The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health and Prevention on Monday reported 1,092 cases of Covid-19, along with 670 recoveries.
The ministry announced only one death from complications caused by COVID-19, taking the country’s death toll to 618.
The new patients, all of whom are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care, were detected after the ministry conducted 98,562 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment, according to the ministry.
In the statement, the ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.
The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery, calling on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions, and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.
Meanwhile, with more private hospitals joining the vaccination drive against Covid-19 in the UAE on Sunday, residents heaved a sigh of relief and hope. In Abu Dhabi, a total of 34 private hospitals from VPS Healthcare and NMC groups are offering vaccines.
UAE approved a vaccine developed by Chinese state-owned Sinopharm on 9 December, and Bahrain followed days later. But researchers say a lack of public data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine could hinder the company’s plans to distribute the vaccine in a range of other countries.
Sinopharm – which uses an inactive form of the coronavirus – is administered in two doses, 21 days apart, according to SEHA.
The vaccination programme started from 9am at all of the 18 medical facilities under the VPS Healthcare Group in Abu Dhabi. Residents reached ahead of time to queue up in front of the dedicated vaccination centres established inside and outside the medical facilities. Some had booked appointments, while others made use of the walk-in service.
The arrival of the vaccine will allow increased mobility of people as well as higher inflow of foreign travellers into the country, giving key sectors of the emirate — such as travel, tourism, trade, hospitality, retail and real estate — a welcome boost. These were among the worst-hit sectors of the economy due to Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions on the movement of the people.
