Coronavirus: UAE's daily infections cross 2,000 for first time

A further 2,199 patients recovered as four died after contracting the virus

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE recorded 2,067 Covid-19 infections on Wednesday, its highest tally to date.

A further 2,199 patients were given the all-clear as the recovery total climbed to 195,520.

Four patients died, raising the death toll in the Emirates to 689.

The UAE has reported 218,766 cases since the outbreak began.

The latest cases were detected as a result of 156,553 tests.

More than 21.7 million tests have been conducted nationwide.

Infections have been on the rise in recent days, prompting authorities to renew calls for the public to abide by safety measures.

The UAE has confirmed a record number of cases five times in the past seven days.

The previous high of 1,967 infections was announced on Tuesday.

Ahead of the New Year's Eve celebrations, officials urged members of the public to take regular coronavirus tests and help combat a surge in infections.

Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesman for the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, reiterated the importance of wearing masks and following social distancing rules during a televised address to the public.

He said it was important for members of the public to take a coronavirus test if they had been at gatherings on New Year’s Eve.

The UAE held a number of public events to ring in 2021, including a fireworks, laser and lights show at Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Dr Al Dhaheri urged households to complete regular PCR testing – including domestic staff – to ensure they remained free of the virus.