Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,002 new cases and 339 recoveries

People urged to follow rules and get the Covid-19 vaccine booster as infections slowly increase

A Covid-19 vaccination centre in Dubai's International Financial Centre district. AFP

A masked falconer entertains tourists at Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood. AFP

Cove Beach at Caesars Palace, Dubai. Reuters

Fitness enthusiasts in Dubai return to gyms as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Antonie Robertson / The National

Coronavirus vaccine shipment arrives at Dubai International Airport. AFP

The number of joggers has increased steadily along Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island in recent months. EPA

A nationwide vaccination and screening drive in Dubai has been credited for helping to limit the spread of Covid-19. Dubai Media Office

Temperature scanners at Dubai International Airport are one of several measures introduced by the emirate to help detect Covid-19 among travellers. AP

Live updates: follow the latest news on Covid-19 variant Omicron

The UAE recorded 1,002 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, its largest daily number since August.

This brings the tally of infections to 746,557.

Another 339 people beat the virus as the number of recoveries climbed to 739,616.

The latest cases were identified as a result of an additional 365,269 PCR tests.

Daily testing has increased over the past few weeks as the UAE intensifies its efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

No deaths were reported, with the toll remaining at 2,154.

Daily case numbers have risen sharply this month, from less than 50 in early December. But they are still considerably less than the peak in February of close to 4,000 a day.

Mass testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination drives have helped the UAE curb the pandemic even as other countries are forced to reimpose restrictions as the Omicron variant took hold.

Authorities in the UAE have urged people to act responsibly over Christmas. Officials asked people to wear masks, follow social-distancing rules and exercise caution at social occasions.

“We call upon members of society to co-operate and adhere to preventive measures by committing to wearing masks, staying away from crowded places and maintaining personal hygiene,” said Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, a government spokeswoman, during a briefing on Tuesday.

“It’s a social responsibility to preserve the gains that the country has made towards sustainable recovery.”