ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday recorded 1,968 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, marking a slight increase as compared to Monday"s figure. According to the country"s health ministry, four more people died from complications caused by COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of confirmed infections in the country to 572,804 and virus-related fatalities to 1,684. The new patients, all of whom are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care, were detected after the ministry conducted 215,689 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment, according to the ministry. In the statement, the ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery, calling on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions, and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all. A total of 1,954 more patients recovered from the deadly virus over the past 2 hours, raising the total number of recoveries to 552,479 according to the statement. Meanwhile, the ministry announced that 97,163 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered over the past 24 hours. The total number of doses provided up to Tuesday stands at 12,967,716 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 130.13 doses per 100 people. The vaccination drive is in line with the ministry"s plan to provide the vaccine to all members of society and acquire immunity, which will help reduce the number of cases and control the spread of the virus. — SG