Coronavirus: UAE records 1,931 infections as tests cross 40 million

New cases exceeded recoveries for the first time in close to a month

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

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

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

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

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  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

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  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

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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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

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

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

The UAE recorded 1,931 Covid-19 case on Saturday, as new infections exceeded recoveries for the first time since March 13.

The number of new cases brought the country's overall tally to 481,937.

Another 1,833 people beat the virus, taking the recovery tally to 466,804.

The death toll is now 1,529, following three fatalities during the 24-hour reporting period.

The number of tests carried out since the outbreak began passed 40 million on Saturday.

This milestone was reached after an additional 237,130 tests were conducted.

The number of active cases in the Emirates increased to 13,604, due to new infections slightly outstripping recoveries.

However, case numbers have steadily declined in recent weeks, after hovering above 3,000 during February and the first half of March.

The UAE reported a record 3,977 daily cases on February 3.

Daily infection rates were below 2,000 in four of the past five days.

Infection figures have remained under 2,500 per day since March 7.

There has also been an encouraging fall in daily death rates – which peaked at 20 on February 3.

In the past seven days, 25 deaths have been recorded.

Authorities have cited mass testing and a widespread vaccination campaign as key to overcoming the pandemic.

The cost of PCR tests has dropped significantly during the pandemic.

A nasal swab test typically cost Dh370 ($100) in the early stages of the outbreak, but is now available for as little as Dh65 in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE administered another 51,471 doses of vaccine to the public on Saturday.

This took the overall figure to 8,975,014 since the immunisation drive was launched in December.

Emirates airline operated a special flight with only vaccinated passengers and crew on board on Saturday to highlight the success of the country's inoculation efforts.

The short flight left Dubai International Airport at about midday before returning at about 2.30pm.

Tickets for the landmark flight were Dh1,000 for economy and Dh2,000 for business class.

All proceeds will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, a non-profit charity organisation that supports projects around the world aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

Passengers were required to present their passports or Emirates IDs, as well as vaccination certificates.

They were to be provided with pre-departure rapid Covid-19 testing and had to abide by physical distancing protocols and wear their masks throughout the journey.