More than 8,000 volunteers in the UAE have offered their help in tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials said the figure reflected the huge good will of the public and their willingness to do their bit to help contain the outbreak.
The news came as the government announced a scheme to assist families who have lost loved ones to the virus.
Authorities also said anyone caught spreading fake news about the pandemic risked being fined.
“I would like to remind you that you are all invited to join this [volunteer] campaign,” a government spokeswoman said.
“We invite you to enrol and register in this. Your co-operation is very important.”
The coronavirus pandemic continues to pose a serious global threat to public health.
In the UAE, as of April 18, there were 6,302 confirmed infections which have resulted in 37 deaths. A total of 1,188 patients have recovered.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Hussa Tahlak, official spokeswoman for the UAE Volunteer Campaign, said the volunteers who had come forward so far included 3,000 medical professionals.
She also revealed the group represented 115 nationalities, reflecting the UAE’s enormous diversity.
Referring to the decision to fine anyone caught spreading fake news about the outbreak, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the country’s health sector, urged all residents to behave responsibly.
“There will be a fine against anyone who shares and circulates fake [or] misleading news,” she said. “This fine can be up to Dh20,000.
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“Your role is to share only reliable information [during] these very exceptional circumstances.”
In other developments this weekend, officials said the Emirates Red Crescent had been tasked with assisting all families who had lost loved ones due to Covid-19.
Dr Mohammed Al Falahi, secretary-general of ERC, said the organisation would “spare no effort” in its aim to assist those in need.
“[The ERC will] provide everything that these families need...to overcome the ordeal of losing a loved one”, state news agency Wam reported.
