Like many countries around the world, the United Arab Emirates is also seeing a jump in COVID-19 cases after the pandemic situation seemed under control. The UAE has now warned its residents and citizens to abide by rules and restrictions that are in place to prevent a second wave of the virus.
On Thursday, the UAE’s daily tally of infections hit 930 – a five-fold increase from a month ago when the nation saw 179 cases on August 10.
"This is the highest number recorded in four months," said Farida al-Hosani, spokeswoman for the Emirates' health sector, in a televised conference. "Those who violate the preventive measures in place, whether an individual, shops, or restaurants, will be held accountable."
According to data, 12% of cases are among those returning to the UAE from abroad despite these people carrying COVID-negative tests from their port of departure.
The remaining cases are those who have been infected due to social events, contact in the workplace, or other gatherings.
Hosani said that the increase in cases is because people are not following social distancing, not wearing masks and gathering in large numbers in homes, shops and restaurants.
The UAE, which went into lockdown in March, has seen an easing of restrictions in the last couple of months with Dubai mostly open for business and tourism. The UAE is also hosting the Indian Premier League this year with matches scheduled to be held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.