The United Arab Emirates confirmed seven more deaths due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, raising its total death toll to 71 as of Saturday, according to the country's Ministry of Health.

The country also announced it detected 532 new cases, bringing the total number of infections to 9,813 after confirming testing surpassed 1,022,326 across the country.

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“The Ministry also announced the death of seven patients from COVID-19. The deceased are of various nationalities and suffered from pre-existing chronic illnesses. The total number of deaths has now reached 71,” the UAE’s Ministry of Health said in a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The statement also said 127 patients have fully recovered from the virus after receiving the necessary treatment, taking its total recoveries to 1,887 cases since the outbreak first began.

In a related development, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that the emirate will resume its metro, public buses and taxi services starting Sunday, April 26, following a decision by authorities to partially reduce movement restrictions in place against the coronavirus pandemic.

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UAE continues to expand testing

The rising number of cases in the UAE has coincided with a rising number of tests being carried out across the country.

Since late March, UAE officials have established a variety of testing facilities across the country.

Beginning with a drive-thru test center opened by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on March 28, the country has now established similar drive-thru centers including in Fujairah, Al Ain, and several in Dubai.

The country has also established a massive testing laboratory, in coordination with genomics company BGI and Abu Dhabi technology company Group 42 (G42).

The country has also launched a home-testing service for people with disabilities.

Most recently, it established two testing centers for workers in Abu Dhabi's industrial area of Musaraf.

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:54 - GMT 06:54