Coronavirus: UAE records 1,008 new cases and six deaths

The death toll moved past 500 on Tuesday, while 96,994 more tests were carried out in the past 24 hours

A boy wearing a face mask takes his dogs on a stroll on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign on Al Qahirah street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Checkers line up at the entrance of Global Village with masks and face shields. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi residents on their Friday morning fitness ritual. Victor Besa / The National

Bridal facemask at Contessa Bridal Dubai in City Walk in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An employee at The Meydan Hotel in Dubai sanitises the reception area to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lifeguard at The Meydan Hotel with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hygiene and Covid-19 safety measures take place at a fitness class at Bare. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady works on her laptop while wearing a mask at Times Square in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Satwa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Coronavirus safety measures are taken at 815 Dance & Performing Arts Training Centre in Silicone Oasis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady takes part in an art installation which comes to life via augmented reality with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE reported 1,008 new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, taking the tally of infections to 136,149.

Health officials also announced six deaths, pushing the number of mortalities to 503.

Authorities said an additional 1,466 patients were given the all-clear taking the tally of recoveries to 133,490.

The latest infections were identified following an additional 96,994 tests conducted in the past 24 hours.

More than 13.4 million tests have been carried out in the UAE to date.

The number of active cases in the country fell to 2,156, reflecting the trend recorded in the past weeks of recoveries outstripping infections.

On Monday, Al Jalila Foundation in the UAE awarded research grants worth Dh2.5 million to scientists working on Covid-19 and its diagnosis.

Supported by Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute, the work will help the UAE’s fight against the pandemic and other viral diseases that could pose a similar threat in future.

In the region, Saudi Arabia opened its doors to the first international pilgrims for Umrah in seven months on Sunday following the coronavirus outbreak.

An estimated 10,000 international travellers are expected to begin their Umrah journey in Makkah and visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

The Saudi government had suspended entry to the kingdom for Umrah and visits to the Prophet’s Mosque in February.

Globally, Covid-19 cases passed 46.8 million, while recoveries approached 34 million. The world death toll has moved past 1.2 million.