Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi extends lockdown, bans movement in and out of city

Abu Dhabi has extended by one week the ban on movement in and out of the capital and between cities within the emirate starting from Tuesday, June 9, in its efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Monday.

Abu Dhabi first applied the ban for a week from June 2 to curb the spread of the pandemic.

 “Abu Dhabi Emergency and Crisis Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police and DOH, have announced that the Abu Dhabi movement ban is to be extended by one week, starting tomorrow, Tuesday 9 June,” the capital’s media office tweeted.

The statement added that in line with the expansion of the National Screening Program in the emirate, movement between regions within Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and Al-Dhafrah) as well as in and out of the capital, is banned for one additional week, starting from Tuesday, June 9.

This means that residents, including UAE's citizens of other emirates will be unable to enter Abu Dhabi, while Abu Dhabi residents will be unable to leave.

“This step aims to enhance the effectiveness of the expanded National Screening Programme, among a series of precautionary and preventative measures being taken to reduce contact, curb the spread of Covid-19, and protect the health and safety of all community members,” according to the statement.

It said exemptions are available by special permit for employees in vital sectors, chronic disease patients visiting hospitals and the transportation of necessary goods. Movement within each region is allowed in line with National Sterilisation Program hours.

Earlier on Monday, the UAE reported 568 new coronavirus cases and five new coronavirus-related deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the ministry of health.