The UAE announced 387 new cases of coronavirus, on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 4,123 and totally 680 people had recovered from the virus as of April 12.

UAE’s Foreign Aid to combat COVID-19:

• UAE has provided nearly 200 metric tons of aid to 17 countries.

• The UAE has supplied 11 metric tons of aid to Ukraine in the fight against COVID-19. The shipment, which contained hundreds of thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment, will benefit over 10,000 healthcare workers.

• Bulgarian Minister of Economy Emil Karanikolov met with UAE Minister of State H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh in Abu Dhabi to discuss further cooperation between both countries. An exchange of goods between both countries also took place.

• UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash has discussed the COVID-19 situation in Syria, Libya, and Lebanon with respective UN envoys.

Steps within the country: 

• Abu Dhabi Investment Office has invested $100 million to attract four agriculture technology companies as part of government efforts to create hundreds of high-skilled jobs and boost domestic agricultural production, further bolstering the UAE’s food security.

• The UAE is researching convalescent plasma therapy, using blood plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to explore a possible treatment.

• The UAE has extended the suspension of prayers in all places of worship across the country until further notice.

• The UAE has opened 13 new drive-through testing centers across the UAE. Built over a period of 10 days, each center can test approximately 600 people daily. The National Home Testing Program for People of Determination was also launched to ensure adequate access to testing for all members of the public.

• His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, held a video call with national team leaders handling the COVID-19 response to follow up on their work and safety while offering them all necessary support.

• Etihad Airways will be operating special flights from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta, Manila, Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, London and Zurich up until 21 April.