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Coronavirus has hit the Middle East, with two people testing positive for the virus in Abu Dhabi. They are reported to both be Italian. According to state-run media, two hotels are now in lockdown as authorities look to contain the spread of the virus.

READ MORE Coronavirus flights: Experts explain passenger rights The reports come UAE news agency WAM, who say that guests at the two hotels “interacted with two Italians diagnosed with coronavirus” have been placed under an emergency quarantine. Other people who also interacted with the two sufferers on Yas island have been isolated at home according to the health department of Abu Dhabi. The two Italians received their positive test results on Thursday. A spokeswoman for the Marriot-owned Abu Dhabi confirmed to the BBC that it had been placed under a “temporary lockdown”. READ MORE: Coronavirus Italy MAP: The 11 towns Britons banned from travelling to

Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi has been hit by two people testing positive for the virus

Coronavirus: Medical staff have appeared at the hotel to test guests

All guests in the hotel are now undergoing a screening process. The W spokeswomen added: “The safety and well-being of our guests is of paramount importance to us and we will comply with the direction provided by the authorities." It is thought that both hotels had been hosting cyclists and crew for the UAE Tour race. Reports circulating state that the Italians were part of race staff. According to BBC Sport riders at the event, including Britain's Chris Froome, are now being tested for the virus. DON'T MISS

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The event’s organises have since confirmed the next stages of the race will no longer go ahead. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has now updated its travel advice to the UAE. The FCO said: "There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, but cases have been confirmed in other countries, including in the UAE. "The authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the local authorities. "Some flights to and from the United Arab Emirates have been suspended and you should check with your airline before travelling. "Further information on coronavirus, including advice on preparing for foreign travel and helping reduce the spread of the virus, is available from Public Health England and on the TravelHealthPro website."

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Coronavirus: The virus has now infected two more people in Abu Dhabi

READ MORE Coronavirus UK outbreak: Crisis erupts as three more infected The news follows the quarantine of a hotel in Tenerife, Canary Islands, where hotel guests have been placed under lockdown after an Italian guest was taken to hospital suffering from symptoms. He and his wife both tested positive for the deadly virus. Hotel guests were informed they would not be allowed to leave when a notice was posted under their bedroom doors. Hotel guests staying at the H1 Costa Adeje Palace in Tenerife will remain under quarantine until the middle of March. Over 100 tourists staying at the hotel have been told they can not leave “until the sanitary authorities warn.” Italy has become one of the worst affected regions outside of Asia, with the number of sufferers rapidly soaring day-on-day. At the time of writing there are 655 confirmed cases in the country. While 45 patients are said to have recovered, 17 have lost their lives.

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Coronavirus: Hotel guests are now under lockdown