The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday announced 624 new cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, taking the total number of cases to 17,417.

458 new recoveries were also announced, with the total number of recoveries in the country reaching 4,295.

11 deaths were also announced by the authority, with a 185 people having succumbed to the illness. 

The consistent increase in the number of recoveries is courtesy the intensive screening camps set up across the country. Most recently, the Abu Dhabi Police in collaboration with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, launched a mobile coronavirus screening centre as part of efforts to support preventive and precautionary measures being taken by the UAE to contain the global pandemic and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.

On Friday, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ordered payment of all costs related to treatment of critical cases of coronavirus through stem-cell therapy. The initiative comes after the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC) announced development of an innovative and promising treatment for Covid-19 infections using stem cells.

Meanwhile, the police has reiterated the need to adhere to precautionary measures for the larger safety of the community, or face a fine of up to Dh10,000.

The Abu Dhabi Police, in a social media post, asked residents to maintain social distance of not less than 2 metres, wear face masks and avoid crowded places and strictly follow the National Sterilisation Programme guidelines.

Police warned against public gatherings and meetings, holding of public or private events, including at private farms. Organiser of such events face Dh10,000 fine and attendees Dh5,000. Also, Dh1,000 is fine for not maintaining social distancing.