ABU DHABI: Sports officials in the Emirates have canceled the final two stages of UAE Tour cycling event has been cancelled with two stages remaining after two Italian “staff members” tested positive for coronavirus.
“Two Italian staff members of one of the teams participating in the UAE Tour have tested positive for the coronavirus,” the UAE Tour declared on Twitter.
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council announced the cancelation late Thursday.
The council also said the decision had been made to ensure the safety of all the cyclists and teams, which it described as a priority.
The UAE’s ministry of health and prevention said all riders, administrative staff and organisers will be examined through “continuous periodic screening” and quarantine measures will be taken to “curb the spread of its outbreak”.
It also said all precautionary measures related to quarantine were taken to prevent the spread of the virus.
The hotel hosting the riders, the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, was sealed off on Thursday evening with riders, staff and members of the media not allowed to leave pending their check-ups.
Italian media reported on Twitter the arrival of medical units at the team hotel.
Multiple Tour de France winner Chris Froome tweeted his disappointment at the news, but wished all those affected a “speedy recovery.”
The new coronavirus COVID-19 has infected more than 80,000 people worldwide – including dozens in the Middle East – and killed more than 2,800, mostly in China.
