The UAE recorded 842 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday after conducting 93,682 tests. Another 821 patients recovered from the virus while one died as a result of related complications. The latest figures brought the country's tallies to 81,782 diagnosed cases, 71,456 recoveries and 402 deaths. The number of active cases currently stands at 9,924 with 87 per cent of cases to date ending in recovery. Almost 8.4 million tests have been carried out across the country since the first cases were announced in late January. The number of daily infections have been steadily rising over the past month. After a record low of 164 new cases on August 3, the UAE reported its highest number of daily infections on September 12 (1,007). Officials said the surge in cases was a result of non-compliance with safety measures. As a result, authorities began a major campaign against anyone breaching Covid-19 protocols. On Wednesday, Dubai Economy fines 12 businesses and warned five others for offending Covid-19 safety rules. Inspections were held at commercial establishments, including retail outlets in various shopping centres, sewing and embroidery shops, and fitness centres in Wadi Al Safa 7, Al Hebiah Second, and Al Rashidiya. The majority of the fines were issued because employees were not wearing face masks nor physical distancing. Inspection at fitness centres were held in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council. Warnings were issued to five other businesses for not placing physical distancing stickers to prompt staff and the public, as required. Overall, inspections found that 767 shops and commercial establishments were in full compliance with precautionary measures. Last week, several restaurants and shops were shut down in the city after crowds flocked to take advantage of free meal offers and cut-price sales. A video widely circulated online showed shoppers spilling out onto the street during a flash sale at discount store Day-to-Day,. The store was promptly hit with a Dh50,000 fine and closed as Dubai Economy, which regulates trading standards, said it would not be “lenient in any way” with retailers who break social-distancing measures.
