Coronavirus: UAE reports 437 new cases as 577 recover

Commuters cross a busy street in Dubai's old town. Pawan Singh / The National

Staff and nurses manage the front desk at King's College Hospital in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident braves the heat for a fitness session on the Corniche promenade. Victor Besa / The National

Cyclists carrying their lunch take a spin on the Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Workers climb scaffolding at an under-construction building in Dubai's Satwa area. Pawan Singh / The National

A construction worker rests during the mandatory midday break, which runs through the summer. Pawan Singh / The National

Cranes tower over a building at Emaar's Dubai Hills development. Antonie Robertson / The National

Construction work on key developments continues amid virus outbreak. Antonie Robertson / The National

Ongoing construction work in the new Emaar development, Dubai Hills. Antonie Robertson / The National

A commuter walks to the bus stop with an umbrella in Jumeriah, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Pharmacy counter at King's College Hospital, Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident walks along the Corniche in her attempt to stay fit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

Men wearing face masks at a pedestrian crossing in the Al Quoz industrial area, Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

Careem and Deliveroo riders pictured on the streets of Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE reported 437 new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, after conducting a further 58,000 coronavirus tests across the country.

The infections raised the country's total to 47,797. Another 577 reportedly recovered from the virus, taking the recovery tally to 36,411.

Officials said two people died, raising the death toll to 313.

The new figures indicate that at least 76 per cent of the UAE's total number of Covid-19 cases have now recovered.

The UAE has conducted more than three million coronavirus tests since the first cases were identified in late January.

During the country's regular briefing, officials said the slackening of some precautionary measures were not an indication that the threat of Covid-19 had disappeared.

The UAE ended its nationwide nightly disinfection programme last week but Salem Al Zaabi, acting director of Federal Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution, said safety precautions were still in place to stop the virus from spreading.

Mr Al Zaabi urged the public to continue to follow Covid-19 safety guidelines or risk being heavily fined.

“Following the completion of the National Disinfection Programme, unfortunately we noticed a significant increase in the number of offences in our community, which is a sign of some being reckless,” Mr Al Zaabi said.

“We urge the public to comply with the instructions issued by the health and security authorities and to follow social distancing guidelines. Offenders will be subject to legal action as per UAE law.”

He reminded the public to continue to avoid social gatherings and family visits.

Regulations on wearing face masks in public remain in place and capacity limits have been set in public places in most emirates.

Those found flouting rules will be fined and the penalties will be doubled for a repeat offence.

Third time offenders will be subject to legal action and could be jailed for up to six months or fined no less than Dh100,000.

This week, indoor sports centres and gyms in Abu Dhabi are set to reopen after months of closure to prevent the spread of the virus.

Visitors and coaches must adhere to social distancing of at least two metres, carry sanitiser and train alone if they are not a part of a group session.