Coronavirus: 725 new cases in UAE after more than 1.5 million tested

Authorities say only 1.3% of all people tested in UAE since outbreak were infected

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

UAE officials announced another 725 cases of Covid-19 infection on Wednesday, bringing the country’s total to 20,386.

Authorities said 34,869 tests were carried out in the Emirates since Tuesday, with more than 1.5 million people having been screened.

They said that of these, only 1.3 per cent tested positive for the virus.

The figures also showed that in the previous 24 hours another 511 patients recovered from the disease, while three more died.

To date, the UAE has recorded 6,523 recoveries and 206 deaths. The number of active cases of Covid-19 in the Emirates is 13,657.

We require social solidarity through compliance with precautionary measures

Globally, almost 4.4 million people have contracted the virus, resulting in almost 300,000 deaths, while more than 1.6 million have recovered.

Dr Amna Al Dhahak, spokeswoman for the UAE government, on Wednesday said the new cases were the outcome of widespread testing.

But Dr Al Dhahak said they were also an indication that some people were flouting the rules by gathering and spreading the virus.

"We are still in a very important stage in combating Covid-19 and containing its spread," she said.

"We require social solidarity through compliance with precautionary measures."

Dr Al Dhahak said that neglecting measures would only prolong the crisis and called on the public to wear masks while outdoors and not to be reckless.

"Support our front-line workers so we can overcome this stage," she said.

Brig Gen Khamis Al Kaabi, spokesman for the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said anyone with residency and visit visas that expired before March 1 would be exempt from overstay fines on leaving the country, by order of the President, Sheikh Khalifa.

Brig Al Kaabi said a three-month grace period for anyone with an expired visa who wished to leave the UAE would begin on May 18.

Those intending to leave the country must submit an exemption form with the authority. This will ensure they are not fined when leaving the country and will not be barred from returning.

On Wednesday, Dubai announced further easing of precautionary measures against Covid-19, including reopening public parks and hotel beaches, and allowing groups of up to five people to gather.

Outdoor activities will also be allowed, officials from the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said.

The changes are effective immediately although physical-distancing rules remain in place and must be observed at all times.

“The updates allow the opening of public parks with strict enforcement of specific preventive measures," the committee told the state news agency, Wam

"In addition, sports and recreational activities will be permitted in open spaces for up to five people, including cycling, water sports and skydiving."