Coronavirus: UAE reports 640 Covid-19 cases, 468 recoveries, no deaths

The authorities urged the public to avoid social gatherings and follow social distancing guidelines.

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Sunday reported 640 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 468 recoveries. No deaths were reported.
More than 84,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out in the country, the ministry added.

With the UAE recording a sharp spike in the number of daily Covid-19 cases, authorities have stressed that the community must renew its commitment to precautionary measures and not let the efforts of the government and frontline workers go to waste.

The daily cases crossed the 1,000 mark for the first time, with the country reporting 1,007 infections on Saturday. The next highest of 994 cases was recorded over 100 days ago on May 22. On Saturday, there were 521 new recoveries and one death with active cases count climbing to 9,467.

A top official said recently that cases have seen a five-fold surge since August 10. A worrying 88 per cent of the increase has been attributed to gatherings like parties and condolence meetings.

Some reckless residents are flouting the rules and bragging about it, too, putting their lives and those of others in danger. The Dubai Police on Saturday arrested a Covid-infected young man and fined him Dh50,000 for breaking home quarantine rules. He posted a video showing himself grabbing a cup of coffee. He faces an additional fine of up to Dh1 million for encouraging violation of the laws with a video.

With some firms failing to ensure social distancing, authorities across the country are cracking the whip with closure orders and hefty fines. On Saturday, Dubai announced the closure of a crowded cafe; Ras Al Khaimah ordered the closure of a wedding hall; and the Dibba Al Fujairah Municipality shut down 12 facilities for failing to comply with the precautionary and preventive measures.

• Dubai