Manama: The United Arab Emirates on Monday reported two deaths due to COVID-19 and 41 new cases, taking the total number of infections in the Emirates to 611.
Both the deceased, a 42-year-old Asian woman and a 48-year-old Arab citizen, were suffering from underlying chronic diseases like heart problems and diabetes, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector said in a press briefing.
A 47 year old Arab woman in the country on Sunday night succumbed to COVID-19, which records the total death toll for the last 24 hours to 3.
All the patients under treatment are stable except two, who are in critical condition, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said. Three more patients, including two Indians, also recovered completely from the illness, the ministry said.
The UAE had also carried out more than 2.20 laks laboratory tests across the emirates for the coronavirus, which shows a testing coverage at over 22,900 tests per million people. This is the second highest test density in the world after China.
In order to provide rapid response tests for people across the country, the state-of-the-art drive through testing centres will open in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, said Dr. Farida. She added that this move was in accordance with the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Earlier Monday, the Crown Prince has instructed the Department of Health to set up drive-through centres across the UAE to test for coronavirus. The mobile testing facility was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, will provide test within five minutes using hi-tech equipment and a medical team, Abu Dhabi government's media office tweeted. Videos on social media saw the leader getting a nasopharyngeal swab at the facility, and speaking to healthcare workers.
It is the first of its kind in the UAE and the fifth globally to test for Covid-19 without needing to leave the car.
According to official news agency WAM, the facility can serve 600 people a day, with priority given to senior citizens, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.
The media office said people should book an appointment in advance. Residents will receive their results via SMS and Seha app. Those who test positive for the pestilence will be immediately transferred to hospitals.
