Coronavirus: UAE reports 15 new cases

Two more people have recovered from the virus as the total number of cases in the country reached 45

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The United Arab Emirates on Friday recorded 15 new coronavirus cases, the health ministry said in a statement.

The ministry confirmed that the total number of cases in UAE now stands at 45 cases.

Two more patients have recovered from the virus, the statement said, bringing the total number of people cured in the UAE to seven.

The two patients, Chinese nationals aged 38 and 10, were relatives, the ministry said, adding that all the family's members were free of the disease.

The 15 new cases involved people with a range of nationalities, the ministry said.

The ministry said many of the new cases had recently arrived from abroad.

Thirteen of the new cases were diagnosed with the ministry's early monitoring system, while a further two were identified after the patients came into close contact with confirmed cases associated with the UAE cycling tour.

Five individuals in close contact with Covid-19 patients have also been screened, placed under health quarantine and subjected to preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus, the statement added.

All cases are being monitored round-the clock, are in a stable condition and are receiving all necessary health care required, the ministry said.

The ministry advised members of the public to adhere to preventative health and personal hygiene guidance to prevent the spread of the disease.

"The public is also advised to adopt protective health behaviour to avoid infectious diseases, including washing their hands with soap and clean water, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to stop the spread of germs and viruses," the statement read.

The ministry also advised individuals suffering from respiratory symptoms to avoid crowded and public places to prevent transmission of the disease.