Coronavirus: UAE confirms 479 new cases and four more deaths

Officials offered their condolences to the families of whose who died

A health worker in the UAE examines a sample to test for Covid-19. AFP

The UAE has identified 479 new cases of the coronavirus, it said on Sunday, taking the number of cases in the country to 6,781.

Four more people died of Covid-19, raising the total to 41.

A further 23,000 people were tested for the coronavirus and 1,286 people have now recovered.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention “expressed sincere condolences to the families of three Asian expats and a GCC national who tested positive for Covid-19 and died due to complications”.

“The new cases identified are in a stable condition and undergoing treatment,” it said.

The number of people with the virus has grown significantly in recent weeks as the country stepped up testing nationwide.

Between 300 and 500 new cases have been diagnosed daily by the government as doctors seek to identify who has the virus and who is clear of it.

At the weekend, Emirates Red Crescent said it would sponsor the family of any UAE resident who died of Covid-19.

“Today, we have a big responsibility to stand by families who have lost loved ones to coronavirus and be with them during these hard times,” said Dr Mohammed Al Falahi, secretary general of ERC.

“This initiative will look at all the requirements of these families, whether [through] food, health, education and housing conditions, and will also help those who have financial obligations.

“It’s hard to lose a loved one, but our country and leadership have taught us to care for the needs of others, leading by example.”