Coronavirus: UAE's daily Covid-19 cases on the rise as 365 new infections recorded

Health officials say the average number of daily cases have 'surged' over the past two weeks

Abu Dhabi's Corniche is slowly getting busier as residents brave the summer heat to stretch their legs. Victor Besa / The National

Bicycle riding is becoming more popular on the city's quieter streets. Victor Besa / The National

A family goes for a stroll on Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Victor Besa / The National

Cyclists on foldable bikes make their way through Abu Dhabi's downtown. Victor Besa / The National

Workers get on their shuttle home in downtown Abu Dhabi on Friday evening. Victor Besa / The National

People wear face masks as they wait for a bus in downtown Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Pedestrians cross the street in downtown Abu Dhabi on a hot summer evening. Victor Besa / The National

Jet skiers pictured off Abu Dhabi's Corniche at sunset on Friday. Victor Besa / The National

The sun sets over Abu Dhabi on Friday evening. Victor Besa / The National

Families enjoy the beach as the sun sets over Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

There has been a surge in the daily average number of new Covid-19 cases in the UAE due to lack of compliance with safety measures, health officials warned on Tuesday.

During the country's regular televised briefing, Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said that despite a general decline in the number of daily cases from previous months, there has been a marked increase over the past two weeks.

He called on residents and Emiratis to avoid gatherings, wear face masks and maintain physical distancing to prevent further infections.

"This rate of increase may be worrying and indicates an increase in the rate of infection in the coming period," said Mr Al Owais.

"The UAE's strategy against Covid-19 will not be complete unless we all comply to precautionary measures."

Dr Omar Al Hammadi, the Government spokesperson at the briefing, said the average number of daily cases had increased by about 136 among Emiratis and residents.

"Most of the cases were caused by gatherings by family and social visits without adhering to precautionary measures such as social spacing and the wearing of masks," he said.

Dr Al Hammadi also warned against trusting products or medicines that claim to protect people from contracting Covid-19.

"Traders marketing products that claim to protect against Covid-19 are being misleading," he said.

"These products are not efficient in combating the disease."

Dr Al Hammadi said the concern was that people would use those products to protect themselves instead of adhering to safety measures.

"We warn against using any medicine without consultation with a doctor."

It came as the UAE recorded 365 new cases of Covid-19, after conducting 59,759 tests.

The new infections raised the country's total to 64,906 since the outbreak. The number of active cases in the Emirates currently stands at 6,631.

A further 115 patients overcame the virus, adding to the total recovery tally of 57,909.

And two patients died, taking the death toll to 366.

The UAE has carried out more than 6 million Covid-19 tests since January.