UAE sounds warning after virus cases jump five-fold

The United Arab Emirates says that daily coronavirus cases have jumped five-fold compared with a month ago, and warns residents and citizens to abide by measures designed to curb the disease.

The daily tally of cases hit 930 on Thursday, said Farida al-Hosani, spokeswoman for the Emirates’ health sector, compared with 179 on August 10.

“This is the highest number recorded in four months,” she says during a televised conference. “Those who violate the preventive measures in place, whether an individual, shops, or restaurants, will be held accountable.”

Hosani said 12 percent of cases were among residents or citizens returning to the UAE from abroad, even though they received negative tests from their destination countries — which are a requirement for entry.

The remainder of the cases were among those infected as a result of social events, contact in the workplace, or other gatherings.

— AFP