The remaining stages of the 2020 UAE Tour have been cancelled by the race's Higher Organizing Committee after two Italian staff members of one of the teams participating in the UAE Tour tested positive for the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19. 

The press office of the UAE Tour issued the following statement on Friday morning, preceding the expected start of stage 6:

"The decision has been taken to ensure protection of all the Race's participants," said the Higher Organizing Committee, adding that "safety comes at the top of all priorities."

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention said that all the Race's participants, administrative staff and organizers will be examined through the continuous periodic screening being conducted, and all needed procedures, including quarantine measures, will be taken to ensure viral suppression and curb the spread of its outbreak in coordination with all health and other authorities concerned in the country.

The ministry added that all the necessary precautions to ensure highly efficient preventive measures are being taken, including check-ups and observation of people in contact with patients, to guarantee the protection of the society and its safety and preserve public trust.

Following the cancellation of the last two stages of the 2020 UAE Tour, the race organization and commissaires panel confirmed that the final results of the race are those obtained after stage 5, as per article 2.2.029 of the UCI Code.

FloBikes senior producer Ian Dille and international correspondent Gregor Brown are currently in Abu Dhabi providing on-site coverage of the UAE Tour in coordination with FloBikes' broadcast of the race in the U.S. and Canada. 

FloBikes will provide updates as this story develops.