A medic collects sample from a patient.

The UAE Health Ministry conducted more than 39,266 COVID-19 tests in various regions of the country, and announced the registration of 561 new coronavirus cases. The total number of infection jumped to 13,599.

The Ministry announced the death of 8 people of different nationalities who were infected with the virus, and as a result of complications associated with other diseases. This brings the number of deaths in the country to 119.

The ministry extended its sincere condolences and sympathy family of the deceased.

The number of recovered cases in the country increased to 2,664, after 121 new cases recovered from the virus.

Dr. Amna Al Shamsi, UAE Government spokesperson, Prof. Alawi Al Sheikh-Ali, Emirates Scientists Council‘s spokesperson and Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Head Hematology/Oncology at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, spoke about the Coronavirus developments.

Dr Al Shamsi said, “The current cases infected with COVID-19 who are still undergoing treatment are 10,816 as of today."

Upon directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the National Home Testing Programme for People of Determination was recently lunched, Dr Al Shamsi said.

Dr. Al Shamsi said, “The first phases of the National Home Testing Programme for People of Determination, which provides home testing services for nationals and residents across the country, revealed 22 infected cases among the people of determination.

“The support and cooperation of the families of the people of determination is highly valued. Our training medical teams are visiting homes to conduct Covid-19 tests, making it easy for people of determination and their families.”

Dr. Al Shamsi said, “We urge the families of the people of determination to continue to cooperate with the health authorities and call 02-5968689 to book a test appointment.”

Dr. Al Kaabi said, “We have successfully passed the initial phase of clinical trials — with 73 patients making full recoveries without any adverse side effects. The recipients were moderately or severely ill before treatment, with 25% of them were at ICUs.

Dr. Al Kaabi also said, “We are finalising data collection to establish the effectiveness of this treatment, comparing a control group with the same characteristics of the patients that received the treatment. Next steps involve evaluating its effectiveness and application to a wider group.”

Dr. Al Kaabi said, “28 researchers at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center worked on isolating an early-developed stem cell that maintains regenerative qualities. The procedure is less invasive, only requiring drawing blood from patients, and administration is done via jet nebulization method.”

“The findings of the studies contribute to our understanding of why older adults and people with comorbidities may be at a higher risk of infection and develop severe COVID19 symptoms. They also confirm the need to adhere to the precautionary measures set by the UAE Government,” he added.

Prof. Al Sheikh-Ali said, “Another study with collaborative team including Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah and Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital is examining the relationship between obesity and COVID-19.”

Prof. Al Sheikh-Ali said, “The scientific community of the UAE continues to focus on the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19). Several research groups across UAE universities are conducting extensive studies to reach a deeper understanding of the virus.”