UAE fights coronavirus: Abu Dhabi movement ban may be extended

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The extension decision will be announced based on the results of the first week.

by

Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Wed 3 Jun 2020, 11:38 AM

Last updated: Wed 7 Dec 2022, 2:55 PM

The week-long movement ban in Abu Dhabi, which started on Tuesday to combat the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, might be extended for up to two weeks depending on the Covid-19 screening results, according to Abu Dhabi Police.

Major General Maktoum Al Sharifi, General Director of Abu Dhabi Police, said in an interview with a local television channel that the decision to ban the movement in and out of Abu Dhabi as well as between the emirate's regions, which started on June 2, might be extended to 10 days or for another one week based on the results from the national survey and the screening programme being carried out in the emirate.


"The extension decision will be made by the Abu Dhabi Emergency and Crisis Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic based on the results of the first week," he said.

The movement restrictions on entering and exiting Abu Dhabi and between its regions was imposed to ensure mass Covid-19 testing to contain the spread of the virus.


"Special permits are provided for employees in vital sectors, chronic disease patients visiting hospitals, passengers traveling to airports and the transportation of necessary goods," said Al Sharifi

He noted that 90 per cent of the citizens and residents are following the directives and precautions implemented by the authorities to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.

On Wednesday, Abu Dhabi Police issued a statement urging people to adhere to the instructions issued regarding adhering to the movement ban in order to avoid traffic congestion at the security checkpoints on the roads of entering the emirate.

Police had set up 12 checkpoints at various entrances of the emirates to implement the travel ban.

"We ask members of the community to avoid travel between cities until the completion of National Screening Programme," said police.

People have been reminded to apply for movement permits on the Abu Dhabi Police website before planning to travel in and out of Abu Dhabi emirate.

Travel ban will support success of screening programme

Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi has explained that the temporary movement restrictions in Abu Dhabi will support the success of the expanded National Screening Programme to include high-density areas, in order to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Al Kaabi said government efforts are being made in a systematic way combining all the efforts of the relevant entities.

"As you know, we have started the National Screening Programme. And in order to execute it more effectively, we have to make a sacrifice," Al Kaabi said in a video released by the Abu Dhabi Media office.

"Movement between regions of Abu Dhabi emirate will play a significant role in the screening process for all the targeted areas to help carry out as effectively as possible to ensure the safety of all residents in high-density areas. It will also provide a clear picture on how Covid-19 is spreading in these areas so as to control the spread."

Al Kaabi has called upon all community members to adhere to health measures and precautions when visiting shopping malls at this time.

"It is very important to adhere to the the health measures and precautions when visiting shopping malls at this time. We have to do this to achieve our target objective which is the health and safety of all community members," he said.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com


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