Coronavirus: UAE leading the way in global testing as public again urged to avoid gatherings

The UAE recorded 852 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday as a further 939 patients recovered

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The UAE remains at the forefront of global efforts to track Covid-19 cases and help contain the spread of the virus.

Dr Omar Al Hammadi, a UAE Government spokesman, said the country was leading the way across the world for the number of coronavirus tests carried out per capita in July and August.

The Emirates conducted a daily average of more than 65,000 tests in August, representing 658 tests per 100,000 population.

Close to 9 million tests have been carried out nationwide as part of a mass screening strategy implemented by authorities.

The UAE recorded an encouraging 21 per cent drop in active cases from July to August, with death rates falling by 5.7 per cent in the same period.

"These figures are the result of the awareness of everyone. We call on all members of society to play a fundamental role in continuing this development," said Dr Al Hammadi during a regular media briefing on Tuesday.

Dr Al Hammadi stressed the importance of members of the public abiding by safety measures and being accountable in the fight to overcome the pandemic.

"It is the personal responsibility of everyone to prevent and avoid infection. It is the main factor for the success of curbing the spread of the virus," he said.

He reiterated the need to avoid large gatherings, not just with family members at home but at restaurants and malls.

"We are concerned about gatherings not only of families, and indoors, but the measures applicable to restaurants and shopping centres and commercial premises.

"It is one concept, one measure for all.

"We call on all families, busineses and institutions to comply with precautionary measures. What is important is individual duty and responsibility to avoid spreading the virus.

"Our role is to be vigilant, avoid crowded places, practice social distancing.

"We are all witnessing violations by restaurants and others.

"We would like to stress to avoid these gatherings. Individual commitment is the main factor to allow us to curb the spread. Without that will have bigger complications."

Dr Al Hammadi urged people to continue to wear masks - especially as they could be asymptomatic and invisible carriers of Covid-19.

The key message was delivered as the UAE recorded 852 cases on Tuesday, bringing its total to 86,447.

A further 939 patients recovered, pushing this tally to 76,025.

No patients died as the death toll remained at 405.

There are 10,017 active cases across the country.