A health worker checks the temprature of an Emirati citizen in Dubai. WAM

The Ministry of Health and Prevention on Thursday announced 552 new coronavirus cases in the UAE, bringing the total of infections to 12,481 while seven deaths were reported, bringing the total fatalities' toll up to 105.

The announcement was made during the regular media briefing held in Abu Dhabi, wherein Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson of the UAE government, and Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson of the UAE health sector, provided an update on coronavirus-related developments and measures taken to mitigate its impact.

Al Shamsi said an additional 27,000 COVID-19 tests were performed, leading to the detection of 552 new cases among various nationalities, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 12,481 including cases receiving treatment, recoveries, and deaths.

The total number of recovery cases in the UAE has reached 2,429 with 100 cases fully recovered on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Prevention send their sincere condolences to the families of those that passed away.

Speaking about the long-term side effects of the virus after recovery, Dr Farida Al Hosani, explained that some studies show COVID-19 has lasting effects on recovered patients. However, she noted, very few cases were in a critical condition and placed in intensive care.

''COVID-19 side effects could damage the lungs. Some recovered patients have experienced pulmonary dysfunction and could not perform usual activities, such as walking for long distances, and have shortness of breath,'' she said.

Dr Al Hosani advised recovered patients to perform exercise like swimming to stimulate the cardiovascular system and adopt a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a nutritious diet and refraining from smoking.

Regarding the possibility of reinfection after recovery, Dr Al Hosani affirmed that there were no studies on the matter, and research is ongoing.

''The UAE did not record any such case, but there were some cases in other countries because such cases may not have recovered completely or were not subject to thorough testing before leaving the hospital to ensure they were asymptomatic," she remarked.

In general, she continued, the effects of infection may vary case-by-case depending on the strength of one’s immune system and lifestyle.

WAM