Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SD)

Abu Dhabi, May 14: The UAE ministry of health and prevention, on Wednesday May 13 announced 725 new coronavirus cases which takes the total number of cases in the country to 20,385. The total number of patients recovered has reached 6, 523 after 511 new recoveries were announced.

The ministry reported that as many as 34,869 tests have been carried out.

Three have yielded to the virus taking the death toll of the country so far to 206.

The ministry had earlier said that the country has been carrying out extensive testing stating that a four month average screening in other countries is almost equivalent to UAE's daily testing average and the country has so far conducted 1.5 million tests.

Along with testing, drive through screening and launch of isolation and quarantine programmes for UAE citizens returning from other countries has strengthened the measures taken towards prevention.

The biggest initiative the UAE has taken is the announcement of free COVID-19 testing for the Emiratis and some expats.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Shiekh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the authorities to conduct free testing for all Emiratis and other domestic workers. Additionally, he has asked to conduct free testing for some expatriates - people of determination, pregnant women, people above 50 and those who have come in direct contact with infected individuals.