ABU DHABI — The UAE plans to conduct two million coronavirus tests over the next two months, Dr. Amna al-Shamsi, the government spokesperson was quoted by state news agency WAM.

Al-Shamsi said the increased screening should allow for testing a large segment of the population nationwide, with a focus on those working in the services and public sectors, and includes public transportation and taxi drivers, employees in hotels and mall, in addition to government employees.

She added that the UAE reported 528 coronavirus cases, 424 recoveries and one death over the past 24 hours.

The COVID-19 tally in the country is now 52,068 confirmed coronavirus cases, 40,721 recovered patients and 324 deaths.

Al-Shamsi highlighted that the number of cases reported last weekend was slightly higher than the two weeks prior and said that this increase was concerning and reflected the negligence of some people in adhering to precautionary measures.

“Any increase is dangerous as it could undo the collective efforts and successes which have been achieved so far,” WAM reported citing Al-Shamsi.

Minister of Health Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Owais had said in mid-June that the UAE ranks first globally in COVID-19 screening per capita.

According to statistics website statista.com, the chart showing the number of coronavirus tests performed per million population in the most impacted countries worldwide shows that the UAE is at the top of the list and further ahead from the screening rates of other countries. — Agencies