Coronavirus: 283 new cases reported in the UAE from over 77,000 tests

There were two deaths due to complications of the virus and 98 further recoveries, health authorities said

Dubai authorities are taking action against businesses flouting the rules around social distancing. Reuters

The UAE reported 283 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, taking the country's tally to 64,102.

Officials said 77,640 tests had been carried out across the country as part of plans to increase the scope of screening.

Two fatalities were reported, bringing the death toll to 361.

A further 98 recoveries were announced on Saturday with 57,571 recoveries overall.

The number of daily new cases has been on a steady decline since July 9 but officials called for strict compliance to Covid-19 guidelines.

On Saturday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Covid-19 Command and Control Centre located at Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai.

He said the UAE has succeeded in countering the Covid-19 outbreak and set a commendable example for the world in managing the pandemic.

The country’s scientific approach to combat the virus and the planning and collaborative spirit shown by frontline organisations helped turn the crisis into an opportunity, he added.

Sheikh Mohammed also praised the contributions of healthcare and medical personnel, which significantly supported the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

“The heroic efforts of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 crisis are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us," he said.

"We thank them for their commitment and professionalism and urge them to continue working with the same spirit of dedication until we completely overcome these challenges”.

On Thursday, authorities said more than 15,000 volunteers had received their first of two doses of the proposed Covid-19 vaccine as part of the phase 3 clinical trial being held in the UAE.

Volunteers from 107 nationalities signed up to test the inactive vaccine, which contains a dead version of Covid-19, meeting the required number of subjects for the trial.

The eligible volunteers will be inoculated with the second vaccine within the next few weeks.