Coronavirus: UAE records 568 new cases as officials call for Emiratis to lead way in Covid-19 fight

Another 469 people have recovered from coronavirus while five patients died

Waitress at Vanitas, Nina Manalo wears a branded mask at the Palazzo Versace hotel, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A man shields his face from the sun on a hot day in Al Barsha, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A woman walks through the disinfection booth at the Palazzo Versace hotel, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The entrance to Vanitas at the Palazzo Versace hotel, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A man wearing a face mask walks across an open space of land in Al Barsha, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Duncan Gichana & Luliia Sliusar at the Mosaico lobby lounge in the Palazzo Versace hotel, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A man sits by Dubai Creek on Baniyas road in Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

A man walking in Al Sabkha in Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National

A man wearing a face mask in Al Sabkha, Dubai. Reem Mohammed/The National

Information desk at the new Covid-19 prime assessment centre in ADNEC, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE announced 568 new coronavirus cases on Monday, bringing the country's total to 39,376.

The infections were detected after a further 32,679 Covid-19 tests were conducted.

Another 469 people have recovered from the virus, bringing the overall tally to 22,275.

Officials said five more patients had died after contracting Covid-19 as the death toll in the Emirates rose to 281.

Dr Amna Al Shamsi, a UAE government spokeswoman, called on people of all nationalities to unite in helping the country's fight against the pandemic.

Dr Al Shamsi said those breaching safety measures by failing to wear masks, respect social distancing practices or adhere to home quarantine requirements, were putting lives at risk.

"A violation remains a violation, no matter what the nationality of the perpetrator," she said.

"It ultimately has the same result, endangering our lives and the lives of our loved ones and others in society.

"Many individuals in our community are our first line of defence, working to help the wider community selflessly."

Dr Al Shamsi urged Emiratis to be standard bearers in the effort to contain the virus.

"We are confident that our Emirati citizens in particular will demonstrate behaviour and show commitment aligned with values and ethics of the UAE, and be an example within society by supporting all decisions," she said.

"Maintaining the health and safety of every single person within the UAE, whether citizens or residents, is the primary goal of the UAE government."