Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)  on Wednesday has announced that it has conducted over  44,000 COVID-19 test, which revealed 450 new cases.

This brings the total number of infections recorded in the country to 46,133.

Ministry also announced that 702 patients completely recovered from the infection after treatment, bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 34,405.

The currently infected cases of Covid-19 who are undergoing treatment are 11,421.

Dr. Amna Al Shamsi, UAE Government spokesperson said “we regret to announce that two people who tested positive for COVID-19 died due to complications. This brings the total death toll to 307. Our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.”

“The progress our country has made in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis is the outcome of public commitment and collaborative efforts of UAE Government entities. It is the responsibility of all of us to work together to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus,” Al Shamsi

Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Health Sector spokesperson said “The UAE health sector has started phase III of the clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine, as part of a global collaborative effort to curb the virus.

“Medical research in the  UAE focuses on three pillars: studies of pandemics, diagnostic studies and clinical trials, which include developing vacancies,” said Al Hosani

“UAE clinical trials are led by @DoHSocial  to accelerate the process of developing an effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine.We hope to make it available by end of 2020 or earlier 2021,” said Al Hosni.

“The clinical trial process goes into three phases.The first phase looks into the safety of the vaccine. Phase II explores the immunization process and phase III examines the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in a larger sample,” she said.

“If the COVID-19 vaccine is confirmed safe and effective as per phase III of the clinical trial process, it is considered successful, and the vaccine will enter the manufacturing phase.

“The Covid-19 vaccine is still at phase III, being tested for safety and effectiveness. We will keep the public updated with the results.”

“People who have chronic diseases, include heart conditions, hypertension and respiratory illnesses face an increased risk of developing complications.The higher risk groups also include people who smoke, are obese or have a weak immune system,” Al Hosni concluded.