The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Tuesday reported 674 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 654 recoveries. Two deaths were also reported.

Nearly 87,000 new Covid-19 tests were carried out, the ministry added. So far, nearly 8.3 million Covid-19 tests have been carried out across the country.

In a breakthrough announcement yesterday, the health ministry gave an "emergency approval" for use of a Covid-19 vaccine that's being trialled here. The vaccine will be available to the frontline workers who are at the highest risk of contracting the virus, a minister announced. This will protect them from any dangers. "The vaccine emergency approval for use is fully aligned with regulations and laws which permit (an) accelerated authorisation process," said Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, during a virtual Press briefing on Monday.

Meanwhile, a bridegroom was among four people arrested in the UAE after videos of parties showing their guests flouting Covid-19 safety rules went viral. All four of them face thousands of dirhams in fines. The Asian bridegroom was arrested in Ras Al Khaimah after videos showed him and his guests ignoring all safety measures like social distancing and mask use. In Dubai, a disc jockey, the manager of a tourism company and its marketing manager were held for organising a party for over 100 guests in a closed space. The bridegroom took to social media to post videos of his wedding reception at a banquet hall. "The videos show how the guests turned a blind eye to the preventive measures to stay safe from Covid-19," a source said.

With gatherings blamed for 88 per cent of the recent surge in daily Covid-19 cases, authorities have stepped up inspections across the country. Thousands of fines and warnings have been issued against commercial establishments and residents for failing to ensure safety. Several stores at malls and markets were ordered shut, while some establishments lost their operating permits.

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