As the UAE intensifies its measures to contain the pandemic, the country's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced two deaths from coronavirus on Friday.

One of the two cases is 78-year old Arab national who came from Europe and tested positive for COVID-19 and died due to heart attack while the other is a 59-year-old Asian national who was a UAE resident. He was was suffering from chronic diseases including heart disease and kidney failure.

The ministry confirmed that both cases received necessary medical care.

MoHAP has announced 27 new coronavirus cases in the UAE. The total number of infected so far is 140, while 31 patients have fully recovered.

According to MoHAP, to date, the UAE has performed over 125,000 test. The UAE's testing coverage is the highest in the world, with almost 13,000 people tested per million.

The ministry noted that available statistics on the pandemic show that the mortality rate is 3.6 percent, adding that this rate increases among elderly persons and individuals who are immuno-compromised or suffer from chronic illness.

MoHAP urged 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.

(Reporting by Seban Scaria; editing by Mily Chakrabarty)

(seban.scaria@refinitiv.com)

© ZAWYA 2020