Two Italians test positive for Covid-19 after departing Maldives

The government of Maldives has confirmed that two Italians who departed from the Maldives have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

Health Minister Abdulla Ameen made the announcement in a news conference today. The two Italian tourists had tested positive after they departed from the Maldives upon completing their 14-day quarantine period. Test samples taken from the two tourists had come back as positive after they had already departed from the country.

“Out of those in isolation in the Maldives currently, we have noticed that two Italian tourists who completed their 14-day quarantine period and departed from the country were later tested positive. We collect samples from high-risk individuals in quarantine, before their departure for research purposes. We noticed that two such individuals tested positive for the virus today.” Said the Minister.

The two are now on their way to Italy, according to the Minister. A medical officer of the government’s emergency operation center confirmed that the two tourists had been staying on a safari.

“The tests were conducted to make decisions based on the context of the country. We will have evidence for future such decisions as well. How many of those in quarantine are tested positive...We collected samples under that policy. The tests showed positive, they had already departed from the country at the time.” said the medical officer.

Two positive cases of the virus were previously identified from the Island Safari boat. The Maldives has so far confirmed 14 cases of the virus. Nine of these cases have made full recoveries.