The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 421 new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, along with 490 new recoveries. As many as 63,000 new COVID-19 tests have been carried out, the ministry said. One new death has also been reported. In a major announcement on Monday, the UAE announced that mosques and other places of worship will reopen at 30 percent capacity. However, Friday prayers will remain suspended. A spokesperson for the National Crisis & Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) added that certain mosques in industrial areas, labor residential areas, shopping malls and public parks will remain closed until further notice. The ministry once again highlighted its aim to expand the scope of testing nationwide, to facilitate the early detection of COVID-19 cases and carry out the necessary treatment. Over the past few days, many hospitals in the country were declared corona-free after discharging their recovered patients. While Dubai has reopened most of its economy, Abu Dhabi has maintained a ban on coming in to the emirate. All UAE public sector employees will be returning to work from July 5, according to an announcement on Monday. — Agencies
