Coronavirus: UAE reports second highest daily recoveries as 1,769 beat virus

The country carried out 115,258 additional tests in the past 24 hours

People walk around in the Al Karama area of Dubai as life in the UAE beings to resemble pre-pandemic times. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

The country has got to grips with curbing the spread of Covid-19.

The UAE registered its lowest daily tally of new Covid-19 infections in 20 months.

More than 100 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the UAE to date.

People wearing masks are out shopping in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

The UAE's extensive vaccination campaign has been widely credited with helping to drive down case numbers.

New daily cases have remained below 100 for five weeks.

Authorities confirmed last week that 100 per cent of the eligible population had now received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose.

More than 90 per cent of the UAE population are fully vaccinated.

A masked worker pushes a trolley laden with water bottles in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

Social distancing stickers pasted at a bus stop serve as a warning to travellers in Dubai.

People shopping in the Al Karama area of Dubai.

The UAE reported its second highest daily recoveries on Thursday as 1,769 patients recovered from the coronavirus.

So far, the highest daily recovery of 2,443 people was recorded on September 6.

Thursday's recoveries brought the total number of patients who beat the virus to 93,479.

The country also reported 1,089 new cases of Covid-19, taking the total infection tally to 102,929.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention said the new patients were stable and "receiving the necessary care."

Authorities carried out 115,258 additional tests in the past 24 hours. It was the second highest number of daily tests conducted - after 117,812 screenings were carried out on October 3.

Health officials also reported two deaths, pushing the number of mortalities to 438.

The UAE is ranked first in the number of Covid-19 tests carried out per capita, with more than 10.43 million tests done to date.

Despite the rising case figures, the average number of recoveries (1,100) outstripped new infections (934) this week.

Authorities across the country have deployed inspectors to ensure safety measures are being met to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Businesses are obliged to limit store capacity, enforce physical distancing and ensure staff and customers wear face masks when appropriate.

On Thursday, Dubai Economy inspectors fined two businesses in Al Muraqqabat and Riggat Al Buteen for flouting health and safety regulations.

The two establishments were penalised because their staff were not wearing face masks.

The remaining 748 shops visited by inspectors were found to be in full compliance of regulations.

Dubai Economy encouraged the public to report any offences by calling 600 545 555, or by visiting the consumerrights.ae website.

Globally, Covid-19 cases have passed 36.2 million and more than 1m deaths.

A survey conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross, across seven countries, ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday, found that half of all respondents – 51 per cent – believe the pandemic has negatively affected their mental health.

The outbreak is worsening existing mental health conditions, triggering new ones, and making access to mental health services even more scarce. The ICRC called for urgent and increased funding for mental health and psychosocial support within humanitarian responses.

"The Covid-19 health crisis has exacerbated the psychological distress of millions of people already living through conflicts and disasters. Lockdown restrictions, a loss of social interaction, and economic pressures are all impacting people's mental health and access to care," said Robert Mardini, the ICRC's director-general. "Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in crisis situations, when mental health needs are especially critical."

The survey also found that frontline workers have the greatest requirements for mental health care, as they are often directly exposed to Covid-19, work long hours, and are invariably subject to stressful events and stigma when supporting disaster-affected communities.