President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared all Maldivian nationals suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus have tested negative. The president made the announcement while delivering the presidential address at the Parliament of Maldives.
Delivering the address, President Solih officially announced the results of the samples sent abroad for testing. He stated no sample was found positive.
Addressing the parliament, the president said the virus is affecting everyone across the globe and all government institutions are taking preventive measures as advised by World Health Organisation (WHO). The president added the syndrome has proliferated into a global epidemic with potentially debilitating implications. He remarked the important steps the administration have taken thus far.
Furthermore, President Solih remarked on the challenges the virus causes to the Maldivian economy. The president said the measures were taken regardless of the effects it will have on tourism, considering the safety and wellbeing of the people. He reiterated the responsibility of the administration on ensuring the safety of the citizens and assured precautionary measures to keep the people safe.
A sample taken from a 20-year-old Maldivian man who had visited China was sent to India to verify whether he was positive for the virus due to similar symptoms to novel coronavirus. The virus currently has no cure and scientists are working round the clock to develop a vaccine.
The Chinese authorities are also working to develop test kits required to check if individuals are affected with the virus. The administration had previously stated it will begin using the test kits in Maldives once the kits have been approved by WHO.
All countries have been adhering to a WHO guideline since the virus was found in the Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei Province.