The Government of Maldives has announced its decision halt all inbound direct flights from China as a precautionary measure against the spread of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The announcement was made at a joint press briefing held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism at the President’s Office this afternoon.
In addition to the cancellation of inbound direct flights from China, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid announced the ministry would soon issue a travel advisory against all non-essential travel to China and other destinations where cases of the coronavirus had been detected. He further announced the decision of the administration to recite Qunut Nazilah after each Maghrib prayer starting today.
Briefing the media on the latest update regarding Maldivian citizens residing in China, the foreign minister stated 69 Maldivians had registered so far with the embassy, out of which only nine are living in Wuhan—the epicentre of the coronavirus. He said, following instructions by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to arrange free travel arrangements via Island Aviation Services Limited for those residing in some five destinations in China, the ministry is working with neighbouring states to transfer seven Maldivians in Wuhan who wished to return home.
Speaking at the press briefing, Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed reemphasised that the administration’s top priority was ensuring the safety and security of its citizens, in addition to those travelling to Maldives. He assured every necessary precaution was in place against the spread of the coronavirus. Highlighting that all measures were reached upon consultation with tourism sector stakeholders, the tourism minister cleared the media’s queries about the precautionary measures being followed in all tourism establishments.
Minister Ali Waheed further said the ministry was working with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth return for all outbound Chinese tourists and assured the administration’s stand on ensuring the safety and security of all tourists.
Speaking at the press briefing, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen gave further detail on the precautionary measures put in place at all entry points, and emphasised that every necessary action was being taken against the coronavirus, and that the country has face masks and other essential medical equipment required by medical professionals. The health minister went on to note that all healthcare facilities across the country had been brought up to speed about the precautionary measures and that all frontline medical professionals had been instructed to follow the standard operating procedures enacted in the event an individual is suspected of having or is pronounced positive for the virus.
Concluding the briefing, the foreign minister expressed his gratitude to the media for their support in keeping the public informed on the matter and urged them to disseminate the facts in a responsible manner.