Coronavirus: UAE announces more recoveries than new cases on Sunday

While 540 new infections were reported, 745 patients have recovered from Covid-19

Pedestrians protect themselves with face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic while crossing the street at downtown Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Municipality gardeners trim some trees along the Corniche in preparation for the eventual reopening of Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Commuters at a bus stop protect themselves with face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic along Zayed the First Street. Victor Besa / The National

Sprint training returns with Ultimate Athletics as kids go back to training in Sports City, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A woman exercising in a park by Dubai Creek in Baniyas, Deira. Reem Mohammed/The National

A worker wearing a hard hat walks past a mural in the Gulf emirate. AFP

Another 540 cases of Covid-19 were reported in the UAE on Sunday after more than 44,000 tests were conducted across the country.

Authorities said 745 patients overcame the virus and were discharged from hospital, while one died.

The new figures take the country’s tallies to 38,808 cases, 21,806 recoveries and 276 deaths since the first cases of the virus were identified in late January.

The UAE has now conducted more than 2.5 million Covid-19 tests since the outbreak.

The country introduced an early-detection strategy, with mass testing drives in densely populated areas of the UAE to isolate and treat patients before they could infect others.

On Sunday, half of all federal government employees returned to their offices after months of working from home.

Last week, it was announced that office capacity limits would be increased to 50 per cent from 35 per cent. Measures remain in place to ensure the safety of staff.

Federal government workers whose immune systems are compromised, are aged 60 or over, are pregnant or have chronic diseases or disabilities are exempt from returning to their workplaces.

Those who care for children who are aged 15 or under , or who require constant care, may also continue working from home.

During the regular briefing on Saturday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the spokeswoman for the UAE’s health sector, said the gradual return to offices would not be successful and safe if staff did not co-operate and adhere to safety measures.

Dr Al Hosani said this would require the adoption of a new lifestyle.

“Although restrictions have been eased in some sectors and activities, individuals remain responsible for themselves and for the people around them,” she said.

“Continuing to be cautious and aware remains a key factor in these exceptional times.”