COVID-19: Updates from UAE government media briefing

Nearly 800,000 COVID-19 tests have been carried out in the UAE between October 7 and October 13.

That's a 9 per cent increase in the number of tests compared to the previous week.

The figures were revealed during the UAE government's latest media briefing on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Dr. Omar Al Hammadi said there was a 15 per cent increase in the number of recoveries and a 46 per cent drop in fatalities.

Between 7 and 13 October, about 800,000 tests were conducted nationwide, with a 9% increase over the previous week, leaving the positive case at a rate of 1%.#CommitToWin

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) October 13, 2020

1% is the lowest rate compared to the European Union (EU) 7.3%, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 6.6%, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries 6.3%.#CommitToWin

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) October 13, 2020

Al Hammadi also highlighted the importance of protecting our mental health as chronic psychological conditions can affect our immune system and make us vulnerable to viral infections.

He called on the public to stay clear of false information and rumours and also urged parents to spend time with children - talking to them honestly about the pandemic and listening to their concerns.

Chronic psychological conditions can increase cortisol levels, cortisol is contributes to improving the functioning of our immune system. However, over time this increase and reduction in lymphocytes, makes us vulnerable to viral infections.#CommitToWin

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) October 13, 2020

People suffering mental illnesses such as depression and insomnia must be protected so that their effects do not increase with the pandemic, in addition to the elderly and those with chronic diseases.#CommitToWin

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) October 13, 2020

Updates from the #UAE Government media briefing today.#committowin#نلتزم_لننتصر pic.twitter.com/YC3lhHcAxI

— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) October 13, 2020