With the efforts taken by the leadership and concerned authorities, the UAE is achieving positive results in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. The Ministry of Health and Prevention stated that the UAE reported its second-highest daily COVID-19 recoveries on Thursday with 1,769 patients beating the disease. After Thursday's figures, the total number of COVID-19 recoveries across the country reached to 93,479.

Responding to the developments, the Health Ministry has affirmed that the new patients were stable and receiving the necessary care in the process. The UAE achieved its highest daily toll of recoveries on September 6 with 2,443 people beating the disease, as per official data.

Meanwhile, 1,089 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday, taking the total number of COVID-19 infections to 102,929.

At the same time, healthcare authorities performed the second-highest number of COVID-19 tests with 115,258 additional examinations on Wednesday, days after it carried out the highest number of virus screenings at 117,812 on October 3.

With more than 10.43 million COVID-19 tests conducted since the beginning of the outbreak, the UAE became the first country worldwide where the number of COVID-19 tests conducted exceeded its population. Even as new cases have emerged, the average number of recoveries at 1,100 surpassed new infections (934) this week, as stated by the Health Ministry.

The UAE government has gradually started reopening its economic activities with precautionary measures in place. As the efforts to combat the virus continue, concerned authorities across the UAE have deployed inspectors who are responsible to ensure that the public complies with COVID-19 precautionary measures issued by the leadership for their health and safety. Businesses have also been asked to operate with limited store capacity, ensure that staff members and customers wear face masks and enforce physical distancing measures in a bid to contain the virus transmission.

Dubai Economy was carrying out regular field visits across the emirate on Thursday during when inspectors fined two establishments in Al Muraqqabat and Riggat Al Buteen for violating the safety regulations. Furthermore, two businesses were fined after their staff members were found without face masks. During the inspection, a total of 748 shops were found in full compliance with the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Taking note of the developments, Dubai Economy has urged the public to report any violations via consumerrights.ae website or by calling 600 545 555.

Ahead of the World Mental Health Day on Saturday, a survey was conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross across seven countries stating that at least half of the total respondents - 51% - believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health. Reportedly, the global health crisis is not only deteriorating existing mental health conditions but also triggering new ones. In addition, the crisis is also making access to mental health services even more scarce due to restrictions.

It was also found through the survey that frontline workers are in immediate need of mental health care, noting that they are often directly exposed to COVID-19 infections, working through long and stressful hours while supporting disaster-affected communities.

Responding to the crisis, the ICRC has called for urgent and increased financial support to mental health and psychosocial initiatives within humanitarian responses to the pandemic.

ICRC Director-General Robert Mardini has stated that the COVID-19 health crisis has intensified the psychological distress of millions of people who are already living through disasters and conflicts.

"Lockdown restrictions, a loss of social interaction, and economic pressures are all impacting people's mental health and access to care. Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in crisis situations, when mental health needs are especially critical," he added.