The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday reported 216 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 276 recoveries.

In a statement, the ministry affirmed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

The UAE has seen a 30 per cent rise in coronavirus infections among citizens recently and health authorities are asking people to avoid crowds and family gatherings. Social distancing is important and it is unwise for the community to lower their guard, health officials said as the country's total cases touched 61,845 on Thursday following more than five million tests.

Meanwhile, the world's first Phase III trials of a vaccine for Covid-19 being held in the UAE have reached a major milestone as over 5,000 volunteers have now received their first jabs of an experimental vaccine being developed by China's Sinopharm. A sense of nationwide pride and shared commitment has led to over 80 nationalities in the community to volunteer, inspired by the UAE leadership's commitment to overcoming the pandemic through a global collaborative effort. The trials began in Abu Dhabi on July 16 and are being managed by G42 Healthcare in partnership with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha). The inactivated vaccine has been developed by Sinopharm CNBG, the world's sixth-largest vaccine manufacturer.

To ensure availability and to accommodate the healthcare needs of patients, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) has announced new operating hours for select services in Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and Tawam Hospital. Patients will now be able to seek medical consultation for in-demand specialties between 8.30am and 8.30pm, with select clinics also working on Saturdays.

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