In a major development in the fight against the ongoing global health pandemic, Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention has announced that Abu Dhabi's Ethics Committee Scientific research has approved a third stage study of a possible vaccine against the COVID-19 virus. As soon as the third stage of clinical trials of the possible vaccine begins, it will help in ensuring the safety and efficacy of the immunization on a larger section of individuals.

The announcement was made by Al Owais during a regular government press briefing on Monday. During the press briefing, the Minister also announced that various UAE's specialized medical institutions have carried out more than four million COVID-19 tests since the beginning of the outbreak in the country. He further hailed the efforts taken by the heroes of the first line of defense against the virus to ensure the health and safety of society in the country.

Explaining the details about the third stage clinical trials of the vaccine, he stated that in this stage a research study will be conducted on two types of vaccinations in which more than 15,000 volunteers will participate. Al Owais emphasized that the best scientific standards will be employed in conducting the medical studies, asserting that as soon as this stage is successful, manufacturing stage could be the next step in the process.

Furthermore speaking at the briefing, UAE Government's official spokesperson Dr. Amna Al-Dahhak Al-Shamsi shared the details related to the developments of the pandemic situation and number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Later, Mohamed Hassan Ahly, the spokesperson and Executive Director of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, announced the launch of a special statistics platform that will present the UAE's COVID-19 data.

Al-Dahhak maintained that the UAE leadership will continue to work for the betterment of the society, announcing a new government structure in the Emirates which reflects good leadership, flexible approach, preparedness for future challenges, and develop all possible opportunities. She also suggested that with the launch of the Hope Probe the country will be moving ahead with new achievements that carry aspirations and hopes of future generations.

As per a report by the news agency WAM, the total number of confirmed cases is 55,198 in the UAE. According to Dr. Amna Al-Dahhak, the number of new daily examinations in the UAE has reached 34,478 leading to the diagnosis of 344 cases with necessary medical treatment.

At the same time, total recoveries in the country have reached 45,513 along with only 9,351 patients still receiving medical care. With one death recorded on July 13, the total number of deaths in the country has reached to 334.

In addition, Mohamed Hassan Ahly announced the launch of the statistical platform for COVID-19 data from the UAE, asserting that it is a crucial step and achievement which will contribute to the collective efforts of all the specialized medical institutions designated for treating the virus-infected patients.

The new platform has been set up with joint efforts od=f three official bodies -- Ministry of Health and Prevention, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, and the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority. With the launch of the platform, the UAE government aims to promote transparent operations and sharing reliable data and information that will provide to decisionmakers, researchers, and everyone concerned.

WAM