Authorities in Abu Dhabi close eight businesses for Covid-19 breaches

Unspecified number of staff also tested positive for the virus

Residents wear face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Qasr Al Watan presidential palace reopened to public tours with strict Covid-19 measures in place. Victor Besa / The National

A Covid-19 safety sign outside a shop at Al Qahirah Street, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A swing is cordoned off along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, as part of Covid-19 precautionary measures. Victor Besa / The National

A sign advising the public of measures against Covid-19, on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors arriving at Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island are reminded of precautions against Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Louvre Abu Dhabi visitors adhere to measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

A technician carries out tests for Covid-19 at MenaLabs Medical Laboratory in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Authorities in Abu Dhabi closed at least eight industrial businesses for breaching Covid-19 rules while some staff tested positive for the virus.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development announced the move on Thursday but did not name the businesses.

Staff who tested positive were quarantined and the businesses can restart activities once all employees are clear of the virus.

Mohammed Al Mansouri, executive director of the Industrial Development Bureau, said owners had a duty of care to follow rules and protect their staff.

Regular field visits are being conducted to ensure compliance with the rules.

The UAE reported 2,742 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, taking the total number of infections to 402,205.

There are 13,641 active cases in the country. New infections have exceeded recoveries for a week.