The <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/uae/" target="_blank">UAE</a> reported 261 new cases of <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/covid/" target="_blank">Covid-19</a> on Saturday, bringing the total number of infections recorded since the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/health/coronavirus-uae-records-first-case-1.971253" target="_blank">pandemic began</a> to 898,571. Another 315 people beat the virus in the 24-hour reporting period, raising the recovery tally to 881,831. No coronavirus-related deaths have been reported since March, meaning the toll remains at 2,302. The latest cases were identified from 254,436 PCR tests. More than 155 million tests have been carried out. Mass testing and one of the world's fastest vaccination drives have helped the UAE to limit the effects of the pandemic. Authorities have said 100 per cent of the eligible population in the UAE received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, with 97.68 per cent fully vaccinated. Residents are, meanwhile, celebrating the first <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/eid-al-fitr/" target="_blank">Eid Al Fitr</a> without major Covid-19 restrictions since 2019 with many taking the opportunity to travel abroad. But health officials have <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/04/30/eid-holiday-take-a-covid-test-if-you-travel-abroad-uae-health-official-advises/" target="_blank">urged people</a> to remain vigilant and also advised those travelling to take a PCR test after returning. Dr Shereena Al Mazrouei, department manager of health promotion at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, told <i>The National </i>that although it was not mandatory, this was good practice, particularly if people lived with an elderly or high-risk family member. "We know this is a long Eid break," said Dr Al Mazrouei. "People may travel, go to the mall or go to an event – especially those who have been isolated for so long. But we should not disregard the ability of people who are coming from abroad or an event to bring the infection."
