UAE records 1,464 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths

Another 1,401 people recovered from the virus in 24-hour reporting period

Mandatory checking of the Al Hosn app by security at every entrance of the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Al Hosn green pass awareness signs are placed at every entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

An EDE scanner sign at the main entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. The scanners can detect whether a person may have coronavirus. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Masks are worn to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Antonie Robertson/The National

Yas Mall Al Hosn signs. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE has taken robust action to help stem the spread of Covid-19 since the virus first emerged two-and-a-half years ago. Victor Besa / The National

A number of safety measures governing the economy, education, travel and the health sector were introduced as part of a major drive to protect public health. Victor Besa / The National

Some restrictions have been eased in recent months — including the wearing of masks outdoors — but other rules remain in place. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A member of staff takes a Covid-19 sample at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A person with two positive tests is a confirmed case in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A member of staff cleans a surgery room at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Covid-19 cases are on the rise in UAE and authorities have told residents to wear masks as a preventive measure. Pawan Singh / The National

In Dubai, anyone with a positive PCR test for Covid-19 is a confirmed case. That means you have to isolate for 10 days, even if you do not have symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National

In Dubai, the 10-day home isolation period is mandatory. The first day is the day you took the PCR test. Pawan Singh / The National

Covid testing carried out at Seha Covid-19 Drive Through Screening Centre Rabdan, in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

At a coronavirus briefing on Monday, authorities said the wearing of face masks in indoor public settings would be strictly enforced, with Dh3,000 fines for those breaching rules. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The UAE recorded 1,464 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, taking the overall tally of infections to 925,898.

Another 1,401 people overcame the virus as the number of recoveries climbed to 906,577.

Two coronavirus-related deaths were announced, raising the toll to 2,308.

The number of active cases stands at 17,013.

The latest cases were identified as a result of 324,877 additional PCR tests.

More than 166.8 million tests have been conducted to date as part of the country's mass screening strategy.

Case numbers have risen significantly in recent weeks, having fallen below 200 in early May.

Infections have increased around the globe, with experts citing the emergence of more transmissible forms of coronavirus as a key factor.

The BA.4 and BA.5 sub-lineages of the Omicron coronavirus variant have been blamed for a rise in cases in April and May in South Africa, the country where they were first identified.

Now, they are threatening to have a similar effect in many other nations as they spread faster than other forms of Omicron.

Scientists at Imperial College London, who studied triple-vaccinated people, further found that an Omicron infection offered little protection to catching it again, and that the variant was "not a good booster of immunity".

UAE authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against the potential spread of the virus.

People should continue to wear masks as mandated in indoor public areas and follow quarantine procedures in the event of a positive test, officials said.