Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all locals travelling abroad to register at the embassies amid fast-spreading novel coronavirus in countries Maldivians travel frequently.
The ministry urges Maldivians to register to facilitate better assistance in case of emergencies. The ministry stated locals travelling aboard can register via the ministry website.
According to the ministry, it is unable to identify the total number of Maldivians in countries with reported cases of coronavirus, as the number of cases reported is on the rise. The ministry revealed earlier that although only 5 Maldivians were first identified residing in the city of Wuhan, which was the origin of the virus, the number later increased with more Maldivians reported staying in Wuhan.
People infected with the fatal virus has since been reported in more countries while a cure has not yet been found. Over 2,700 people have been reported infected and the virus has now killed more than 80 people.
Health Protection Authority (HPA) has urged the public to maintain cleanliness and stay hygienic by washing hands frequently and wearing marks. The authority has also asked the people to cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.