Coronavirus: UAE reports 786 Covid-19 cases, 661 recoveries, no deaths

Dubai - Nearly 93,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the health ministry added.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Thursday reported 786 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 661 recoveries.

Nearly 93,000 new Covid-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry added, taking the total to 8.4 million tests since the pandemic began.

Continuing its crackdown on erring establishments, Dubai Economy on Wednesday imposed fines on 12 commercial establishments for Covid-19 violations. This includes retail outlets in various shopping centres, sewing and embroidery shops, and fitness centres in Wadi Al Safa 7, Al Hebiah Second, and Al Rashidiya. Lack of employee commitment to wearing masks and not taking the necessary measures to ensure physical distancing were the main violations found during the inspections.

Meanwhile, lawyers in the UAE have warned the public not to allow private tutoring in their homes as this violates precautionary measures implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19. According to Arabic media, lawyers said that private tutoring sessions are illegal and punishable by fines of between Dh20,000 to Dh30,000.  They explained that a teacher would breach social-distancing rules by visiting students in different houses, which could in turn lead to the coronavirus spreading. One lawyer, Hadiya Hamad, said: "Private tutoring sessions are illegal according to Covid-19 precautionary measures. Teachers who provide private classes might be fined by up to Dh30,000."

It was also announced yesterday that health authorities in Abu Dhabi are taking extra steps to ensure safety not only for patients but for medical professionals, too. Sustainable actions taken fall in line with the World Health Organisation's theme for this year's World Patient Safety Day, 'Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety'. The Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company (Seha), the largest healthcare network in the country, has been taking comprehensive measures to support its employees in dealing with the challenges and risks arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, acting group chief operations officer at Seha, said: "Our employees play an important role in providing services to the community.