KATHMANDU: The UAE has become the first country in the world where the number of COVID-19 tests conducted has exceeded its population (among countries with a population of more than one million).

The country has conducted 10.32 million tests since the start of the pandemic, media reports said.

Dr. Omar Al Hammadi, the official spokesperson for the UAE government, said the country conducted 720,802 medical examinations from September 30 to October 6.

“This is an increase of eight percent as compared to the previous week. The examination revealed an increase of 16 percent in the number of cases as 7,704 cases were recorded,” he said.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Wednesday reported 1,046 cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, along with 1,154 recoveries. One death was also reported.

(With inputs from agencies)