Coronavirus: UAE records lowest number of cases in 18 months

Another 216 people recovered over a 24-hour period

Abu Dhabi residents take the underpass in front of Al Wahda Mall. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has advised people to wear a mask when outside, whether they are showing symptoms of Covid-19 or not. Victor Besa / The National

People follow the mask-wearing advice. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident orders tea near Al Wahda Mall. The public is following government advice to help keep infections down. Victor Besa / The National

Masked residents protect themselves and others as they take the underpass at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

Face masks are available at a tailoring shop in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Face masks are worn crossing the road. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE has had a successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Victor Besa / The National

Staff members of INAYA, the facilities management company, wearing protective face masks in International City in Dubai. Only two entrances are open for vehicles coming from Al Awir road before the Dragon Mart 1 and Manama Street to International City in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

People wearing face masks in International City, Dubai. The UAE government has also advised residents to wear gloves all the times outdoors. Pawan Singh / The National

More people in the streets in Satwa. Antonie Robertson / The National

Sunset at the Corniche. Public beaches around Abu Dhabi are reopening gradually as Covid-19 restrictions ease. Victor Besa / The National

Although Covid-19 restrictions are being eased, many safety measures remain in place. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE reported 156 new coronavirus cases and 216 recoveries on Wednesday, its lowest daily tally since April 1 last year.

Officials said three people died in the past 24 hours from complications.

The country has recorded 737,229 cases, 730,309 recoveries and 2,107 deaths since the first Covid-19 case was detected in the Emirates on January 29 last year.

Widespread testing and tracing, stringent safety measures and a high vaccination rate have been credited for bringing down daily infections.

Cases have dropped since reaching close to 4,000 a day in January.

An additional 298,908 tests were conducted over the 24-hour period, bringing to 85,810,321 the total number carried out since the beginning of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the UAE has authorised emergency use of booster shots of Pfizer-BioNTech and Sputnik vaccines for some groups.

Booster shots are to be given six months after the second dose.

The announcement came during the weekly Covid-19 briefing on Tuesday.

The groups that should take a booster shot are senior citizens and residents aged over 60; people with chronic diseases, or at risk of complications (aged 50-59); and people receiving long-term health care (aged 18 years and over).

The announcement does not apply to those who have received Pfizer-BioNTech or Sputnik booster doses after being fully vaccinated with Sinopharm.

The briefing heard that the decision came after studies showed the benefits of a booster six months after the second dose.