The Maldives has exported over 8 tonnes of fish via a cargo flight of Sri Lankan Airlines on June 21, establishing a single-day record amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking to PSM News, Managing Director of Ace Aviation Mohamed Firaq revealed 8.3 tonnes of fish were exported on June 21 on a flight operated by Sri Lankan Airlines. He noted this is a record number of fish exports from the Maldives on a single day, carried by cargo flights amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The managing director of Ace Aviation revealed the fish was exported to European markets. He said 34 tonnes of goods were also brought to the Maldives on the cargo flight. He added 281 Sri Lankan nationals were also repatriated on the flight.
Speaking on the operations of the cargo flights during the pandemic, Firaq said 2-3 tonnes of fish are exported on the cargo flights on average, while and 15-20 tonnes of goods are brought on the cargo flights to the Maldives. He noted Sri Lankan Airlines operates three cargo flights to the Maldives every week.
Maamendhoo will not be put on monitoring: NEOC
National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has announced Maamendhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll will not be put on monitoring status, despite the detection of COVID-19 cases in the island.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said the three individuals from Maamendhoo who tested positive for COVID-19 were already in home quarantine after returning from Male' City. Therefore, he said the island would not be put on monitoring.
The spokesperson revealed 13 individuals have been identified as close contacts of the three patients. Mabrook said the contacts identified include two individuals who travelled to Maamendhoo and 5 individuals from Male'. He revealed the contacts also include one person who met the patients at Velana International Airport (VIA), adding a further 5 individuals have been isolated in Gemanafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
NEOC said the first case identified from Maamendhoo was that of a 28-year-old local male who returned to the island on June 13 and the other two individuals are his sisters.