Ban on movement in Abu Dhabi to ensure mass Covid-19 testing

Mass testing is a key pillar of Abu Dhabi's strategy to contain the spread of Covid-19 through the National Screening Programme, a senior government official has said.

Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) said on May 31 that with the expansion of the project to include high-density areas, and to ensure that the largest possible number of the emirate's population is reached as quickly as possible, they had to ban the movement between cities and reduce contact as much as possible.

Abu Dhabi authorities had earlier on Sunday announced that movement in and out of Abu Dhabi as well as between the emirate's regions of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafrah was banned for a week, from June 2, as authorities continue to fight the spread of Covid-19.

"The goal of this temporary ban is to ensure the success of all efforts to fight this virus so that life can return to its natural course," Abu Dhabi Media Office quoted Al Hamed.

"I extend my sincere thanks to the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 Pandemic, because it has eased restrictions on some activities to give the residents of each region various entertainment options during this period."

Officials said all measures implemented by Abu Dhabi government departments are part of a series of preventative and precautionary measures to reduce contact and maintain the health and safety of all community members.