The United Arab Emirates has stockpiled enough emergency medical supplies in preparation for the coronavirus, also known as corona, according to a statement by Health Minister Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser al-Owais.
“We are among the first countries to have received appropriate quantities of [coronavirus] test kits, which unfortunately, many countries didn’t have until recently,” he said. “The UAE was leading in making orders, following up and in research.”
More than 500 staff members are working on communication, medical investigations, and logistical support to help combat the spread of the virus, he added during his statement while briefing the UAE’s Federal National Council on the virus.
“As soon as the spread of the virus was reported from China, we made available enough quantities of thermometers at the border crossings and airports,” al-Owais said. “We also took all necessary precautions in line with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols.”
The UAE has “adequate reserves” of medical supplies including anti-viral medications, surgical masks and medical gloves, according to the statement. Al-Owais also confirmed several factories in the UAE are manufacturing more supplies “to the best international standards.”
Travelers wear masks as they arrive at the Dubai International Airport, after the UAE's Ministry of Health and Community Prevention confirmed the country's first case of coronavirus, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2020. (File photo: Reuters)
A total of eight coronavirus cases have been detected in the UAE since the spread of the virus, however, all are in stable condition, according to al-Owais.
“All those who had contact with the affected and the places they have frequented have been contacted,” he added. “All the necessary steps to preempt the spread of the infection have been taken.”
The UAE announced on Sunday that one of the infected, an 83-year-old Chinese woman, had been cured, making her the first person in the country to beat the virus.
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