Coronavirus: travel to and from Abu Dhabi prohibited

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In the United Arab Emirates, there are 34,557 Covid-19 contaminations and 264 illness-related deaths have been reported by the authorities. To counter the spread of the virus in this Gulf country, the Abu Dhabi Committee on Emergencies and Crisis Management announced Sunday a ban on entering and leaving the UAE capital.

Publicity

From our correspondent in Dubai ,  Nicolas Keraudren

The measure will come into effect on Tuesday, June 2, for a week. The ban on travel to and from the emirate of Abu Dhabi and its regions - Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafrah and Al Ain - is a surprise to residents of the United Arab Emirates.

For several weeks, travel restriction measures have indeed been relaxed in the federation of seven micro-states. In Abu Dhabi, shopping centers, restaurants but also museums have been authorized to reopen under certain conditions.

Limiting the spread of the disease

But only the number of Covid-19 positive cases continues to increase steadily. This Monday, June 1, the UAE authorities announced 661 new virus infections and two new deaths.

The travel ban therefore aims to limit the spread of the disease in the country. It concerns all residents, including nationals of the United Arab Emirates. Exemptions will however be granted to employees in so-called " vital  " sectors  , but also to patients suffering from chronic diseases and whose treatment depends on hospitals in the UAE capital.

► Also read: Gulf monarchies and the coronavirus

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