Arab News

DUBAI: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention confirmed Thursday that four members of the same Chinese family in the Gulf state have been infected with coronavirus.

The statement added that “all family members are in stable condition and the situation was contained by following the most necessary precautionary measures adopted globally when dealing with infected cases” in a circular released on social media.

The ministry assured the public about the general health situation, emphasizing that “it is not a cause for concern.”

“The first case of the coronavirus was diagnosed in Chinese citizens from Wuhan city,” said the ministry earlier said, adding that meanwhile the health condition of those infected was “stable and under medical observation.”

“The Ministry of Health and Prevention is working around the clock to immediately report any new cases.”

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It also confirmed that, in coordination with health authorities, the UAE government had taken necessary precautions in accordance with the scientific recommendations, conditions and standards approved by the World Health Organization.

The ministry stressed that the epidemiological investigation centers in the country were working to report any cases of the virus, stressing that the health system in the country works very efficiently and that the ministry was closely following the situation in a way that guarantees the health and safety of everyone.

By Wednesday the number of infected reached 5,974 cases in China alone, surpassing the number of infections during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, at 5,327.

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But some experts believed the Wuhan virus figures could still be under-reported, making it far more contagious that SARS.

It is not clear when the family arrived in the UAE, or what airline or airport they came through.

Meanwhile Kuwait asked its nationals not to travel to Shanghai, according to the state news agency KUNA.

In a statement Emirates confirmed that all its passengers arriving from China, including flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, were being screened by the Dubai health authorities.

“We are in close contact with all relevant UAE and Chinese regulatory authorities, and are complying with their directives and guidance. We are also closely monitoring and implementing the guidance of the World Health Organisation, which currently does not advise any restrictions on travel.

“Our crew members are highly trained and will follow standard operating procedures to manage any suspected cases on board. For more information on passenger screening, please contact the Ministry of Health.”