Coronavirus: Sheikha Fatima thanks doctors working on the frontline

A message from the Mother of the Nation was delivered in a SMS

A nurse uses a nasal swab to test a driver at a Covid19 drive-through testing centre in Dubai. Mahmoud Khaled / EPA

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has thanked doctors across the country for their role in fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

In a text message sent to their mobile phones, the Mother of the Nation said she was grateful to medical staff.

“I extend you my sincere thanks and appreciation for the sincere efforts you're making to protect Covid-19 patients," said Sheikha Fatima, also chairwoman of the General Women's Union and president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

“Our hearts stay with you all, as you're wholeheartedly responding to the call of duty in such a time of distress. God bless you all and keep you a cherished asset for your homeland.

“Your Mother, Fatima bint Mubarak."

Dr Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, thanked Sheikha Fatima.

"The message instils positive energy into the spirit of all those concerned with the UAE health system, motivating them further to spare no effort in order to overcome this health crisis,” he said.

Medical staff from government and private hospitals are on the front lines of tackling the outbreak.

There were 4,933 cases of Covid-19 as of Wednesday, with 300 to 400 new patients confirmed each day this week.

Officials believe the country will turn a corner in the next three to four weeks as the nationwide stay home order limits new cases, and mass testing identifies who has the virus and who is clear.

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