Coronavirus: UAE records 239 new cases as 230 patients recover

Nearly 6,000 people are tested at the Ghantoot laser centre every day. Antonie Robertson / The National

Medics at the Ghantoot testing centre on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi use a laser technique to scan a blood sample for signs of surging red blood cells, which is an early sign the body is fighting off a virus. Antonie Robertson / The National

A medic testing a commuter for Covid-19. Antonie Robertson / The National

The results of the Diffractive Phase Interferometry test, or DPI, which detects viral presence in the blood, including Covid-19, are received in minutes via a text message. Antonie Robertson / The National

The test costs Dh50 and is very quick compared with the PCR test that can take time to get a result. Antonie Robertson / The National

The facility was set up to allow commuters who require a negative Covid-19 test to enter Abu Dhabi. Those with negative results can continue their journey. Antonie Robertson / The National

The UAE confirmed 239 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the country's total to 62,300.

A further 230 people recovered from the virus, pushing the overall tally to 56,245.

The latest infections were identified after a further 63,792 tests were conducted.

No new deaths linked to Covid-19 were reported over the past 24 hours.

On Thursday, a regular televised Covid-19 briefing, the Minister of Health and Prevention, Abdulrahman Al Owais, said the number of daily cases had risen again recently because people were not adhering to government-mandated safety measures.

He said there had been a 30 per cent increase in the number of Emiratis contracting the virus.

“The main cause of the increased rate of cases is from social visits and gatherings without following the correct precautionary measures,” said Mr Al Owais.

“During the past few days, a noticeable increase in the number of cases among citizens has been observed, at a rate of a 30 per cent increase.

“During these times, the social ties and customs that are the source of our strength may be a threat to our lives and those of our loved ones.

“We should be keen to protect our families and our friends and be aware that these visits may pose a great danger to them, especially the elderly and people with chronic diseases.”

Mr Al Owais said the country must remain steadfast in its fight against the global pandemic.

“You [the public] are the main motive behind all the measures and behind all the success we achieve," he said.

“We count on you, we count on your commitment. We are all working to get back to our normal lives.

“We must adhere to precautionary measures to succeed.”

Global coronavirus cases passed 19.3 million on Saturday, while recoveries reached 11.6 million and the world death toll passed 720,000.