Speaker Nasheed: I do not have symptoms of Covid-19

The Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said that he is not exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19.

The statement comes after three locals who returned from the UK all tested positive for the virus. The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had also tested positive for the virus. The government of Maldives announced last night that everyone who returned from the UK between March 14-19 and those in contact with the returnees are also to be tested for the virus.

Speaker Nasheed had traveled to the UK from March 11 to 14. The government did not test returnees from the UK at the time of the Speaker’s short trip and a statement issued by the parliament last night read that the Speaker was willing to be tested for the virus if the Health Protection Agency requests to do so.

Speaking in today’s parliamentary session, Nasheed stated that he had been in the UK at the time and noted that there were no restrictions on travel between the UK and the Maldives.

“I am informed that testing by the Public Health (Health Protection Authority) is for people with symptoms of the virus. God willing, I do not have any symptoms,” said Nasheed before reiterating that he was ready to test if the HPA requested.

“While I am ready to be tested, I want to ask the doctors o0f public health on what scientific rationale was the 14-day period based on.” Nasheed had said.

The Speaker of the Parliament had visited the UK to celebrate the 26th anniversary of his marriage. Speaker Nasheed’s family resides in the UK.