Coronavirus: UAE reports 15 deaths as 4,298 recover from Covid-19

Active cases have dropped to levels last seen before the Christmas holiday

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  Families walk in Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

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  Abu Dhabi private school staff wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as part of a drive organised by Adek. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge

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  A man receives a dose of a vaccine against Covid-19 at St Paul’s Church in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

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  A coronavirus vaccine shipment is unloaded from an Emirates aircraft at Dubai International Airport on February 1. The airline is part of the Vaccine Logistics Alliance, which also includes logistics giant DP World. AFP

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  A panel indicates the way to a Covid-19 vaccination centre set up at Dubai International Financial Centre. AFP

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  A woman waits for her turn at a vaccination centre at Dubai International Financial Centre. AFP

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  A man is registered before receiving a dose of vaccine at a centre in Dubai International Financial Centre. AFP

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  A health worker checks a man's temperature before he receives a dose of vaccine. AFP

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  A commuter wears a face mask while travelling on the Dubai Metro. AP

Another 3,158 cases of Covid-19 were reported across the UAE on Saturday, with recoveries exceeding infections for a 10th consecutive day.

The 4,298 recoveries brought active cases down to 11,054 – a figure last seen before the Christmas break. That was followed by a surge in new infections.

The authorities said 15 people died of the coronavirus, raising the country's death toll to 1,108.

Total infections currently stand at 368,175 – with 356,013 of these having been cleared of the virus.

An additional 165,357 tests were carried out, raising the total number of DPI and PCR screenings to 29.2 million.

While daily recoveries have exceeded infections of late, the number of deaths reported in a single day reached a record of 20 on Friday.

At least 258 deaths have been reported this month.

Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up inspections at shops and restaurants, closing establishments that flout safety rules.

Health authorities reminded the public that Covid-19 patients who fail to report infections to the Ministry of Health and Prevention or other health authorities face a prison sentence and a fine of between Dh10,000 ($2,722) and Dh50,000.

The Federal Public Prosecution reiterated that anyone who has come into contact with a positive case must also report their status to health authorities.

Officials said giving this information to the authorities would help patients receive the right medical care and curb the spread of the infection.

In Sharjah, police are using drones to enforce social distancing and warn people of the need to observe precautions.

Messages asking people to remain indoors have been broadcast in different languages and live footage is being monitored in the police control room.