Coronavirus: UAE records 1,121 new Covid-19 cases as 1,295 recover

The number of active cases now stands at 3,232

A boy wearing a face mask takes his dogs on a stroll on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign on Al Qahirah street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Checkers line up at the entrance of Global Village with masks and face shields. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi residents on their Friday morning fitness ritual. Victor Besa / The National

Bridal facemask at Contessa Bridal Dubai in City Walk in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

An employee at The Meydan Hotel in Dubai sanitises the reception area to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lifeguard at The Meydan Hotel with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Hygiene and Covid-19 safety measures take place at a fitness class at Bare. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady works on her laptop while wearing a mask at Times Square in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Satwa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Coronavirus safety measures are taken at 815 Dance & Performing Arts Training Centre in Silicone Oasis in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A lady takes part in an art installation which comes to life via augmented reality with a mask on to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The UAE recorded 1,121 new cases of Covid-19 on Saturday, after a further 143,991 tests were carried out.

Health officials also announced that 1,295 patients were cleared of the virus and five died of related complications.

The figures raised the country's tallies to 132,629 infections, 128,902 recoveries and 495 deaths since the outbreak.

The Emirates has carried out almost 13.2 million Covid-19 tests to date.

At the weekend, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said it was stepping up testing rates as part of efforts to limit the spread of the virus.

Case numbers have remained above 1,000 for the past week with fewer than 1,000 cases reported on just two days in October.

The highest number of daily cases recorded in the Emirates was 1,578, on October 22.

Despite the high number of daily infections, recoveries are also increasing. The number of active cases currently stand at 3,232 - a figure last seen in early April, at the start of the outbreak.

The highest number of active cases was 16,881 on June 9. The number of patients battling the virus has decreased steadily since October 4.

The country is working hard to reduce the number of new infections and has been actively involved in the development of a vaccine.

Phase 3 clinical trials for a vaccine, developed by Chinese company Sinopharm, began in the UAE in July.

Overall about 31,000 volunteers have taken part in the trial, which was extended to Jordan and Bahrain in limited numbers.

The vaccine is now being administered to front-line medical workers, senior officials and some members of the Cabinet since receiving approval for limited use in the Emirates in September.

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, became the latest minister to be inoculated on Saturday.

Other ministers to have received the vaccine include Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Tolerance, among others.

The country is also turning its sights to life after Covid-19.

On Saturday, the UAE formed a new committee, tasked with leading the country's economic recovery post-pandemic.

The National Covid-19 Crisis Recovery Management and Governance Committee, chaired by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, will develop support programmes for businesses and industries to aid in the country's efficient financial recovery.

This will involve developing a strategic plan that sets out roles, responsibilities and key strategic and operational performance indicators with the end goal of ensuring a safe return to normalcy across society, reported the state news agency Wam.

It was formed by the Supreme Committee for Covid-19 Crisis Management and its members include government officials that represent a variety of ministries and federal departments.