Six new cases of coronavirus, COVID-19, have been announced in pro cycling, all of which have been detected during testing carried out at UAE Tour.
Last week the final two stages of the race were cancelled
after it was announced two staff members from UAE Team Emirates had tested
positive for the virus.
And this evening, Tuesday, some five days after the last racing action at the shortened UAE Tour, the organisers said six new cases had been found, bringing to eight the number of cases detected at the race.
While most of the teams have left Abu Dhabi, those teams staying on the same floors of hotels as UAE Team Emirates have been forced to remain behind for a quarantine period and further testing.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention in Abu Dhabi said
the eight people now confirmed with the condition were being monitored and
cared for by medical staff.
Advertisement
UAE Tour did not specify if the six new cases were detected in riders or staff.
However, they said they all stemmed from contact with the two UAE Team Emirates staff members confirmed last week as having the virus.
Related News
“The six (new) individuals diagnosed with the new coronavirus include two Russians, two Italians, one German and one Colombian,” a statement released by UAE Tour said.
“The patients were connected to the two previously announced cases associated with the cycling event, the UAE Tour.
“(The Ministry of Health and Prevention in Abu Dhabi) confirmed that the cases are being monitored, and individuals are currently in a stable condition and are receiving all necessary health care required.”
In its statement, the Ministry said: "All individuals within the two quarantined hotels that had no direct contact with athletes and their administrative teams were examined, and that those that tested negative for the coronavirus were allowed to leave the hotel premises."
Individuals currently quarantined would be "re-examined and tested for the virus to ensure their utmost safety”.
The Ministry added that disinfection and sterilisation procedures would be carried out for all buildings, utilities and vehicles.
It also "continues to adhere to principles of transparency in its dealings with all cases related to the emergence of COVID-19 since its outbreak in China”.
It added all concerned authorities in the UAE have joined forces to monitor the situation, and prevent the further spread of coronavirus.
Topics
