Coronavirus: UAE records 3,116 new infections

Highest number of cases since last February

Abu Dhabi residents take the underpass in front of Al Wahda Mall. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has advised people to wear a mask when outside, whether they are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or not. Victor Besa / The National

People follow the mask-wearing advice. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident orders tea near Al Wahda Mall. The public is following government advice to help keep infections down. Victor Besa / The National

Masked residents protect themselves and others as they take the underpass at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Face masks are available at a tailoring shop in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Face masks are worn crossing the road. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE has had a successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Victor Besa / The National

Staff members of INAYA, the facilities management company, wearing protective face masks in International City in Dubai. Only two entrances are open for vehicles coming from Al Awir road before the Dragon Mart 1 and Manama Street to International City in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

People wearing face masks in International City, Dubai. The UAE government has also advised residents to wear gloves all the times outdoors. Pawan Singh / The National

More people in the streets in Satwa. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sunset at the Corniche. Public beaches around Abu Dhabi are reopening gradually as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Victor Besa / The National

Although Covid-19 restrictions are being eased, many safety measures remain in place. Victor Besa / The National

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

The UAE reported 3,116 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday.

This brings the total number of infections recorded since the pandemic began to 802,181.

Another 1,182 recovered from the virus bringing this total to 759,123.

Three people died, taking the death toll to 2,188.

The latest case numbers came after 410,949 PCR tests were conducted.

Cases have been rising in the UAE since the Omicron variant emerged.

Some countries have brought back travel curbs and other Covid-19 restrictions. But mass testing and one of the world’s fastest vaccination programmes has helped the UAE to fight the virus.

Authorities said Abu Dhabi’s public and private schools would continue with distance learning for another week.

Children were due to return to classrooms on Monday, January 17, after adopting remote teaching for the first two weeks of term.

But pupils will now continue to study remotely for the week ending on Friday, January 21.