UAE announces first two deaths from coronavirus

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), has announced the first two deaths caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

In a statement, MoHAP noted that one of the individuals was a 78-year old Arab national who had arrived in the country from Europe. The cause of death was a heart attack, coinciding with complications from the coronavirus disease, the ministry added.

MoHAP added that the other individual, a 58-year-old Asian national and resident of the UAE, had prior chronic illnesses — heart disease and kidney failure — which further complicated their inability to fight the disease.

Travellers are seen at Dubai International Airport in Dubai. File

 The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and expressed its well-wishes for the recovery of all individuals diagnosed with coronavirus.

It reassured that both cases had received all necessary medical care and attention in the country’s medical facilities.

READ MORE

Global deaths from coronavirus exceed 10,000

UAE tells residents not to travel over coronavirus concerns

Suadi Arabia suspends Umrah over coronavirus fears

Newborn baby diagnosed with coronavirus at London hospital

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.

The UAE suspended entry of citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states until the approval of the pre-examination mechanism, starting midnight tonight.