Coronavirus: UAE records 1,928 new cases

Mass testing and a swift vaccination programme are integral to the UAE curtailing the pandemic

Shop signs in Dubai give instructions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A woman waits to be tested by medical staff wearing protective equipment, amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, at the Cleveland Clinic hospital in Abu Dhabi. REUTERS

A billboard urges people to stay home during the coronavirus pandemic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP

Hospital staff prepare meals for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive patients, at the Cleveland Clinic hospital in Abu Dhabi. REUTERS

Nurse Josna Job holds the Sinopharm vaccine at Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A healthcare worker conducts a coronavirus test at a drive-through centre in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE recorded 1,928 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, taking the country’s overall tally to 491,423.

Another 1,614 people recovered from the virus, taking total recoveries to 475,012.

Four more people died from complications caused by Covid-19, raising the death toll to 1,545. Active cases stand at 14,866.

New infections have hovered about 2,000 for several days, having declined significantly since January.

Widespread testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes are integral to UAE efforts to curb the pandemic.

Authorities on Thursday said they had administered 91,882 doses in the past 24 hours, to reach 9.38 million in total. This represents 94.91 doses per 100 people.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is to intensify inspections in malls and markets to ensure retailers and shoppers follow Covid-19 safety rules.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development said inspections will continue throughout Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.

Daily inspections will take place from 1pm to 6pm and again from 8pm to 1am.

Rashid Al Blooshi, undersecretary at the department, urged people to shop online to avoid overcrowding at malls.