The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Friday announced 477 new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus along with two deaths and 93 recoveries.
More than 24,000 tests were conducted to detect new cases.
The total number of infections in the country stands at 6,302 as of April 17, while total recoveries are 1,188.
The death toll in the UAE is now 37.
After conducting more than 24,000 tests, as part of the plans to expand the scope of the tests, the Ministry of Health registers 477 new cases of the #Coronavirus, and announces 93 recoveries and two death cases. pic.twitter.com/tydl25ToSC
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) April 17, 2020
To detect cases early, the UAE has opened 14 drive-through testing facilities that can screen hundreds of people daily without them having any direct contact with healthcare workers. The health authorities said up to 7,100 people can be tested every day with the new drive-through testing facilities established across the country.
The country now has the capacity to conduct 10,000 tests daily, including at hospitals and out-patient clinics.
Meanwhile, UAE has also started clinical trials of plasma therapy for the treatment of COVID-19. Their effectiveness is being researched, and the UAE is keen to further look into studies and treatments around the world.
