Number of active cases in the UAE continues to fall

The UAE recorded 1,311 new Covid- 19 cases on Thursday, taking the total number of infections to 198,435.

Another 1,495 patients were given the all- clear and the recovery tally climbed to 174,479. Almost 88 per cent of all cases since January have ended in recovery.

The latest infections were detected after 145,523 tests were carried out.

Officials said two patients died of health complications, taking the death toll to 647. The UAE’s coronavirus death rate is 0.3 per cent – one of the lowest in the world.

Active cases decreased for the third consecutive day on Thursday, with 23,309 people currently with the virus.

Almost 19.9 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out across the country as part of a robust screening campaign.

Dubai authorised the use of the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine and a free inoculation campaign began on Wednesday.

The first phase of the campaign will involve four categories. First, Emiratis and residents aged 60 and above, those with chronic diseases and people with disabilities.

Secondly, front-line workers in both the public and private sectors, followed by workers in essential sectors.

Finally, those members of the general public who wish to be vaccinated

It is available by appointment at six health centres: Zabeel Primary Healthcare Centre, Al Mizhar Primary Healthcare Centre, Nad Al Hamar Primary Healthcare Centre, Barsha Primary Healthcare Centre, Uptown Mirdif Medical Fitness Centre and Hatta Hospital.

The Sinopharm vaccine is available across the Emirates.

This vaccine uses a killed version of the virus to prompt an immune response from its recipient.

It is administered in two doses over 28 days and is 86 per cent effective, according to UAE regulators.

It is available at all clinics run by Abu Dhabi’s public health operator, Seha, and at hospitals run by the private company VPS Healthcare.

NMC Health is also offering the vaccine at 11 hospitals in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

In Dubai, residents can be inoculated with the vaccine at Dubai Parks and Resorts field hospital near Jebel Ali.