NEOC confirms a Maldivian was not tested positive for COVID-19 in UAE

National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has confirmed a Maldivian was not tested positive for COVID-19 in the UAE.

On March 24, Ministry of Health and Prevention of UAE reported 50 new cases of COVID-19, stating the cases included a Maldivian national as well. However, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the government of UAE has now informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives that no Maldivian has tested positive for COVID-19 in the UAE.

Mabrook said the local authorities believe the patient in the UAE was possibly misidentified as a Maldivian, adding the name sent by UAE was an eastern European name.