Coronavirus: UAE reports 1,077 new Covid-19 cases

Number of active cases dropped to 6,811, a figure last seen in late April

A cyclist passes a model of a dhow in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A Dubai stallholder at work. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A pedestrian looks over the water in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People play cricket at a sports area in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A trader sorts out his stock at a Dubai market. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A staff member at a bakery performs a temperature check in Downtown, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A motorist pays for his parking in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A passer by walks near a safe distance sign in Bur Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The head coach at Front Foot sports cricket academy disinfects the stumps in Al Quoz, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The number of recoveries outstripped new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday as 1,502 patients were cleared of the virus.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority reported another 1,077 coronavirus cases, taking the tally to 117,594.

Recoveries increased to 110,313 and the number of active cases dropped to 6,811.

The UAE last reported that approximate number of active cases in late April.

Officials said four patients died, raising the death toll to 470.

To date, almost 94 per cent of all cases have ended in recovery.

Tuesday's cases were identified from 112,196 Covid-19 tests. The UAE has carried out almost 11.9 million screenings for the virus since the first cases were reported in January.

October has been the most challenging month for new cases in the UAE, with more than 1,000 infections reported in 18 of the 20 days so far.

Despite the rising daily figures, active cases have been slowly decreasing since October 4, when more than 10,200 people were battling Covid-19 across the Emirates.

The highest number of active cases reported was 17,173 on June 4.

On Tuesday, five businesses were fined and four warned for breaching Covid-19 safety regulations in Dubai.

Inspectors from Dubai Economy visited almost 800 commercial establishments in Nad Rashid, Al Dhagaya, Al Barsha and Trade Centre 1 to ensure the businesses were in compliance with measures designed to protect staff and patrons.

They fined five businesses after their employees showed a "lack of commitment to wearing face masks" and for not maintaining physical distancing.

Four other businesses were warned for not putting physical distancing stickers on the ground as a prompt.

But at least 787 inspected businesses were found to be in complete compliance with the regulations.

This week, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, became the latest UAE official to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Sheikh Saif posted an image on social media on Monday that showed him having the jab.

"I thank the medical staff. I wish everyone safety," he said.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, took the injection on Saturday, a day after Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

The vaccine was developed by Chinese company Sinopharm and passed the first and second phases of clinical trials successfully.

The UAE was chosen for the Phase 3 trial and the results will provide further information about the vaccine.

It was approved for emergency use after extensive tests found the vaccine to be safe and effective.

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, has received the vaccination, as has Minister of Health and Prevention Abdulrahman Al Owais.

And the chief of the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority, Obaid Al Shamsi, also received the shot.

"In alignment with the leadership's vision, the availability of this safe, effective vaccine will contribute to save and protect lives,'' Mr Al Shamsi said.