The Italian tourist, who became the third individual to test positive for COVID-19 in Maldives, has applauded the work of healthcare workers in Maldives, stating the treatment and service he received in Maldives has been exceptional. He became the first-ever individual to fully recover from the deadly coronavirus in Maldives.
The Italian tourist and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 on March 9, while on vacation at Sandies Bathala Maldives. While both of them have now fully recovered, they are being kept at the isolation facility in Dharumavantha Hospital until the end of their 30-day quarantine period.
In an exclusive interview given to PSM News, the tourist revealed this was his 12th visit to Maldives. He said the biggest concern he had upon testing positive for COVID-19 was having to stay far away from family and relatives back in Italy. However, he said he was assured by the exceptional treatment and service provided by healthcare workers in Maldives.
The tourist said his condition was mostly stable upon contracting the virus, although he had some breathing difficulties caused by anxiety attacks. He said the anxiety was caused by not having sufficient information on COVID-19, adding the anxiety problems were resolved when he was provided with information on the disease. However, he noted the difficulties he faced in communication as he does not understand English very well.
The tourist went on to applaud the exceptional treatment and service given by doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers in Maldives, noting the support and assistance received in Maldives would not be available in most parts of the world. He also expressed grief over the current situation of Italy, where the soaring number of COVID-19 cases have exceeded the capacity of healthcare facilities in the country.
The tourist thanked the people of Maldives for the hospitality he has received upon his every visit, noting he plans to visit Maldives again. In a humorous tone, he said he wishes to be in a resort during his next visit rather than in a hospital.