Coronavirus: UAE reports record 3,529 new Covid-19 cases as recoveries exceed infections

A man is inoculated against Covid-19 in Dubai. Reuters

Another 3,529 new cases of Covid-19 were reported across the UAE on Thursday, continuing a 10-day streak of record daily figures.

The infections raised the country's total to 267,258 since the first cases were reported almost a year ago.

Authorities said 3,901 people were cleared of the virus, taking the recovery tally to 238,322. It was the second consecutive day that recoveries outstripped new infections.

Four people died of related complications, raising the country's toll to 766.

Thursday's cases were identified after another 163,2856 tests were conducted across the Emirates. The country has carried out more than 24 million PCR and DPI tests to date

The number of people who currently have Covid-19 in the UAE is 27,170.

Active cases fell for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday and again by almost 400 on Thursday.

On Thursday, the UAE approved use of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use, making it the third vaccine available in the country.

Sinopharm was authorised for public use on December 9 and, days later, Dubai approved use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the emirate.

Phase 3 clinical trials for Sinopharm and Sputnik were carried out in the UAE.

Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and Russia's Ministry of Health.

Study results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the vaccine in triggering a strong antibody response against the virus, its safety for use, and its compliance with international safety and effectiveness standards.

The UAE has administered almost 2.25m vaccine doses since it began its nationwide campaign. That equates to a vaccination distribution rate of 22.71 doses per 100 people.

The country aims to vaccinate 50 per cent of the population by the end of the first quarter.

On Thursday, inspectors closed down a shop in Dubai for breaching health and safety regulations.

Inspectors from Dubai Economy visited more than 650 commercial establishments in Naif, Al Murar, Hor Al Anz, Al Rigga, Al Ras, Al Bateen, Aldhagaya, and Ayal Nasir.

They issued 23 fines and two warnings to shops for not adhering to mandatory face mask use or physical distancing.

Over the past three weeks, Dubai Tourism issued more than 200 fines and closed down at least 20 establishments for breaking safety rules.

The tourism office said it was suspending the issuance of all entertainment permits until further notice, to ensure public health and safety.