Coronavirus: UAE reports 679 new cases of Covid-19

Recoveries outstrip new infections for a Second consecutive day

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.

An additional 679 cases of Covid-19 were reported in the UAE on Monday.

They were identified when 72,388 tests were conducted across the country, taking the number of cases recorded since the outbreak began to 85,595.

Another 813 patients were cleared of the virus, raising the recovery tally to 75,086. It was the second consecutive day that recoveries outstripped the number of new infections.

Authorities said one patient died of complications related to Covid-19, taking the death toll to 405.

The number of active cases stands at 10,104.

The UAE has conducted more than 8.8 million tests since January as part of a mass screening strategy to identify, isolate and treat infections.

A campaign to ensure people and businesses are adhering to safety measures is also under way after a recent increase in daily case numbers.

Officials said people had become complacent with regulations, including physical distancing and a ban on gatherings of than 10 first-degree relatives.

On Monday, inspectors from Dubai Economy closed down a cafe in Al Seef for breaching safety measures, notably physical distancing regulations.

Fines were issued to nine businesses for not ensuring at least two metres distance was maintained between staff and customers and for breaching rules about wearing face masks.

Another six companies were fined for not placing physical distance stickers on the ground.

Overall, 668 shops and commercial establishments visited by inspectors were found to fully comply with the precautionary measures.

The businesses fined included a restaurant in Umm Hurair, retail outlets in various shopping centres and a sewing and embroidery shop in Abu Hail.

A gym in Al Safa 1 was also fined, in co-operation with Dubai Sports Council.

People are encouraged to report any breaches by calling 600 545 555, or visiting Consumerrights.ae.