Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi bans movement between emirate's regions as mall capacity rises

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - Travel in and out of Abu Dhabi, as well as within the emirate's regions, will be banned for a week, starting Tuesday, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Authorities announced the new measure on Sunday, saying movement within the emirate's individual regions - Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain and Al Dhafra - will be permitted but residents and Emiratis will not be able to travel between these regions.

The measure also includes restrictions on entering and leaving Abu Dhabi emirate.

Abu Dhabi Emergency and Crisis Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Health, said the restriction would remain in place for one week.

The emirate's stay home order will remain between 10pm to 6am, while the national disinfection drive is under way.

The committee said the ban applies to all residents, including Emiratis, but would allow exemptions by special permit for employees of vital sectors, people with chronic diseases visiting hospital and the transportation of necessary goods.

A statement carried by Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said the move would help "enhance the effectiveness of the National Screening Programme" - a drive to increase Covid-19 testing among Abu Dhabi residents and citizens.

"This step ... is in line with 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," authorities said.

The announcement came as the committee raised capacity limits in malls, restaurants, hotel beaches and museums to 40 per cent, from 30 per cent, starting Monday.

The committee said public beaches would remain closed but individual outdoor sports practiced in open spaces, including horse riding, cricket, cycling, golf, sailing and racquet sports, will be allowed for people aged between 12 to 60, starting Monday too.