Abu Dhabi movement ban to remain in place for another week due to coronavirus threat

Abu Dhabi will remain under lockdown for another week due to the continued threat of coronavirus, authorities announced late Monday.

The movement into, out of, and within Abu Dhabi emirate will be restricted to those with special exemptions such as key workers.

Residents and citizens can leave their homes but will not be able to leave their city or town and must remain indoors between 10pm and 6am.

Abu Dhabi is also conducting a widescale testing programme to coincide with the curfew measures.

"[It] aims to enhance the effectiveness of the expanded National Screening Programme, among a series of precautionary and preventive measures being taken to reduce contact, curb the spread of Covid-19, and protect the health and safety of all community members," the Abu Dhabi Media Office tweeted on Monday.

The lockdown measures began on 2 June, and comes as other emirates - such as Dubai - begin to ease lockdowns and encourage businesses to resume normal operations.

Last week, malls in Dubai were given permission to operate at 100 percent capacity, although social distancing measures will remain in place.

The easing of lockdown measures have coincided with the continued spread of coronvirus, with 568 new cases reported in the UAE on Monday, including five deaths.

But the country has been concerned with the economic hit of the lockdown measures, particularly the tourism sector.

Around 70 percent of Dubai businesses believe they will not survive the next six months given the current economic climate.

The UAE has recorded 39,376 cases of coronavirus and 281 Covid-related deaths.