Web Report

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Thursday reported 614 cases of the Covid-19, along with 639 recoveries. No death was reported.

Nearly 68,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, taking the total to over 7.2 million tests so far.

Yesterday, 735 cases were reported in the country, the highest in 99 days, with 883 cases having been reported on May 27.

Following the recent spike in positive cases, Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, spokesperson for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, had said authorities would seek to contain the virus in localised hotspots, instead of imposing nationwide restrictions.

He also suggested that the increase could lead to the return of the National Sterilisation Programme, which would restrict residents’ movement, especially at night, as streets and public facilities are sanitised. Doctors said that though the possibility of a second wave of restrictions is premature at this point, it is “undeniable” that the virus has been infecting more people again.

The UAE has announced that medical equipment like disposable suits, hand sanitisers, face masks, respirators for air purification and gloves will be subject to zero-rated value-added tax (VAT) in the UAE. A resolution stipulating this was adopted by the UAE Cabinet on Tuesday to mitigate the repercussions of Covid-19 and support the healthcare sector in the country.