Coronavirus: number of UAE cases rises to 1,799

Officials also announced 19 more patients had recovered from the virus

A mother and daughter wear gloves and face masks as they walk in Dubai. AFP

The UAE announced 294 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, taking the total number to 1,799.

Officials said all of the new patients were receiving treatment and were in a stable condition.

In a series of tweets, the Ministry of Health also said a further 19 patients had recovered from the virus.

A total of 144 people in the Emirates have now beaten the infection while 10 have died.

The outbreak of Covid-19, which began in Wuhan, China, in late January, continues to have a devastating impact on public health around the world.

As of April 5, more than 1.2 million people have contracted the disease, resulting in close to 65,000 deaths.

In the UAE, cases have been considerably lighter than the numbers recorded elsewhere.

China, Italy, Spain and the United States have all been hit particularly hard, with cases in the US still increasing dramatically by the day.

Globally, close to 250,000 people have now recovered from the virus while some 44,000 remain in a serious or critical condition.

As a result of the pandemic, government leaders around the globe have implemented wide-ranging measures designed to limit the spread of Covid-19.

In the Emirates, schools have been closed, flights grounded and residents have been asked to remain indoors wherever possible.

In Dubai, officials have gone a step further by asking residents to obtain permission before leaving their house.

On Sunday, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said all journeys - including to pick up essential groceries - had to be approved in advance online.

Those found breaching the stay-home measures, officials said, would face 'stringent legal action'.

Meanwhile, in the UK, there has been growing public disquiet over Boris Johnson's handling of the outbreak.

This weekend, Keir Starmer, the new leader of the Labour Party, accused the prime minister of making "serious mistakes" in his response to the pandemic.