Maldivian who traveled to Europe, Middle East to be tested for COVID-19

Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Monday, said it was working on testing a Maldivian national who had developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

According to HPA, the person in question had returned to Maldives following travel to cities in Europe and the Middle East, and has been placed under isolation.

The agency did not say when the person had returned to Maldives.

13 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Maldives, all of whom are foreign nationals who were either working or vacationing in resorts or safaris. Of the 13 people, five were from Kuredu Island Resort, two from Sandies Bathala, two from Kuramathi Island Resort, two from Anantara Dhigu, and two from Island Safari-1.

Three have since recovered, but continue to be closely monitored at isolation facilities.

Under new orders from the Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru, all inbound passengers to Maldives, with the exception of tourists who have made bookings at resorts, are required to undergo 14-day quarantine at a government designated quarantine facility.

Travel has been banned between resorts and residential islands, and government offices are closed this week.

Health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and practice social distancing.