Maldivian govt. confirms nationalities of Covid-19 positive cases

The Maldivian government has confirmed the nationalities of those tested positive for the Covid-19 virus in the country.

The country has had 13 confirmed cases of the virus so far, and the government has previously stated that none of the cases were locals.

In a news conference today, government spokesperson Mabrook Azeez informed the media orf the nationalities.

They are:

• Italian: 9
• South African: 1
• UK: 1
• German: 1
• Turkish: 1

Out of these cases, seven are female, while six are male.

The confirmed cases are from the following resorts.

• Kuredu Island Resort: 5
• Sandies Bathala Resort: 2
• Kuramathi Island Resort: 2
• Anantara Dhigu Maldives: 2
• Island Safari 1 (Safari boat): 2

Nine of those tested positive for the virus are receiving medical care in designated center in Farukolhufushi. Two elderly Italian tourists who tested positive for the disease are being treated in the Dharumavantha Hospital's DH11 specialized care unit. The two cases tested positive from the safari boat remain at sea until they reach a designated center to be isolated and treated. The two cases on the boat were identified yesterday.

How is the situation in the Maldives?

The government has announced a 30-day period of public health emergency to effectively contain the virus in the country. Public parks and squares have been closed and schools, colleges and universities across the country were also closed as part of the measures. 

Tourist excursions to local islands and inter-resort travels have also been suspended temporarily.

No Chinese nationals were tested positive in the country, despite the virus originating from the country. China is also the worst-hit country with the virus with Italy, Iran and South Korea also reporting a large number of infected cases.

This has led the Maldivian government to announce travel restrictions to a number of countries hit with the virus. The restrictions apply to Bangladesh, regions of France, regions of Germany, Spain, Italy, China and two regions of South Korea as well as Iran.

In Germany, travel restrictions were placed on the states of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg. These states are home to major cities in the country such as Cologne, Dusseldorf and Munich. In France the regions under restrictions are Grand Est and Ile de France.

It is estimated that more than 162,687 people have been infected with the virus worldwide. An estimated 6,065 people have die due to the virus.