Coronavirus in UAE: 85 new cases reported

Abu Dhabi - The new cases included seven Emiratis.

The UAE announced 85 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of people infected to 333 on Wednesday.
Dr Farida Al Hosani, director of communicable diseases at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi and the official spokesperson for the health sector in the UAE, said in a virtual Press briefing that seven individuals, including five Bangladeshis and two Pakistanis, have fully recovered from the infection, taking the total number of recoveries to 52.
The new cases included seven Emiratis and others were of various nationalities. All the patients are in a stable condition and receiving the necessary medical care.
"Most of those infected in the UAE range from the age of 20 to 44, just similar to other countries," Al Hosani said on Wednesday.
"There is a small rate of infection among the elderly, but the impact on them and those underlying medical issues is quite strong."
Al Hosani stressed the importance of all citizens and residents staying at home and not going out except in extreme necessity, while adhering to the declared health and preventive guidelines.
"Identifying one infected person makes health authorities to search and investigate the vicinity of the case and to identify other persons the patient might have transmitted the disease through contact," she said, adding that the investigation often results in the discovery of additional new cases.
"The chain of transmission begins from person to person," she said.
"The UAE has got a very effective epidemiological monitoring mechanism with immediate response, which contributes to ensuring highly efficient preventive measures, including check-ups and observation of everyone who have had contacts with new patients, in accordance with the best global practices."
The official explained that the impact of halting travel and international flights will take some time to be seen but she was hopeful that it will contribute to reductions in new cases of the coronavirus.
The UAE has recently taken drastic measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, including halting international flights and suspending the issuance of entry visas, resorting to remote working at most of the institutions, closing public venues and encouraging people to stay at home.
"We continue to urge the public to adhere to healthy practices in order to protect themselves, including social isolation and exercising social distancing," said the official.
<>Answering a question on whether persons infected with Covid-19 lose the senses of smell or test, Al Hosani said apparently there was no evidence to prove so.
The public has been reminded to refrain from spreading rumours on social media and to take information from official sources only.
Al Hosani said the UAE authorities will continue with the stay at home campaign to contain the spread of Civil-19 epidemic.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com