UPDATED: The final two stages of the UAE tour have been cancelled after two Italian staff members of participating teams were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-19, a coronavirus that has infected more than 80,000 people worldwide and killed about 3,000.

The race venue, the Crowne Royal Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, was sealed off late Thursday, and riders, staff, and journalists were not allowed out until health checks were completed.

"The Abu Dhabi Sports Council has cancelled the remaining rounds of the 2020 UAE Tour after two Italian participants tested positive for the new coronavirus known as COVID-19," the first press release from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council The announcement was made.

A similar press release issued later by the race's Higher Organizing Committee, which includes RCS Sport, organizer of the Giro d'Italia and co-organizer of the race with the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Sports Councils, stated that "two Italian staff from one of the teams participating in the UAE Tour . have tested positive for the virus," it added.

"This decision was taken to ensure the protection of all race participants. Safety is at the top of all priorities," both press releases continued.

"Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced that all race participants, management staff, and organizers will be examined during ongoing routine inspections.

"All necessary procedures, including quarantine measures, will be carried out in coordination with all health and other relevant authorities in the country to ensure the suppression of the virus and to control its outbreak."

"The Ministry of Health and Preventive Services has also announced that all participants in the race will be inspected and tested.

Italian media initially reported via Twitter that the CBRN, a local police force dealing with "chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear" issues, had arrived at the hotel.

Later, the Vini-Zabu-KTM and Jumbo-Visma teams tweeted that the race had been canceled, followed by similar tweets from other teams, but two news stories were confirmed.

Race leader Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) is expected to be confirmed as the overall winner after five of the seven stages.

Officials around the world are scrambling to contain the virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Most of the deaths occurred in the area, and hospitals were struggling to cope with sudden patients.

However, a recent study showed that 81% of those infected showed only mild symptoms, and the fatality rate among young, healthy individuals was very low. Most deaths were among the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

In two small regions of Italy, Lombardy and Veneto, quarantines are in place after outbreaks infected more than 600 people and killed 17 so far. The incubation period before symptoms appear is thought to be up to two weeks.

In the United Arab Emirates, 13 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed, with nine patients having recovered so far and no deaths. These are primarily from people returning from China and Iran.