Coronavirus: UAE reports 261 new cases after carrying out 46,000 tests

Latest daily figures reveal a further 387 patients have recovered

A staff member directs swimmers to the correct swimming zone at Hamdan Sports Complex. Pools have reopened in Dubai Getty Images

Swimmers train at Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Getty Images

A worker is seen disinfecting the pool area in between training sessions at Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai. Getty Images

A signs showing social distancing regulations is seen at Hamdan Sports Complex. Getty Images

A swimming coach wearing a plastic face visor is seen at Hamdan Sports Complex. Getty Images

Pakistani citizens who live in Dubai line up outside Dnata. They’ve received a confirmation call from the consulate regarding their repatriation flights. Reem Mohammed / The National

Pakistani citizens who live in Dubai line up outside Dnata. They’ve received a confirmation call from the consulate regarding their repatriation flights. Reem Mohammed / The National

Pakistani citizens who live in Dubai line up outside Dnata. They’ve received a confirmation call from the consulate regarding their repatriation flights. Reem Mohammed / The National

Kayakers race off the coast of Dubai. AP Photo

A woman watches kayak racers take off from the coast of Dubai. AP Photo

Kayakers race in front of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, off the coast of Dubai. AP Photo

The UAE confirmed 261 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the country's total to 58,249.

Officials said a further 387 patients had recovered from the virus as the overall tally moved to 51,235.

The death toll in the Emirates stands at 343 after one patient died.

The latest infections were detected after a further 46,000 tests were conducted.

Close to 4.6 million tests have been carried out across the country as part of a mass screening strategy aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.

The authorities reiterated the need to adhere to safety mesures after arresting 102 people found guilty of tampering with their Covid-19 test results.

The accused deliberately changed their medical results in an attempt to enter the capital through the border check points.

UAE residents are allowed to enter Abu Dhabi if they can provide proof that they are free of Covid-19.

The negative results could be shown to police at the border using the AlHosn tracing app or by presenting a text message from a recognised hospital.

All the offenders, who were of different nationalities, were detained by police and referred to the Public Prosecution.

Legal action has been taken against each individual.

Salem Al Zaabi, acting director of the Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution, said those found breaking strict safety measures put in place to curb the spread of coronavirus will be punished.

"The move falls within the efforts made by the relevant state authorities to counter the Covid-19 pandemic, curb the virus' spread and ensure the compliance of all Emiratis and residents with the instructions taken by the relevant authorities," he said.

"The Public Prosecution calls upon the public to comply with the preventive and precautionary measures, including all the decisions taken by the relevant government authorities, in order to avoid legal liability."

Globally, coronavirus cases were at 15.5 million on Thursday, according to the Worldometers tracker, while deaths topped 632,000.

The US has now reported more than 4 million cases of coronavirus, in another grim milestone for the world's worst outbreak.

With 4,005,414 cases, at least one in 82 people in the country have been infected, as the outbreak continues to accelerate.

The average number of new US cases is now rising by more than 2,600 an hour, the highest rate in the world.