Coronavirus in UAE: 796 new cases, 603 recoveries on May 16

  DUBAI – The UAE announced that 796 more people contracted coronavirus on Saturday (May 16), while 603 others recovered from the virus on the same day. According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the new cases on Saturday bring the country’s total Covid-19 cases to 22,627. Out of that number, 7,931 people have recovered so far. At a press conference on Saturday, officials advised residents to avoid big gatherings, particularly during the Eid holidays. "We are aware of the importance of meeting with family during Eid ... let us give up a little of these customs and traditions this year," said Dr. Amna Al Shamsi, spokesperson for the UAE Government. "We have no excuse to neglect the precautionary measures of physical distancing and the avoidance of gatherings. We urge the public to continue to follow health practices and abide by the measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus," Al Shamsi said. She made the same call on Monday after members of four families contracted coronavirus after gathering for a group prayer against the advice of the UAE Fatwa Council and UAE authorities.

Expat deaths

Meanwhile, four people died of coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the death toll to 214. On May 12, a Filipino volunteer who worked with social organisations and the Dubai Police to assist Filipinos in distress in Dubai died of Covid-19, colleagues confirmed to Expatmedia.net. Melchor Corpuz Mandac, 48, died in the hospital on May 12, two weeks after experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, said Roy (full name withheld), officer and colleague in a Dubai-based non-government organization. Roy said Mandac’s family in Isabela province in the Philippines has been informed of his death. The body will be cremated according to Dubai rules for coronavirus deaths. Roy said Mandac was admitted to a hospital in Dubai on May 11, weeks after experiencing symptoms of coronavirus. “He complained of having cough, fever and muscle pain for weeks, but didn’t think much of it until he had trouble breathing and had to be admitted to the hospital on Monday,” Roy told Expatmedia.net. On May 10, a Filipino nurse working in Abu Dhabi died of Covid-19, according to the Philippine Nurses Association-UAE. Janette Alano died on Sunday after being admitted to the hospital last week. In a post on Facebook, the Philippine Nurses Association-UAE described Alano as a hero who had “given her life to something bigger than oneself”. The group mourned Alano, saying she “made a good fight”. Tributes also poured in for the Filipina in the comment section, many praising her for her kindness and great work ethics. ICA/Expat Media https://www.expatmedia.net/filipino-volunteer-dies-covid-19-uae/2020/05/
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