Coronavirus: UAE records 680 new cases as families spread virus through communal prayer

Health workers conducted more than 26,000 tests across the country

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP 

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Latest: UAE announces 783 new cases

The UAE recorded 680 further Covid-19 infections on Monday, raising the country’s total to 18,878, after 26,763 tests were carried out across the country.

Another 577 patients have recovered while three died, authorities said during the daily briefing.

The UAE has now recorded 5,381 recoveries and 201 dead, with more than 1.3 million tests completed.

Now 28.5 per cent of patients have recovered. There are 13,296 patients undergoing treatment for Covid-19 in the UAE.

On Monday, Dr Amna Al Dhahak, spokeswoman for the UAE government, said a rise in case numbers was expected after the increase in testing.

“This increase is also a result of recklessness by individuals not adhering to social-distancing rules,” Dr Al Dhahak said.

She said some of Monday’s cases included members of four families who broke social distancing rules to gather for taraweeh prayers.

Dr Al Dhahak said this went against advice from the UAE Fatwa Council, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and health authorities, and led to the spread of the virus within the families.

“We acknowledge the importance of performing religious acts during Ramadan but these must be done with respect to the measures in place,” she said.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the UAE health sector, said safety measures would remain in place until at least the end of the month and called on the public to adhere to them.

“We have noticed that some families are still distributing food and sharing with their neighbours, and this will increase the risk and the spread of the virus," Dr Al Hosani said.

“These customs are deeply rooted within the Emirati culture and we understand that this is being done with good will, but this could lead to the spread of the virus and could infect others.”

She suggested that people could donate money to charities that are helping low-income families instead.

Dr Al Hosani reminded the public that asymptomatic carriers of the virus could be infecting others without realising and, as a result, everyone should go about their day assuming they could have the virus.

“We must deal with others as though we are infected and to act as though we may have it too," she said.

Dr Al Hosani said those with chronic illnesses, the elderly and people who have compromised immune systems need greater protection.

“We must make sure to protect these people by implementing precautionary measures at home, such as wearing masks when visiting them, keeping a distance and saying hello from afar,” she said.

She said regular hygiene must be upheld, including regular disinfection of frequently touched items, including door handles and mobile phones.

“Wash your hands regularly and do not share personal tools like cups and cutlery with high-risk individuals.”

Dr Al Hosani said the resumption of economic activity and reopening of some public spaces did not justify neglecting precautionary measures.

“Children, the elderly and high-risk groups must not go to supermarkets and we must wear masks at all times in public and maintain social distancing," she said.

“Do not be the one to bring the virus into your home because by being reckless, you might transmit the virus to those who are dear to your heart.”