Coronavirus: UAE reports lowest daily cases in the past year

Follow the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic here

The UAE recorded 725 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, the country's lowest in the past year.

Daily infections have dropped consistently over the past few weeks and cases have remained below 1,000 for 19 days in a row.

The last time daily infections were lower was on September 8, 2020, when 644 positive tests were reported.

The latest infections were identified from 298,919 PCR tests, bringing the total to more than 77.9 million conducted since the beginning of the outbreak.

Health officials said 945 beat the virus in the past 24 hours, pushing the total recoveries to 719,163.

Two people died due to underlying health conditions in the 24-hour reporting period, pushing the death toll to 2,062.

There are 7,041 active cases in the country.

The UAE will allow the return of all those with a valid residence visa from September 12, provided they have a vaccine recognised by the World Health Organisation.

The move includes those coming from countries previously on a suspension list, and those who stayed abroad for more than six months.

The latest change opens up travel to residence visa holders from listed countries not vaccinated in the Emirates.

The decision covers passengers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

Authorities stressed the previous rules for unvaccinated, including exempted categories, remain in place.