Coronavirus: UAE records 2,404 new cases as 2,252 patients recover

Three people died, raising the country's death toll to 711

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

The UAE reported 2,404 new cases of Covid-19 on Monday, taking the tally of infections since the pandemic began to 232,982.

There were 2,252 new recoveries and the total number of patients who have beaten the virus is 208,366.

The new cases were identified after 133,458 additional tests were carried out in the past 24 hours. The country has conducted more than 22.5 million tests since the beginning of the outbreak.

Officials reported three deaths, raising the toll to 711.

On January 9, the UAE reported 2,998 new cases – its highest daily infections so far.

The country has seen an increase in daily cases in January as a number of residents returned to work and schools reopened after the winter break.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention and health authorities in the country recently launched a national campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated, especially the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

More than 1.6 million shots have been administered since the UAE approved use of the Sinopharm vaccine.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention said 80,683 people were vaccinated against Covid-19. The distribution rate of the vaccine is now 10.99 doses for every 100 people.

The Sinopharm vaccine is available at all private and government health clinics, while the Pfizer-BioNTech jabs can be administered at seven clinics in Dubai.

Officials hope to inoculate 70 per cent of the emirate's population by later this year as part of efforts to achieve 'herd immunity'.

The UAE plans to vaccinate 50 per cent of the population by the end of the first quarter.