National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has revealed the nationalities of the individuals found positive for COVID-19 in Maldives.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrooq Azeez said 9 Italians, a Turkish, a South African, a German and a British national were found positive for COVID-19 in Maldives. Moreover, speaking at the press conference, Mabooq noted an empty flight from Alitalia arrived at Velana International Airport (VIA) to carry over 200 Italians back to their country. The administration has decided to keep the schools and tuition classes closed for an additional week as a precautionary measure, said Mabrouq, adding the administration has also decided to close down all cinemas and theatres in Maldives for a period of 2 weeks.
Meanwhile, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed 2 samples collected from Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa have tested negative for COVID-19. HPA said temporary monitoring measures enacted on the island have now been lifted as per protocol. HPA said 12 samples collected from Meeru Island Resort and Spa also tested negative and temporary monitoring measures enacted on the island have now been eased.
HPA said sample taken from the Maldivian national, transferred to Farukolhufushi Isolation after developing COVID-19 like symptoms, upon returning from Spain was tested negative. However, another local who returned from Spain showing symptoms of COVID-19 is being tested for COVID-19 as a precautionary measure. 9 foreigners who travelled from Qatar Airways were identified and sent to their booked locations in Maldives. The foreigners were asked to stay in self-isolation for a period of 14-days. HPA said two foreign crew members from the flight have been quarantined at Vilivaru Quarantine Facility.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed a sample taken from the Maldivian national, transferred to Farukolhufushi Isolation Facility from Hulhumale’, has tested negative for COVID-19. HPA said the individual is a close contact of the individual from Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, who previously was tested positive.
Moreover, as per protocol, Gili Lankanfushi resort is currently under monitoring, as a precautionary measure after taking samples from a Maldivian in the resort who developed COVID-19 like symptoms. The individual has been placed under home-isolation.
Amid rising cases of COVID-19 in the world, Maldives has banned travellers from China, Iran, Italy, Spain, and parts of France, Germany and South Korea. However, the ban is not imposed on locals and foreign nationals married to locals. HPA noted guidelines and steps will be followed when granting permission to enter the country which includes quarantining and isolation if COVID-19 symptoms are identified.
So far, 13 foreigners were tested positive to COVID-19 in Maldives.