The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on Saturday reported 1,491 cases of the Covid-19 coronavirus, along with 1,826 recoveries. No new deaths were reported.

As many as 124,404 new Covid-19 tests were carried out in the country, the ministry said.

The UAE has conducted over 12.22 million tests till date as part of the country's massive screening programmes to combat the spread of Covid-19. However, with a spike in Covid-19 cases in recent days, the ministry has urged the public to follow all preventive guidelines. The country has been reporting 1,000-plus cases since October 6.

Experts have been stressing that getting a jab against influenza has become more important in the time of Covid. According to doctors, the demand for the seasonal flu shot has surged like never before. Families, office-goers and the elderly are all queued up for vaccination appointments. Residents’ increasing awareness of the importance of protecting oneself from viral infections has led to a spike in demand.

Recently, the UAE granted approval for the emergency use of the Covid-19 vaccine that is being trialled here. The vaccine, developed by China's Sinopharm, is being administered to frontline heroes. Even as doctors in the UAE pin hopes on two Covid-19 vaccines being trialled in the country, they have cautioned residents against relying solely on them. It will take time for the masses to get immunised if and when a vaccine is approved, they said, urging residents to not lower their guards.