UAE reports 1,931 infections as tests exceed 40 million

The UAE reported 1,931 new coronavirus cases yesterday, as new infections exceeded the number of recoveries for the first time since March 13.

New cases took the country’s tally to 481,937.

Another 1,833 people beat the virus, increasing the recovery total to 466,804.

The death toll is now 1,529 after three people died in the 24-hour reporting period.

The number of tests carried out since the outbreak began passed 40 million yesterday. This was achieved after an additional 237,130 tests were conducted.

The number of active cases in the Emirates increased to 13,604 because new infections slightly outstripped recoveries.

However, case numbers have steadily declined in recent weeks, after hovering above 3,000 during February and the first half of March.

The UAE reported a record 3,977 daily cases on February 3.

Daily infection rates were below 2,000 in four of the past five days.

Infection figures have remained less than 2,500 per day since March 7.

There has also been a fall in daily death rates, which peaked at 20 on February 3.

In the past seven days, 25 deaths were recorded.

Authorities have cited mass testing and a widespread vaccination campaign as key to overcoming the pandemic.

The cost of PCR tests has dropped significantly during the pandemic.

A nasal swab test typically cost Dh370 ($100) in the early stages of the outbreak, but is now available for as little as Dh65 in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE administered another 51,471 doses of vaccine to the public yesterday. This took the overall figure to 8,975,014.

Emirates airline operated a special flight with only vaccinated passengers and crew on board yesterday to highlight the success of the country’s inoculation efforts.

The short flight left Dubai International Airport at noon and returned at about 2.30pm.

Tickets for the flight were Dh1,000 for economy and Dh2,000 for business class.

All proceeds will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, a non-profit charity that supports projects aimed at improving the quality of life for disadvantaged children.

Passengers were required to present their passports or Emirates IDs, as well as vaccination certificates. They were to be provided with pre-departure rapid testing and had to abide by physical distancing protocols and wear masks throughout the journey.