Coronavirus: UAE reports highest COVID-19 cases since May with 883 infections, 2 dead

The United Arab Emirates reported a jump in coronavirus cases with 883 new infections detected on Wednesday, health authorities announced on Twitter, amid fears that the country is experiencing a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The increase marks the highest single day increase in COVID-19 cases since May, and the fourth highest on record, following May 19, 20, and 21 at the peak of the first wave of the pandemic.

The Ministry of Health also reported two new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the death toll to 393.

Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.

Is the UAE experiencing a second wave of coronavirus?

The jump in cases comes after a more gradual rise in daily infection rates since the end of August.

On August 31, the number of new cases rose above 500 and has stayed there since, with the exception of September 7, when only 470 new cases were recorded.

On Tuesday, the country recorded 644 new infections and one new death.

Authorities have warned that irresponsible behavior and social gatherings have spurred the infection rate.

A single person infected 45 others with COVID-19, one of whom died from the disease, according to UAE government spokesperson Omar al-Hammadi said on Tuesday.

However, increased testing may also be linked to the rise in infection rate, as the country continues to open new testing facilities, including two new free testing centers in the northern emirate of Fujairah.

The latest number comes after authorities conducted 85,917 tests, with future expansions planned.

The UAE also has a high recovery rate (90 percent) and low death rate (0.5 percent), noted al-Hammadi on Tuesday.

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