The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced that it has conducted 143,991 COVID-19 tests in the past 24 hours.

The health ministry on Saturday reported 1,121 new cases of coronavirus in the country. The ministry also plans to expand the scope of testing to detect new cases.

The health officials said 1,295 people have recovered from the disease. The health ministry also announced the death of 5 people from COVID-19 complications.

The health ministry has expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victim, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the people receiving treatment.

The authorities have urged members of the public to adhere to health protocols and social distancing rules.  

On the other hand, with the UAE government's plan to strengthen its efforts in combating the pandemic, the Supreme Committee for the Management of the COVID-19 Crisis announced the formation of the National Committee for Management and Governance of the Recovery Phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis.

The committee will be headed by Dr Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister for Industry and Technology.

The committee aims to achieve efficiency for the recovery phase by enhancing the capabilities and measures necessary for recovery, business continuity and services.

It will set up proactive support programmes for institutions, defining roles and responsibilities, and measuring strategic and operational performance indicators to ensure the return of normal life