Coronavirus: Movement restrictions in Abu Dhabi an important step, says official

Matar Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Public Health and director of the Crisis and Emergency Department at the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, spoke about the importance of the movement restrictions in providing a comprehensive view of Covid-19 cases in different areas and in curbing the spread of the virus.

The week-long movement restrictions on entering and exiting Abu Dhabi and travelling between its regions started on June 2 to ensure mass Covid-19 testing so as to contain the spread of the virus.

"Our goal at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre is to protect all members of the community. Regarding the movement restrictions between the regions of the emirate, it is very important to have a comprehensive view of the Covid-19 cases in the aforementioned areas and to curb the spread of the virus in other places," Al Nuaimi said in a statement issued by the Abu Dhabi Media Office on Thursday.

"Easing the restrictions on commercial activities does not mean easing preventative measures. What is important is to fully adhere to the preventive measures so that we can overcome the pandemic."

He advised all community members to use the AlHosn app. "I hope everyone can download the app and use it to share the necessary information to the community," said Al Nuaimi.

Earlier this week, Dr Jamal Al Kaabi, acting undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, had explained that the temporary ban will enable authorities to test the largest number of people. "The movement ban between regions of Abu Dhabi will play a significant role in the screening process for all the targeted areas. This will ensure efficiency and 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 its spread.