Coronavirus: UAE records 674 new Covid-19 cases as 761 recover

Recoveries outstrip infections again for first time in two weeks

Commuters wait for their bus outside the airconditioned bus stop along al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon All photos by. All photos by Victor Besa /The National

Mustaffa, eleven, waits for his bread to be baked with his uncle Abdul Qader outside the Naser Bader Bakery.

Abdul Rahman has been working at Naser Bader Bakery along Al Falah Street, Abu Dhabi for almost five years now.

The new air-conditioned bus stops around Abu Dhabi with Covid-19 restrictions.

Pedestrians cross the street at central Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.

Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

Commuters get off the bus at Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

E-scooter riders along Al Falah Street in central Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon.

A further 674 Covid-19 cases were detected on the UAE, raising the total number of infections to 84,916.

The cases were reported after another 97,251 coronavirus tests were conducted across the country.

Authorities said 761 patients recovered from the virus, after receiving two consecutive negative Covid-19 results.

The recovery tally now stands at 74,273. At least 10,239 people have the virus.

No deaths were reported, leaving the toll at 404.

It was the first time recoveries outstripped new infections again since September 6, when 2,443 people recovered in one day.

The UAE has ramped up testing in recent days to ensure cases are identified, isolated and treated before the virus can spread.

On Saturday, the country conducted 103,124 tests - the highest number of daily screenings since the outbreak. Almost 8.8m tests have been conducted across the Emirates since January.

It came as authorities in Abu Dhabi said formal wedding ceremonies could be held but guests could not exceed 10 people. People must wear face masks and physically distance at all times.

Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre said disposable cutlery and utensils must be used if food and drinks are served.

The centre also recommended that guests take a Covid-19 test 24 hours before the event to ensure the safety of those attending.

The notice said up to 10 people could attend funerals but condolence gatherings were not permitted.

"Instead, offer condolences by telephone or other communication methods," the guidelines said.

All who attend the funerals or weddings must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres. The organiser of the event should ensure they have selected a venue that can accommodate these rules.

As restrictions on gatherings begin to steadily ease, a campaign to ensure safety measures are being upheld at businesses and in homes is under way.

On Sunday, inspectors from Dubai Economy shut down a sports facility in Al Qusais and fined 10 businesses, including a swimming academy in Al Quoz, for flouting regulations.

Inspectors also visited commercial establishments, including fitness centres, in Al Karama and Al Badaa. The most common infractions included staff not wearing face masks and physical distancing stickers not being placed on the shop floor to prompt shoppers.

Officials asked consumers to report retailers seen ignoring rules by using the Dubai Consumer App, calling 600545555, or visiting the Consumerrights.ae website.

At the weekend, police arrested eight people for attending one of three weddings illegally held across the country.

Action was taken against wedding organisers because guests were not first-degree relatives, which is one of several regulations that currently govern social gatherings. Attendees also flouted rules on face masks and physical distancing.

Two incidents occurred in Abu Dhabi and another in Ras Al Khaimah.

The eight people arrested face fines of at least Dh10,000 and possible prison terms.

A man in Sharjah, who broke his mandatory quarantine, was also arrested at the weekend.

“Despite knowing he tested positive for coronavirus, the man has violated regulations and laws that oblige a person infected with this virus to remain isolated from his family and the public so as not to endanger their lives,” said Brig Ahmad Al Naour, director general of Sharjah Police’s central operations.

Police also fined 2,437 people between September 1 and 15 in Sharjah for breaking Covid-19 rules. Some people were fined several times.