The National Emergency Operation Centre, on Thursday, stated that a total of 249 tourists had departed from Kuramathi Island Resort and Spa, Sandies Bathala resort and Kuredu Island Resort and Spa after the government lifted quarantine measures.
Speaking at a press conference held at Dharubaaruge Convention Centre, Under Secretary of the President’s Office, Mabrooq Abdul Azeez stated that 107 tourists had departed from Kuredu Resort while 15 guests and 127 holidaymakers had departed from Sandies Bathala resort and Kuramathi resort, respectively.
Maldives' eight confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported from the aforementioned three resorts. Four foreign nationals from Kuredu Island Resort, and two from Sandies Bathala and Kuramathi Maldives each tested positive for the virus. Although all three resorts were put on lockdown, starting with Kuredu last weekend, Health Protection Agency (HPA) lifted the restrictive measures this Wednesday.
The Under Secretary stated that individuals that have not come into contact with infected patients are categorised as ‘low risk’ and escorted to Velana International Airport close to their scheduled departure times after an exit screening is conducted. A team of police officers also operate at the airport, where facilities to conduct additional screening are also established.
Mabrooq revealed that a team of doctors was operating in the three resorts and that all tourists departing from Maldives underwent an exit screening before boarding their flights.
Furthermore, Mabrooq stated that four suspected individuals currently kept at the Vilivaru quarantine facility had tested negative. He revealed that efforts were underway to transfer the individuals back to their respective islands of residence.
Maldives declared a state of public health emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic on March 12.
Globally, the novel coronavirus has infected more than 134,000 and claimed over 4,900 lives around the world. Out of those infected, more than 69,000 have recovered.
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