The UAE detected 1,078 new Covid-19 infections on Saturday – making it the fourth consecutive day that the country recorded more than 1,000 cases. An additional 98,168 coronavirus tests have also been carried out. The new cases raised the UAE's total to 90,618 since January. Officials said 882 patients recovered from the virus, adding to a recovery tally of 79,676. And two patients died of complications related to the coronavirus, raising the death toll to 411. The number of people currently battling the virus across the country is 10,531. More than 9.3 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out across the Emirates since the outbreak, as part of the country's early testing strategy aimed at preventing further spread. At the weekend, the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi said religious leaders in the capital could now be tested for Covid-19 for free. The ruling was made to support places of worship in their implementation of precautionary measures to protect public health and safety. The exemption is part of guidelines for the reopening of places of worship. These also include a maximum capacity of 30 per cent and ensuring that worshippers follow all precautionary measures. Mosques, temples and churches across the country were closed on March 16 to slow the spread of Covid-19. <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/coronavirus-heavy-disinfection-at-uae-mosques-before-july-1-reopening-1.1041721">Several places of worship reopened in early July</a> but some churches reopened later as they awaited clarity about receiving the communion. Last month, admission to places of worship extended to children and the elderly, who were previously prevented from attending services for their safety. The department has issued a manual to mosques, temples and churches to guide the gradual return of worshippers. The <em>Gradual Return Back To Life</em> guide includes procedures that must be followed, including organised entry and exit points according to the permitted capacity. Safety regulations remain in place across the country to prevent case numbers from rising. A campaign to ensure compliance with the measures is under way with fines being issued for anyone found breaking the rules. At the weekend, Dubai Economy fined 14 businesses and warned five other shops for breaching physical distancing protocols. The companies that fell foul of inspectors included retail outlets, medical supply firms and money exchanges in Ayal Nasir, Al Daghaya, Al Khabaisi, Riggat Al Buteen, and Al Garhoud. In Ajman, three restaurants were ordered to close by officials from the emirate's Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management team for not complying with safety measures. "Authorities will not tolerate anyone who does not abide by the specified requirements and procedures,” a representative said.
