Cycling journalist Sophie Smith describes the experience of being held in quarantine in an Abu Dhabi hotelWhen we arrived in Dubai a week ago to cover the UAE Tour there was a heightened awareness of coronavirus; the airports looked a little emptier and there seemed to be more people than usual wearing masks to cover their nose and mouth. The masks varied from surgical to the type tradesmen utilise. One man even walked through baggage claim with an old oxygen ventilator mask dangling around his neck like an accessory.Some of my journalist colleagues voiced their concern during the tour, referencing websites that documented the spread of the virus. I admittedly made light of it and told them not to worry. We travel globally, covering bike races every year in a multinational bubble. Someone has always got a cold. Related: Coronavirus: risk of spread and impact now 'very high at global level', warns WHO – latest updates Related: UCI stands by decision to halt UAE Tour over coronavirus uncertainty Continue readingreadfullarticle
