of the virus, especially among the elderly and those with chronic diseases.
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 pandemic make it imperative that everyone exercise caution “in order to protect our families and our society.”
The Minister said there were many recent positive indicators, such as high recovery and low infection rates and no deaths registered for consecutive days.
However, he stressed that these positives do not mean that the challenge has ended, as the experiences of other countries reveal that any negligence in the application of preventive measures can have major consequences.
Owais said that the support and cooperation of all community members through the adoption of preventive and safety measures would accelerate the pace of recovery and return to normal life in the UAE.
During the briefing, Dr. Omar Al Hammadi, the official spokesman for the UAE government, announced that the number of daily COVID-19 tests had reached 50,700, with 239 new cases uncovered.
These new patients are currently being treated in hospital. The latest figures bring to 61,845 the number of registered cases in the UAE.
Hammadi announced that 354 patients had recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total to 55,739.
One death was recorded, taking the toll to 354. He added that the number of patients receiving treatment has reached 5,752.
Source: MCR and News Agency
