UAE reports 198 new Covid-19 cases in lowest daily tally for four months

The UAE reported 198 Covid-19 cases on Monday as daily infection rates fell to their lowest levels this year.

It is the first time coronavirus figures have dropped below 200 since December 15.

Another 370 people beat the virus in the past 24 hours.

No coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded since March 7.

Authorities have announced 895,663 cases, 877,648 recoveries and 2,302 deaths to date.

The number of active cases in the country is now below 16,000.

The latest cases were identified as a result of 243,662 PCR tests.

More than 152.7 million tests have been carried out as part of a mass screening strategy.

Daily case numbers have fallen significantly this year, having topped 3,000 in January.

The government has moved to ease some Covid-19 restrictions in response to the encouraging decline.

The wearing of face masks outdoors is now optional and border controls on entry to Abu Dhabi from other emirates have been lifted.

Unvaccinated Emiratis will be allowed to travel overseas from Tuesday

Citizens must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel under the updated Covid-19 safety measures announced during the government's regular coronavirus briefing on Wednesday.

They must also complete travel forms in Al Hosn app to turn their application status green.

BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)

Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)

Sunday, May 17

Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)

Monday, May 18

Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)

more from jonathan cook

Profiting from loss: how business in illegal Israeli settlements continues unchecked

If coronavirus overwhelms Gaza, there will be few others to blame but Israel

As Netanyahu uses coronavirus to consolidate power, Israel's opposition leader has given in

How to apply for a drone permit

Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request

What are the regulations?

Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

While you're here

Kareem Shaheen: Even a pandemic could not unite today's America

Michele Wucker: The difference between a black swan and a grey rhino

Robert Matthews: Has flawed science and rushed research failed us?

Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final

Kashima Antlers 3 (Nagaki 49’, Serginho 69’, Abe 84’)
Guadalajara 2 (Zaldivar 03’, Pulido 90')

match info

Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')

Sheffield United 0

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)