More cases detected as testing intensifies

UAE deaths, cases much lower than global average, Al Qutami says

Increased testing, especially in high-risk areas, has resulted in a higher number of cases being reported, but the situation is well in control, a senior health official said on Thursday.

Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was addressing media during a virtual press conference.

“The ratio of new infections to recoveries is stable. Our fatalities and critical cases are much lower than the global average,” he said, adding that mobile testing units have been organised to reach homes, workplaces and worker accommodations.

Each mobile unit can carry out 1,000 tests per day.

Comply with protocols

Al Qutami also appealed to citizens and residents to comply with Covid-19 protocols during Eid Al Fitr.

“My advice is to celebrate Eid, but restrict family meetings to video, phone chats and social media,” he said.

Answering a question on critical cases in intensive care units, Al Qutami said most cases are either asymptomatic or mildly affected and do not need to be hospitalised; they recover after being quarantined at home.

Replying to a question posed by Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor in Chief of Gulf News, on the impact of Covid-19 cases on other areas of health care, Al Qutami said other departments such as cardiovascular and orthopaedics were functioning well.

Doctors are conducting consultations and procedures as per schedule, he said. Smart services such as virtual doctor and health bookings are facilitating appointments with doctors 24/7, he said.

Volunteers patrolling City Walk as part of the Dubai Police Biker unit initiative launched this week. The initiative has already received 5,300 applications, officials say.