UAE reports 998 new Covid-19 cases in lowest daily tally since June

Mandatory checking of the Al Hosn app by security at every entrance of the Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Al Hosn green pass awareness signs are placed at every entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

An EDE scanner sign at the main entrance of Khalidiyah Mall. The scanners can detect whether a person may have coronavirus. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Masks are worn to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Antonie Robertson/The National

Yas Mall Al Hosn signs. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE has taken robust action to help stem the spread of Covid-19 since the virus first emerged two-and-a-half years ago. Victor Besa / The National

A number of safety measures governing the economy, education, travel and the health sector were introduced as part of a major drive to protect public health. Victor Besa / The National

Some restrictions have been eased in recent months — including the wearing of masks outdoors — but other rules remain in place. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Clinic screening centre at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A member of staff takes a Covid-19 sample at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A person with two positive tests is a confirmed case in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A member of staff cleans a surgery room at the NMC Royal Hospital in DIP, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Covid-19 cases are on the rise in UAE and authorities have told residents to wear masks as a preventive measure. Pawan Singh / The National

In Dubai, anyone with a positive PCR test for Covid-19 is a confirmed case. That means you have to isolate for 10 days, even if you do not have symptoms. Pawan Singh / The National

In Dubai, the 10-day home isolation period is mandatory. The first day is the day you took the PCR test. Pawan Singh / The National

Covid testing carried out at Seha Covid-19 Drive Through Screening Centre Rabdan, in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

At a coronavirus briefing on Monday, authorities said the wearing of face masks in indoor public settings would be strictly enforced, with Dh3,000 fines for those breaching rules. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The UAE reported 998 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, the lowest number of daily cases since June 8.

An additional 244,993 tests were carried out in the past 24 hours.

This brings the overall tally of infections since the coronavirus pandemic began in January 2020 to 996,775.

Two coronavirus-related deaths were reported, taking the overall number of fatalities to 2,337.

Another 989 people beat the virus, as total recoveries rose to 975,590.

The number of active cases in the country stands at 18,848.

More than 178 million PCR tests have been conducted since the start of the pandemic.

Daily figures have declined steadily last month and into this month, after a surge of infections in late June and early July.

Case numbers topped 1,800 on July 3 — having dropped below 200 in early May — but now remain at fewer than 1,500 a day.

Last month, it was announced that some Abu Dhabi pharmacies are now allowed to provide Covid-19 vaccines and PCR tests.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said the Sinopharm vaccine will be provided free of charge to those who are eligible and over the age of 18.

PCR tests will be offered at pharmacies for Dh40 ($10.9) under the programme that came into force last week.

This is the same price as paid at testing centres.