Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,412 COVID-19 cases, 1,618 recoveries

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday reported 1,412 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,618 recoveries. Three deaths were also recorded.

As many as 116,470 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, the ministry added.

Leading the way for global testing rates, the UAE has conducted more than 11.33 million tests till date as part of the country's massive screening programmes to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Several telemedicine clinics have been inaugurated by the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Volunteering Programme, as part of the first global telemedicine initiative to provide free diagnosis, treatment and preventive services for women around the world.

However, with a spike in Covid-19 cases in recent days, the ministry has urged the public to follow all preventive guidelines.

Referring to how residents have started becoming complacent, doctors in the UAE have explained that the risk of infection is high, particularly in closed spaces. Healthcare givers stressed that in the absence of a vaccine, masks play a vital role in curbing the spread of the virus. They also warned about a 'pandemic fatigue' that seems to have set in as residents lower their guards.

Meanwhile, Dubai Airports has told airlines that they would have to repatriate tourists who would arrive in the UAE without a confirmed return ticket, according to a circular issued today, October 15. The advisory comes after several passengers from South Asian countries got stranded at Dubai International Airport on Wednesday and Thursday because they failed to meet the entry requirements.