UAE warning over parties as Covid-19 carrier infects 45 others, with one death

Renewed warning over parties and family gatherings come after a man infected members of three families

Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi reopened in August last year after a five-month closure. Victor Besa / The National

People fish using social distancing precautions by Business Bay Bridge in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

Volunteers for the Covid-19 vaccine trial wait to be screened at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National

A man buys balloons at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. All shops and malls have safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff. Victor Besa / The National

Shoppers maintain physical distancing and wear face masks at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

A shopper looks at face masks at Lulu Hypermarket, Khalidiyah Mall, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Volunteers for the Covid-19 vaccine trial wait to be screened at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in August 2020. Victor Besa / The National

A sign reminds people visiting The Pointe shopping centre on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, to wear face masks. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai residents wear face masks during their evening walk in The Gardens. Pawan Singh / The National

Socially distanced maghrib prayers in Al Khair Masjid in Dubai in July 2020. Reem Mohammed / The National

Visitors to Al Wahda Mall wear face masks. Victor Besa / The National

Health authorities in the UAE have once again warned against social gatherings after "reckless behaviour" of a Covid-19 patient led to 45 others being infected with the virus.

The man displayed symptoms but did not approach health officials, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, spokesman for the federal government, said at the media briefing.

The man infected his wife and 44 others of three families after socialising with them.

One of his relatives, 90, with underlying health conditions was admitted to the ICU and died of complications, Dr Al Hammadi said.

“The reckless behaviour of such individuals is the reason for setbacks. Everyone is responsible. We should follow all precautionary measures and avoid gatherings that can put us and the community at risk."

The country reported 644 new cases on Tuesday, taking the tally of infections to 75,098.

There were 410 new recoveries during the past 24 hours and the number of patients who beat the virus now stands at 66,943. The country’s recovery rate is 90 per cent, one of the best in the world.

The Emirates carried out 71,334 additional tests in the past 24 hours.

The UAE is among the top countries globally in coronavirus screening per capita after carrying out more than 7.5 million tests since the beginning of the outbreak.

The officials also reported another death linked to the virus, pushing the number of mortalities to 391.

At 0.5 per cent of the population, the UAE also has among the world’s lowest per capita mortality rates.

The high recovery and low death rate is attributed to superior treatment, early detection and medical capabilities of the country.

Dr Al Hammadi said recent volatility in the number of new cases was to be expected, which was in line with global trends.

“Many countries are witnessing an increase in cases after they went down. This volatility is expected and is in the range that scientists expect,” he said.

“We are ready to face all challenges. We are also in advanced stages of developing a vaccine. Once that is ready we will be able to decrease infections. Until then, everyone should adhere to precautionary measures.

“People should take vaccines for the seasonal flu to avoid complications and take good care of your health to boost your immunity.

“And those with chronic problems should take regular medicines and avoid unnecessary visits to the elderly people.”