VIDEO: UAE reports 502 new coronavirus cases, 8 deaths

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Health Ministry on Thursday said that it has conducted more than 33,000 Covid-19 tests in various regions of the country, and announced the registration of 502 new coronavirus cases. The total number of infections jumped to 16,240.

The Ministry announced the death of 8 people of different nationalities who were infected with the virus, and as a result of complications associated with other diseases. This brings the number of deaths in the country to 165.

The Ministry offered its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to all patients.

The Ministry also announced that 213 people infected with the virus have fully recovered after receiving the necessary medical care, bringing the total number of recoveries to 3,572.

The Ministry called upon the public to adhere to health guidelines and instructions from the relevant authorities, particularly concerning social distancing, for the sake of the health and safety of all.

Meanwhile, Al Muraqabat Police patrol several Dubai areas to monitor any violations during the National Sterilisation Programme from 10pm until 6am.

The Ministry has announced it is deploying a self-driving vehicle to distribute personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and sanitisers to residents and workers of a residential complex in Sharjah.

The initiative, which was implemented in cooperation with the Sharjah’s Family Health Promotion Centre, and Huawei, comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, using the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies and fifth generation technology, 5G, MoHAP said in a statement.

Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary for Public Health Policy and the Licensing Sector in the ministry, affirmed the ministry’s keenness to incorporate AI technologies and smart techniques into its COVID-19 awareness programmes.

"Deploying the autonomous shuttle is a step in the right direction towards strengthening the prevention and control of COVID-19 as it significantly reduces social contact while at the same time saves more time and effort.

"AI technologies are very useful during these challenges’ times. Not only will they help protect the medical cadres against the virus, but they will also save their time, which can be harnessed to treat patients," Al Amiri said.