UAE reports 502 new Covid-19 cases after 386,656 tests

For the fifth day in a row officials said there were no Covid-19-related deaths

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  Masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus are no longer mandatory outside at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National

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  Organisers do encourage people to wear masks when in large crowds, however. Antonie Robertson/The National

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  A decision was made to relax the rules on mandatory mask-wearing across the UAE from February 26. Antonie Robertson/The National

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  Some visitors did not wear masks at the Expo site on February 28. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Health and safety remains a key priority at the site. Pawan Singh / The National

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  All visitors to the event must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Rules on physical distancing also remain in place. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Visitors without masks enjoy a tour of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

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  All smiles: many people are now choosing not to wear masks when outside. Pawan Singh / The National

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  When in large crowds, authorities recommend masks are worn. Pawan Singh / The National

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  The easing of face mask rules is the most significant Covid-19 restriction change since April 2020, when the pandemic spread across the globe. AFP

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  Expo 2020 Dubai is open for only a few more weeks. AFP

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  The six-month world's fair will close its doors on March 31. AFP

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  A packed calendar of events is planned for Expo 2020 Dubai's final weeks. AFP

The UAE reported 502 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the overall tally of infections to 881,472.

The latest infections were identified following a further 386,656 PCR tests.

For the fifth day in a row, officials said there were no Covid-19 deaths in the 24-hour reporting period.

Another 1,508 people beat the virus, bringing the recovery total to 838,647.

More than 139 million tests have been conducted across the Emirates under a comprehensive screening strategy.

Authorities announced that the recently updated rules for people entering the country by air will also apply to those entering the Emirates through its land borders from Thursday.

People who enter the country at land borders are advised to have a PCR test within 24 hours, particularly if visitors are planning to stay beyond three days.

The Emirates on Friday announced the most significant easing of restrictions since April 2020, when the pandemic spread across the Middle East and the globe.

The decisions scrap quarantine for close contacts, remove PCR testing requirements for travellers and lift border restrictions in Abu Dhabi.