Coronavirus: UAE reports 957 new cases and 2,538 recoveries

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

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

Hotel beaches are now open to guests at the Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche after Covid-19 restrictions eased. Victor Besa / 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 man on his e-scooter travels along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi as the sun sets. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE on Wednesday reported 957 new cases of Covid-19 after carrying out 365,306 additional PCR tests.

The new cases bring the total number of infections recorded in the country since the pandemic began early in 2020 to 871,315.

One person died of Covid-19 related complications during the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 2,289. Another 2,538 beat the virus bringing the tally of recoveries to 808,824.

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

Cases have been dropping again after a surge late last year due to the Omicron wave.

UAE authorities have been cautiously lifting capacity limits for cinemas, shopping malls and other entertainment spots and venues.

But the rule on mandatory wearing of masks remain in place.

Authorities renewed their call for the pubic to support the country's vaccination drive during the regular coronavirus briefing on Wednesday.

It was announced that the briefing - which has been held weekly throughout the pandemic - would take place every two weeks from now on.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi announced setting up of a specialist department at Al Rahba Hospital to treat people with severe Covid-19 symptoms.

Patients will first be evaluated by the emirate’s prime assessment centres before being sent to the new centre for treatment.