Coronavirus: UAE hits two million test mark

Country also passed the 30,000-case mark after huge public testing campaign

Widespread testing, social distancing and restrictions on movement have all been crucial to bringing the outbreak under control. Karim Sahib / AFP

Related: Dubai to push back nightly restrictions from 8pm to 11pm - and open cinemas and gyms

The UAE has carried out more than two million tests since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said on Monday night.

They also confirmed 822 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the country’s total to 30,307.

Three people who had tested positive died because of complications, taking the death toll to 248.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention conducted 41,202 tests nationwide in the past day, taking the total to 2,044,493.

In the past 24 hours, another 601 patients recovered from the virus. To date, the UAE has had 15,657 recoveries.

The UAE has imposed strict measures to contain the outbreak, which included urging families to celebrate Eid at home and keeping mosques closed.

“There is a new reality that has been imposed on us in the way we treat each other and communicate, even within the same family,” said Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

“It is a different Eid for all the families who had to stay home and avoid gatherings.

"It’s been different for doctors and volunteers, paramedics, nurses, sterilisation teams ... all are heroes.

Roy Cooper / The National

"Our frontline healthcare providers are spending Eid at hospitals across the country, caring for Covid-19 patients and testing hundreds of cases.

"We highly appreciate their relentless efforts."

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