Patients who have recuperated increase to 38
DUBAI: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced on Saturday, March 21, that 13 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed, while seven patients, including a Filipino, have recuperated.
At a virtual press briefing, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, who also is director of the Department of Communicable Diseases at the Abu Dhabi Centre for Public Health, urged the public to observe “social distancing.”
“The Ministry urges the general public to cooperate with health authorities and adhere to precautionary measures announced – particularly social distancing – to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 and ensure the overall health and safety of the UAE community,” said Al Hosani.
The spokesperson urged people to avoid malls, beaches and restaurants and leave their homes only when necessary.
Al Hosani added that a negative COVID-19 test does not mean that individuals can socialise without precautions, but rather must adhere to the 14-day quarantine period to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Meantime, Al Hosani said that following the discovery of the new cases, the total number of COVID-19 infections in the UAE has reached 153 of which 38 have recuperated and two have died.
The seven new recoveries included two Indians, two emiratis, an Italian, a British national and a Filipino.
There are now two Filipinos who have recuperated from the coronavirus infection. It will be recalled that there were five Filipinos who have been found to be afflicted with COVID-19.
The first Filipino confirmed to have the coronavirus was announced by MoHAP on Feb. 8. The second was reported by the same government agency on Feb. 21. The third and fourth were announced on March 12. The fifth was announced on March 15.
Meantime, Al Hosani said the new cases were discovered at an early stage due to the government’s effective monitoring methods.
All of the newly diagnosed individuals were of different nationalities, Al Hosani noted. She explained that the individuals were identified as having been in contact with previously diagnosed persons and were quarantined and tested accordingly. Others, she added, came into the country from travels abroad.
The new cases included three people each from Britain and Pakistan, four from Bangladesh, and one each from Portugal, Poland, and the US, she said.
Al Hosani stressed that the patients are all in a stable condition and receiving necessary healthcare services.
The Daily Bread 