Coronavirus: UAE records 1,474 new cases

Mass testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination drives has helped the UAE to curb the pandemic

The Third Place Cafe on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi has a sticker to remind customers of Covid-19 precautions. Victor Besa / The National

An 'X' reminds people of the need for physical distancing at the Third Place Cafe. Victor Besa / The National

The Third Place Cafe in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Sanitation workers at Haddins Fitness, Zayed Sports City. Victor Besa / The National

Places of worship, such as Shiva temple in Dubai, have been subject to restrictions during the pandemic. Reem Mohammed / The National

Fitness buff Natalie Navikova exercises at Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi at Al Bandar. Victor Besa / The National

CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A worshipper at Shiva temple in Dubai follows safety precautions. Reem Mohammed / The National

The floor of the main prayer hall at the Gurunanak Darbar in Jebel Ali, Dubai, is covered with plastic sheets to help tackle the spread of Covid-19. Pawan Singh / The National

Safe distance marking stickers placed on the floor at Gurunanak Darbar in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Midday prayers are performed at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hotel beaches are now open to guests at the Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche after Covid-19 restrictions eased. Victor Besa / The National

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai has safety measures in place to help protect worshippers. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shiva temple in Dubai put safety measures in place to protect worshippers. Reem Mohammed / The National

Covid-19 safety measures are put in place at Mahamevnawa Buddhist Temple in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Residents wear face masks as they walk in Abu Dhabi city centre. Victor Besa / The National

People walk along near the Ramada Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

A visitor wears a protective face mask at Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai. EPA

A man on his e-scooter travels along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi as the sun sets. Victor Besa / The National

People wear face masks in Al Barsha, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The UAE reported 1,474 new Covid-19 cases on Friday.

This brings the total number of infections recorded since the pandemic began to 865,576.

Five people died from the virus with the total death toll rising to 2,283.

Another 2,421 people recovered, bringing this tally to 796,040.

The latest figures come after 495,628 PCR tests were carried out and as the number of infections continues to fall across the UAE and restrictions ease.

Authorities set out plans to relax some Covid-19 restrictions on Wednesday.

Capacity limits at shopping centres and other public places will be gradually lifted in the coming days, but mandatory wearing of masks remains in place. Dr Farida Al Hosani, a government health spokeswoman, said it was essential to stay vigilant in the face of the continued threat posed by the virus.

“We urge community members to adhere to the precautionary measures by wearing face masks, avoiding overcrowded places and constantly sanitising,” she said. “The health of our community is a priority and is everyone’s responsibility.”

Nearly 95 per cent of the public have received two vaccine doses, while a nationwide booster push is well under way.