Coronavirus: fall in UAE cases 'brings normal life a step closer'

UAE briefing reveals more than 55,000 breaches of rules in February as seven field hospitals to open

Adel Hassan Shukralla, 32, from Dubai Police, was among the first Dubai residents to receive the vaccine

Asha Susan Philip, a 45-year-old nurse with Dubai Health Authority, receives the Pfizer vaccine.

Asif Khan Fazle Subhan, a 37-year-old driver for Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, is vaccinated against Covid-19

Shamaa Saif Rashid Alalili, 36, a Dubai Ambulance worker, receives the Covid-19 jab

Ali Salem Ali Aladidi, 84, was one of the first in the emirate to take the Pfizer shot

A fall in Covid-19 infection rates over the past two weeks brings normal life a step closer, UAE authorities said on Tuesday.

The weekly briefing on coronavirus heard 55,966 rule breaches were detected across the country in February.

Failing to wear masks was the most common offence, at 47 per cent, followed by shops and commercial establishments breaching precautionary measures, at 20.5 per cent.

This was followed by a lack of commitment to physical distancing, at 17.5 per cent; not complying with the number of people allowed in a single vehicle, at 8 per cent; and gatherings, at 4.5 per cent.

"We are witnessing a gradual decrease in the infection rates over the past two weeks," the briefing heard. "[This is] a positive sign and a step to recovery and resuming normal life, which can be achieved by the cooperation and commitment of all."

Seven field hospitals will also open in the UAE this month with a total capacity of 2,058 beds, of which 292 are for critical cases.

"Field hospitals provide exceptional treatment services [and] they are equipped with the latest medical supplies in accordance with the highest international medical standards to isolate the infected and provide them with appropriate treatment," the briefing heard.

Turning to the vaccine, officials said inoculations were provided to 64.52 per cent of elderly people in the UAE.

Overall, 3.77 million people were inoculated, meaning the UAE has reached 48.71 per cent of the population.

The UAE recorded 2,373 new cases on Tuesday after 219,593 tests were carried out across the Emirates.

Health authorities registered 10 further deaths from the disease, raising the country's toll to 1,345.

Recently, daily cases have been below 3,000, while daily deaths averaged about 13.

Meanwhile, it was also announced on Tuesday that all arriving passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport will be offered a free PCR test, with results available in 90 minutes.

The lab is located inside the airport and will test samples for quick results.