The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The UAE government held a media briefing on the latest development on coronavirus in the country.

Dr. Omar Al Hammadi, the official government spokesman and Dr. Farida Al Hosani, spokesperson for the health sector briefed the media on the latest developments in the health situation.

Between 14 and 20 October, the rate of positive cases of total testing remains 1%, the lowest compared to the EU, the Middle East, North Africa and OECD countries.

Compared to last week, the total number of recoveries increased to about 10,000 cases, with a total of 22 deaths, making the mortality rate 0.4% one of the lowest in the world.

The past period has seen a marked increase in the number of positive and recovered cases, this rise is a natural and predicted result based on the global pattern, as a result of the gradual return to normal life.

All individuals and institutions must take responsibility and continue to implement the precautionary and preventive measures announced by the government, by following these measures we will successfully overcome this stage and ensure our health and the safety of our society.

We would like to emphasize the importance of contact tracing procedures, which contribute significantly to reducing cases, and it is the role of government and private institutions and entities to effectively deal with these cases.

As part of the procedures to gradually return to normal life and to support global efforts to tackle the virus, the UAE is committed to be one of the leading countries in supporting vaccine development and contributing to various clinical trials.