Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday, requested all Maldivians currently in Japan to register at the Maldivian embassy as a precautionary measure amidst the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak.
In addition to registering at the embassy, the ministry also advises all Maldivians to take the necessary measures to prevent the contraction of the deadly disease.
According to Al Jazeera, the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has resulted in a total of 56 deaths so far in China alone, while the latest reports place the number of reported cases in the country above 1,975.
The virus that initially presents with flu-like symptoms has now been found in Australia, France, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam, with three confirmed cases from Japan as well.
A total of six Maldivians are presently in Wuhan City, China, where the virus originated. Chinese authorities placed the entire city under quarantine on January 23, attempting to contain the infection from spreading.
The Maldivian government stated that attempts are underway to provide financial aid to the locals in Wuhan City and advised all Maldivians in China to exercise caution.