W Abu Dhabi and Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi were being used by teams taking part in the UAE Tour
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island hotel and neighbouring Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi were both closed off on Friday.
The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island hotel remains on temporary lockdown, as testing continues for suspected coronavirus among guests.
The hotel and neighbouring Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi were both closed off on Friday after fears professional cyclists taking part in the UAE Tour, who were staying at the properties, may have interacted two Italian staff members that tested positive for the virus.
According to reports, guests at the hotels included the 140 cyclists from the event, which was cancelled on Thursday with two stages still to compete.
Journalists covering the event were also part of the visiting party and are understood to be awaiting clearance to leave.
A spokesperson for W Abu Dhabi said: “As per directions from the authorities, some guests at the hotel were cleared to leave the property following their results from the screening. All other guests remain in the hotel pending their screening results and clearance from the authorities.”
Guests arriving at the hotel are being rebooked to other Marriott International hotels in the city with options to cancel or amend their booking.
The spokesperson added: “The safety and well-being of our guests and associates is of paramount importance to us and we continue to comply with the direction provided by the authorities.
“We will resume normal operations as soon we have clearance from the authorities.”
Britain’s Chris Froome was among the cyclists headed home along with members of his Team Ineos, who tweeted: “All our riders and staff now leaving UAE after being given the all clear. Thank you to all those who have helped us and looked after the Team over recent days.”
However, France’s Cofidis rider Nathan Haas tweeted that “our team is required to stay longer”.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi has been contacted for comment.
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