The UAE reported 930 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, the highest in four months, said health authorities. The total tally of infections now stands at 76,911. There were 586 new recoveries during the past 24 hours and the total number of patients who beat the virus is 67,945. The Emirates carried out 82,076 additional tests in the past 24 hours. The officials reported five deaths, pushing the number of mortalities to 398. Health officials said the recent steep increase in the number of cases is because of the lax attitude of individuals and institutions who failed to abide by the safety protocols. “This is the highest number of cases in four months. On August 10, we had only 179 new infections but in just a month, we have exceeded 900,” said Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokeswoman for the health sector in the country. “This is a five-fold increase and it requires us to do a self-assessment.” The huge increase in daily infections is attributed to family gatherings, the return of residents and citizens from abroad, schools reopening and some supermarkets and commercial institutions not adhering to precautionary guidelines, she said. Of the total cases reported in the past two weeks, 62 per cent are men and 38 per cent are women. Of this total number, 88 per cent of people were infected due to family and social gatherings. Reckless individuals who did not follow social distancing and failed to wear a face mask passed on the virus to hundreds others, said Dr Al Hosani. Another 12 per cent of the cases were detected in Emiratis and residents who have returned to the UAE in the past two weeks. “They were infected with the virus and took a PCR test abroad. Their results were negative and they showed first symptoms after reaching the UAE and did not follow the 14-day quarantine rule,” she said. “Anyone who comes in contact with a Covid-19 patient must self isolate. A PCR test is not enough as the incubation period can reach up to 14 days. The PCR should be negative on the 14th day to step out.” Another 10 per cent of the cases were recorded due to an early detection in school staff and pupils who have opted for face-to-face classes. Dr Al Hosani said authorities will get stricter and increase inspections to catch those who flout rules. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority will carry out more inspections and will hold offenders accountable. “Individuals and institutions will be fined based on the decision of the Attorney General,” she said. “We all have to commit. Some people are not taking precautions seriously and are celebrating at home with guests. Any family that wants to celebrate should do so with a small number of members in line with the safety measures. “Some malls and shops have also failed to take precautionary measures and exceeded the number of customers they should have.” Dr Al Hosani said a few schools did not take the preventive measures set by The Ministry of Education. Schools that report any infections must close for 14 days. “Today, we must stand in solidarity and comply with all precautionary measures. We need all sectors to be part of this so that we can tide over this challenge,” she said.
