Coronavirus news bulletin from UAE: 1,121 new cases reported; panel formed to combat Covid-19

Here's a round-up of all the latest Covid-19 developments you need to know:

UAE reports 1,121 Covid-19 cases, 1,295 recoveries, 5 deaths

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 1,121 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,295 recoveries. Five deaths were also recorded. As many as 143,991 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to nearly 13.18 million tests so far. The UAE recorded 96.8 per cent recovery rate of Covid-19 patients and also achieved a recovery rate of 96.7 per cent and mortality rate of 0.5 per cent, the lowest in the world. However, the government is continuously urging the public to follow safety norms and the enforcement of various fines has definitely helped. The authorities have also called on residents to obtain information from its official sources and not to circulate rumours or news issued by fake accounts.

UAE forms new committee to combat Covid-19

The UAE has formed the National Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Management and Governance Committee to ensure efficient recovery of businesses as well as help them return to normalcy amid the crisis. Formed by the country's Supreme Committee for Covid-19 Crisis Management, the new committee will be chaired by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology. It is aimed at developing strategic plans and proactive support programs for business establishments by identifying their key performance indicators and financial and economic resources required for the post-Covid-19 phase. Besides this, the committee will also establish an electronic data link for digital indicator-based statistics and focus on consolidating the strengths and competitive advantages of the UAE, especially in vital sectors such as food, water, energy and pharmaceutical industries.

UAE denies Covid-19 rumours circulating on social media

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has denied rumours circulating on social media about treatment advice for those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. The rumours include taking various vitamins daily or weekly, without contacting governmental health authorities. In a statement on its social media handles, Mohap said it “requests community members who develop Covid-19 symptoms to immediately contact health authorities and ignore the rumours, while making sure to only obtain accurate information from the official website of the ministry and its official accounts on social media.”

UAE minister receives Covid-19 vaccine shot

The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, received the Covid-19 vaccine shot today. The UAE Government shared a picture on their official Twitter account of Al Gergawi being administered the vaccine. "Al Gergawi emphasised the role of the health sector and medical personnel and their contributions to support the country's efforts to address the pandemic", the tweet read. On October 16, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also received a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine after the UAE granted approval for the emergency use of the Covid-19 vaccine that is being trialled in the country.

• Dubai