By Agence France-Presse
The United Arab Emirates on Friday reported the first two deaths from coronavirus in the country.
Vegetable vendors wear a protective masks as a means of protection against the spread of the coronavirus, at a market in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates on March 11, 2020. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP /MANILA BULLETIN)
Abu Dhabi has reported 140 infections so far, of whom 31 have recovered, but no deaths.
"The Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced the first two deaths caused by the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the country," the Emirates News Agency reported.
One of the individuals was a 78-year old Arab national who had arrived in the country from Europe.
"The cause of death was a heart attack, coinciding with complications from the coronavirus disease," the news agency quoted the ministry as saying.
The other individual, a 58-year-old Asian national and resident of the UAE, had prior chronic illnesses –- heart disease and kidney failure.
Like other countries around the world, the UAE has introduced restrictions on passenger arrivals but has not so far imposed confinement measures, and public spaces, such as shopping centers and restaurants -- remain open.
More than 1,300 coronavirus infections have been detected in the Gulf region, with most cases initially identified among travelers returning from Iran which is one of the world's worst affected countries.