Another 1,252 cases of Covid-19 were reported across the UAE on Saturday, raising the country's total to 166,502 infections. Authorities said 741 people had received an all-clear over the past 24 hours, adding to a nationwide recovery tally of 153,449. And two patients died of complications related to the coronavirus, taking the death toll to 569. The number of active cases across the UAE stands at 12,484 - a rise of about 10,000 over two weeks. On November 4, less than 2,000 people had the virus. Saturday's new infections were detected after carrying out another 148,245 tests. The UAE typically tests more than 100,000 people a day in one of the largest screening operations worldwide. Teachers, taxi drivers, retail workers and emergency services personnel are among the many who are tested every week or two to ensure they are clear of the virus. More than 16.5 million tests have been carried out nationwide since the outbreak began. Daily cases have remained above 1,000 since October 19, when 915 infections were confirmed. The UAE announced its largest tally of daily cases on October 22, when 1,578 infections were reported. Officials have called on members of the public to act responsibly and abide by Covid-19 safety measures to help drive down cases, particularly with a busy holiday season to close out 2020. Some public events will be held to mark such occasions – such as a National Day concert in Sharjah on December 3 with a permitted crowd of about 2,000 and a New Year's Eve show by Kiss in Dubai – but officials are urging people to ensure they keep safety in mind while celebrating.
