Coronavirus: UAE records 261 new cases

Mass testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination drives have helped the UAE to curb the pandemic

The Third Place Cafe on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi has a sticker to remind customers of Covid-19 precautions. Victor Besa / The National

An 'X' reminds people of the need for physical distancing at the Third Place Cafe. Victor Besa / The National

The Third Place Cafe in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Sanitation workers at Haddins Fitness, Zayed Sports City. Victor Besa / The National

Fitness buff Natalie Navikova exercises at Cobra Fitness Abu Dhabi at Al Bandar. Victor Besa / The National

CrossFit class at Vogue Fitness Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Hotel beaches are now open to guests at the Ramada Abu Dhabi Corniche after Covid-19 restrictions eased. Victor Besa / The National

Residents wear face masks as they walk in Abu Dhabi city centre. Victor Besa / The National

People walk along near the Ramada Hotel Abu Dhabi Corniche during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

A man on his e-scooter travels along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi as the sun sets. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE reported 261 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections recorded since the pandemic began to 898,571.

Another 315 people beat the virus in the 24-hour reporting period, raising the recovery tally to 881,831.

No coronavirus-related deaths have been reported since March, meaning the toll remains at 2,302.

The latest cases were identified from 254,436 PCR tests. More than 155 million tests have been carried out.

Mass testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination drives have helped the UAE to limit the effects of the pandemic.

Authorities have said 100 per cent of the eligible population in the UAE received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, with 97.68 per cent fully vaccinated.

Residents are, meanwhile, celebrating the first Eid Al Fitr without major Covid-19 restrictions since 2019 with many taking the opportunity to travel abroad.

But health officials have urged people to remain vigilant and also advised those travelling to take a PCR test after returning.

Dr Shereena Al Mazrouei, department manager of health promotion at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, told The National that although it was not mandatory, this was good practice, particularly if people lived with an elderly or high-risk family member.

"We know this is a long Eid break," said Dr Al Mazrouei.

"People may travel, go to the mall or go to an event – especially those who have been isolated for so long. But we should not disregard the ability of people who are coming from abroad or an event to bring the infection."