National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has stated Belgian footballer Marouane Fellaini was likely to have been infected with COVID-19 after he left to China following his vacation in Maldives.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez revealed Fellaini, who plays for Shandong Luneng in the Chinese Super League, visited Maldives on March 8 and stayed at One and Only Reethirah Resort before returning to China on March 12. Noting the former Manchester United midfielder was tested positive for COVID-19 on March 20, Mabrook said Fellaini was likely to have contracted the virus after he returned to China.
Regardless, Mabrook said efforts are underway to identify the individuals who came in contact with Fellaini during his stay in Maldives, adding one individual who was identified as a close contact has now been placed under isolation.
Thirteen individuals have so far tested positive for COVID-19 in Maldives, all of whom are foreign nationals from resorts or safaris.