Coronavirus: UAE reports 2,315 new cases and 2,435 recoveries

A man wears a face mask in Al Jadaf area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A shopkeeper lights coal to burn incense to attract customers to his shop in Dubai's Spice Souq. Antonie Robertson / The National

A shopkeeper in Deira Souq. He fills a bag with tea leaves that he hopes to sell to tourists. Antonie Robertson / The National

Men talk at the Abra station near the Spice Souq. Antonie Robertson / The National

An almost empty street in Deira Souq. Antonie Robertson / The National

Pedestrians wait to cross Baniyas Street in Deira. Antonie Robertson / The National

A sign at the Old Souq Abra Station in Deira reminds people to wear a mask. Antonie Robertson / The National

People step off an abra in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

The UAE reported 2,315 new cases of Covid-19 and 2,435 recoveries on Thursday.

The number of active cases fell to 14,470, as recoveries again outpaced new infections.

The total tally of infections is 463,759 and the number of patients who have beaten the virus is 447,790.

Officials reported two deaths, as the toll increased to 1,499.

Another 237,240 tests were conducted over a 24-hour period. More than 37.8 million tests have been carried out nationwide since the outbreak began.

On Thursday, health officials announced an additional 82,833 vaccine doses had been administered, raising the total to 8,391,302 .

This equates to 84.84 doses for every 100 people.

On Thursday, the chairman of a World Health Organisation committee said the level of efficacy provided by the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine is compatible with that required by the international public health organisation.

Alejandro Cravioto’s comments were based on data provided by the Chinese manufacturer in a closed-door meeting with WHO experts last week.

Meanwhile, Dubai Municipality announced plans to conduct numerous food inspections during Ramadan.

The municipality said the campaign, which will run throughout the Holy Month, will ensure the safety of foods that typically see an increase in trade during the month and "enforce the commitment of food establishments and customers to the hygiene requirements and preventive precautionary measures".

Sultan Ali Al Taher, head of the municipality's food inspection section, said there will be a pre-Ramadan campaign focusing on the food warehouses, followed by "a continuous periodic campaign" that will monitor retail outlets selling food and hypermarkets.

"There will be another campaign on markets such as the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market and the Waterfront Market, where consumers' shopping increases during the holy month of Ramadan," said Mr Al Taher.