ABU DHABI — New COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates dropped below the 2,000-mark on Friday, with 1,942 new infections recorded over the past 24 hours. According to the country"s health ministry, three 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 608,070 and virus-related fatalities to 1,746. The new patients, all of whom are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care, were detected after the ministry conducted 253,077 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 1,918 more patients recovered from the deadly virus over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of recoveries to 587,160, according to the statement. Meanwhile, the ministry announced that 116,418 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered over the past 24 hours. The total number of doses provided up to Friday stands at 14,298,438 with a rate of vaccine distribution of 144.57 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