Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed a third Maldivian has tested positive for COVID-19.
HPA said on Tuesday, the third Maldivian recently traveled back to the archipelago from the UK, and tested positive while at the quarantine facility established in Royal Island Resort.
Two other locals recently tested positive after returning from the UK. With the new case, the total number of people who have tested positive in the Maldives is now 18. This includes two Italians that have departed from the country. While 13 people, all foreigners, have recovered form the illness, the only active cases at the moment are that of the three locals.
Thirty-four direct contacts of the previous two locals have been asked to stay in home isolation. However, no further details of them have been revealed yet.
Following the detection of COVID-19 in the Maldives, the government has been taking stringent measures. In that regard, issuance of on-arrival visas have been suspended, and tourist arrival has been banned as well. Moreover, schools and government offices have been closed until the end of this week. Dine-in services offered in cafes and restaurants in Male’ region have been banned.
Furthermore, while congregational prayers in mosques have been ceased temporarily, cinemas and recreational facilities have been closed in Male’ region.
