The UAE reported 1,172 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday, taking the total tally of infections to 131,508. Health officials also announced that 1,460 patients were given the all clear taking the total number of recoveries to 127,607. The death toll in the Emirates rose to 490 after two more patients died. The number of active cases across the country now stands at 3,411. According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care. More than 13 million tests have been conducted nationwide to date. Over the past 24 hours, the Emirates carried out 143,336 additional tests on residents and tourists. The Ministry 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, but figures were down by more than 300 on Friday compared to the same day last week. Globally, European countries are facing the prospect of new restrictions, including lockdowns, after coronavirus cases in the region spiked. Officials in the UK said the coronavirus pandemic was doubling in size every nine days across England. Noted as the worst country in Europe for Covid-19 related deaths, scientists said they were also prepared for up to 85,000 deaths in the second wave. While it is still trying to avoid a second national lockdown, the UK has recorded more than 965,000 cases and 45,955 deaths. On Friday, France implemented a second national lockdown as daily deaths have started to reach the spring peaks. France has had more than 1.2 million Covid-19 cases and 35,785 deaths. Earlier this week, Dubai set out a major overhaul of travel rules, allowing passengers from dozens of countries to be tested for Covid-19 on arrival in the airport. Among the major changes were that tourists from the UK and Germany can now be tested on arrival in Dubai, Emirates Airline confirmed in a statement.
