Coronavirus: UAE reports 216 new Covid-19cases

Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi reopened in August last year after a five-month closure. Victor Besa / The National

People fish using social distancing precautions by Business Bay Bridge in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

Volunteers for the Covid-19 vaccine trial wait to be screened at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National

A man buys balloons at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. All shops and malls have safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers maintain physical distancing and wear face masks at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

A shopper looks at face masks at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Volunteers for the Covid-19 vaccine trial wait to be screened at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National

A sign reminds people visiting The Pointe shopping centre on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, to wear face masks. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai residents wear face masks during their evening walk in The Gardens. Pawan Singh / The National

Socially distanced maghrib prayers in Al Khair Masjid in Dubai in July 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National

Visitors to Al Wahda Mall wear face masks. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE recorded 216 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, after 61,978 tests were carried out across the country.

The infections brought the country's total to 62,061.

Another 276 patients recovered from the virus, raising the total recovery figure to 56,015.

Officials said two people died, adding to a death toll of 356.

More than 90 per cent of the total infections since January have ended in recovery.

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.”