UAE reports 796 new Covid-19 cases; Abu Dhabi inaugurates 250-bed field hospital

The UAE government reported 796 new Covid-19 infections in the country on Saturday, May 16.

The total number of cases now stands at 22,627.

The country’s Ministry of Health and Prevention also reported four new deaths; therefore, the overall death toll has risen to 214.

آخر الإحصائيات حول إصابات فيروس كورونا المستجد (كوفيد 19) في الإمارات
The latest update of Coronavirus (Covid 19) in the UAE#خلك_في_البيت#ملتزمون_يا_وطن#فيروس_كورونا_المستجد #كوفيد19#وزارة_الصحة_ووقاية_المجتمع_الإمارات#stayhome#coronavirus#covid19#mohap_uae pic.twitter.com/axwPMFYSEH

— وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع الإماراتية – MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) May 16, 2020

The ministry reported 603 new recoveries.

There are now 7,931 patients who have made a full recovery after contracting the virus.

In a related development, the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic inaugurated a 46,500 square foot field hospital at Al Razeen on May 13, reported official news agency WAM.

The Al Razeen Field Hospital is staffed by 20 doctors, 50 nurses and 50 administrative staff.

It has a capacity of 200 beds for non-critical patients and 50 ICU beds too.

It is also equipped with examination rooms, X-ray units, pharmacies, storage areas, restrooms, toilets and restaurants.

There are even entertainment and recreation facilities, including personal iPad devices, TVs and headphones connected to beds, and high-speed internet services to occupy patients during their treatment and isolation periods.

Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic has inaugurated the Al Razeen Field Hospital as part of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan field hospital initiative to support the health sector’s capabilities and increase its capacity to manage Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/AWmZp2pn5l

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) May 13, 2020

The centrally air-conditioned hospital uses a unique systems of pressurised-negative air that prevents the virus from spreading to other parts to the hospital through the ventilation system.

The facility is also fitted with thermal cameras, closed-circuits cameras, fire systems, well-equipped intensive care units and self-disinfection gates too.

Read: Video: Field hospitals for Covid-19 patients to open in Abu Dhabi, Dubai

The hospital which is a part of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s field hospital initiative was constructed within nine days, with a team of 317 people, including engineers and supervisors, working on the project.

The committee added that it is working on the construction of four more similar field hospitals.

Construction on one of these facilities in Al Mafraq, with the same capacity, is expected to be completed this week.

The other units will follow in Mussafah, Al Ain and Al Dhafrah.

There are several other field hospitals already operational across the country.

Read also: UAE builds four new Covid-19 field hospitals in the Northern Emirates