Coronavirus: UAE announces 873 new cases of Covid-19

Officials also recorded 1,214 new patient recoveries and 38,000 additional tests

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

UAE officials announced a further 873 cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the country’s total to 25,063.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention said it had also conducted an additional 38,000 tests in the Emirates, up from the 37,844 carried out the previous day.

The new figures showed that over the previous 24 hours, 1,214 patients had recovered from the virus while three had died.

As of May 19, the UAE has recorded 10,791 recoveries and 227 deaths. Globally, there have now been 4.9 million cases of Covid-19, with 1.9m recoveries and more than 320,000 deaths.

The UAE has so far also conducted more than 1.6m tests on residents. Only one patient, out of more than 14,000 active cases, is understood to be in a serious or critical condition.

Late yesterday, authorities in the Emirates also announced that residents currently stuck abroad would be able to return to the country from June 1, provided they met certain criteria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said those wishing to head back must have a valid residency visa as well as family members in the country.

The UAE has also recently introduced tougher fines on those breaking restrictions designed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Anyone leaving home without wearing a face mask risks a Dh3,000 fine and members of the public must also stay indoors from 8pm until 6am every day from Wednesday “until further notice”.

Currently, residents must stay at home from 10pm until 6am, with the exception of essential journeys, to allow the country's national disinfection programme to continue.

On Monday, authorities urged residents to celebrate the Eid Al Fitr holiday at home, blaming a recent spike in positive tests on "irresponsible” individuals who were flouting Covid-19 safety guidelines.