Coronavirus: Dubai on track to stem the virus as daily recoveries outnumber new cases

Dr Amer Ahmad Sharif, head of Covid-19 Command and Control Centre, said several hospitals in Dubai are free of the virus

An Emirati man waits to be seen at the Passports Department as civil servants return to work following the easing of restrictions in Dubai. AFP

Chairs at the Passports Department are set up to adhere to social distancing as civil servants return to work following the easing of restrictions in Dubai. AFP

Nur Kumari Dhungel works at Fairouz Coffee & Roastery with her husband Ram Kumar. The roastery specializes in Arabic coffee, Turkish coffee, and specialty espresso coffee beans. Reem Mohammed/The National

Abra or water taxi services resume with a reduction in passengers. Antonie Robertson / The National

A man selling souvenirs browses his phone while wearing a face mask as he waits for potential clients. Antonie Robertson / The National

Women walk along the beach in Dubai as the sun rises. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Shops within Souk Khabeer, in the old part of Bur Dubai. It remains closed. Antonie Robertson / The National

A door man smiles at the camera while waiting inside a restaurant for patrons to arrive. Antonie Robertson / The National

Two women take a selfie while walking along Dubai Creek. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Malls in Dubai have fully reopened, allowing 100 per cent capacity. Reem Mohammed / The National

Staffers at Hafiz Mustafa store in Dubai Mall wear mandatory face masks as part of safety measures against coronavirus. Reem Mohammed / The National

A man wears. a face mask at 'At The Top' in Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed / The National

Visitors wear masks are they take a look arround at 'At The Top' in Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed/The National

A sign shows the rules for visitors when going to At The Top, Burj Khalifa. Reem Mohammed / The National

Signs requiring people to social distance at Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai is on track to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the daily number of recoveries in the UAE have exceeded new infections for a week, health authorities said.

The emirate’s Covid-19 Command and Control Centre said the precautionary measures and adherence by the public have helped reduce the number of new cases.

The centre also reported a decrease in the number of suspected cases visiting hospitals in the past few weeks.

The rate of infections in the last three weeks has fallen considerably while the rate of recoveries has increased

Dr Amer Sharif, head of the centre, said several hospitals in Dubai are now free of any Covid-19 cases.

This has reduced pressure on medics and they can now focus on regular diagnostic and treatment services, he said.

“The rate of infections in the last three weeks has fallen considerably while the rate of recoveries has increased. The number of cases requiring hospitalisation also saw a decline,” he said.

Dr Sharif attributed the progress to the government's strong strategic plan to combat the outbreak.

The consistent drop in the number of new cases has been made possible as people adhere to strict precautionary measures.

“[We need] to continue following guidelines and adhering to preventive measures such as physical distancing and use of sanitisers," he said.

“The easing of movement restrictions in the emirate and the reopening of economic activities were smoothly implemented due to the co-operation of all members of the community.

“Their commitment remains crucial to avoiding any future setbacks that could undermine the efforts of the last few months.”

On Tuesday, the UAE continued a seven-day streak of having more daily recoveries than new cases.

Another 346 new Covid-19 infections were reported across the Emirates, following more than 38,000 tests. The cases took the country's total to 42,982 since the outbreak while a further 732 recoveries were announced, taking the tally to 28,861.

The figures indicated that more than 67 per cent of the people who were treated for Covid-19 in the UAE have now recovered.

Two deaths were also reported on Tuesday, making the total death toll 293.