Coronavirus: UAE records 1,710 new cases and two deaths

1,551 patients recovered from the disease in the past 24 hours

People getting their Covid vaccine at the SEHA Covid vaccination center at Dubai Parks and Resorts in Dubai on April 26,2021. (Pawan Singh/The National). Story by Nick Webster

The UAE reported 1,710 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, after another day of mass testing.

Health officials said 195,166 tests were conducted in the Emirates in the past day, bringing the total number of tests carried out since the beginning of the outbreak to 43,657,129.

An additional 1,551 patients recovered from the disease in the past day.

Two people died from Covid-19, raising the country's toll to 1,580.

Since the coronavirus reached the UAE in January 2020, health workers detected 516,301 cases, with 497,140 patient recoveries.

The ministry said 71,558 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine were administered in the past 24 hours.

To date, more than 10.4 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered across the country with a vaccine distribution rate of 105.23 doses per 100 people.

On Tuesday, authorities praised the public for its continued support of the country's successful vaccination drive.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the health sector, said UAE residents travelling abroad should get vaccinated first.

In an interview with The National, Dr Al Hosani cautioned people against mixing inoculations from different manufacturers and said more vaccines would be available in Abu Dhabi.

During the UAE's weekly Covid-19 briefing, it was revealed that tahajjud prayers would be permitted at mosques for the final 10 days of Ramadan.

The easing of restrictions is part of efforts to gradually return society to normality.

It was also announced that the President's Cup football final will be held on May 16 with a 30 per cent capacity.

All fans attending the match must have been inoculated or have taken part in clinical trials for the vaccine.

Spectators must also present a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 48 hours before.