Authorities, on Monday, quarantined 16 individuals that came into contact with the Italian tourist infected with COVID-19 during the two days spent transiting in the capital city of Male'.
Speaking at the press conference held at Dharubaaruge Convention centre, President's Office's Communications Undersecretary Mabrouq Abdul Azeez revealed that 15 employees of Maagiri Hotel and one employee of a Universal Enterprises Pvt Ltd Reservations and Ticketing Agent were placed under quarantine.
Efforts to transport one of the aforementioned individuals to the quarantine facility in Farukolhufushi are ongoing after certain symptoms presented. The remaining 15 are in self isolation at their respective residences.
The Italian tourist holidayed in Kuredu Resort and Spa and transited in the capital from March 1 to 2 after the individual was unable to depart as initially planned from Velana International Airport.
The guest tested positive for the virus after returning to Italy and subsequently informed Maldivian authorities.
Two foreigners employed at Kuredu Resort tested positive for the virus on Saturday. Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that two additional expatriates at Sandies Bathala resort, located in Alif Dhaalu Atoll, also tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
Both Kuredu Island Resort and Sandies Bathala resort are now under lockdown. There were 1,389 people on Kuredu Island Resort when it was quarantined following the virus outbreak, including 699 tourists, 270 local staff and 420 expatriate staff.
Collectively, there are 824 tourists on both resorts in addition to local and foreign staff.
Authorities are investigating why the guest was allowed to depart the country while symptoms of the virus were present.
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