30% increase in Covid-19 cases among UAE citizens: Minister

The UAE has witnessed a 30 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases among UAE citizens due to lack of commitment to social distancing guidelines, family visits and social gatherings, said Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

"There has been an usual increase in the number of Covid-19 cases over the recent days due to violation of the precautionary measures and guidelines, including family visits and social gatherings," Al Owais said at special press briefing on Thursday evening.

"We do, of course, value our traditions. But we have to be aware that we are in a critical situation. We should not let our culture and traditions and norms harm our lives."

He added: "We should take care of the responsibility to protect our families and realise that these visits may pose a great danger to them, especially the elderly and those with chronic diseases. We count on you on protecting yourselves and the health of your people."

Al Owais noted that the indicators have been, however, positive and that health authorities have been able to reach the increasing number of recoveries and even zero deaths for consecutive days.

"We ask everyone to be cooperative and to continue implementing the precautionary measures. We are all working to go back to our normal life," he said.