Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has revealed two Maldivians who had recently returned from China have been isolated in Farukolhufushi as a precaution against Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
The minister made the statement during the press briefing held today to provide the latest updates on measures implemented to safeguard Maldives from virus. The press briefing was conducted by Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, Medical Officer at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) Dr Fathimath Nazla Rafeeg, and Glenn C. Schoen, the founder and CEO of Boardroom @ Crisis BV—a consultant for the administration for setting up screening mechanisms at all points of entry.
Speaking at the press briefing, Minister Ali Waheed informed the media that two Maldivians, who had recently returned from China, had been isolated in Farukolhufushi under the additional precautionary border control measures enacted by the administration. He stressed that the two individuals did not show any symptoms of the virus and that authorities were following the procedure in monitoring their health condition.
The tourism minister further stated 11 Chinese tourists are also under the care of the authorities, and had been accommodated in Farukolhufushi after they were denied boarding on their respective outbound flights as per standard procedures. He explained the 11 tourists would depart later this evening.
Highlighting that authorities are working to ensure seamless departure arrangements for all outbound tourists, Minister Ali Waheed noted assistance had been provided to 8 Argentinian and 16 Chinese tourists in this regard. Speaking about daily briefings with tourism sector stakeholders, the minister further stated steps had been taken with the assistance of industry stakeholders to ensure arrangements for all tourists who had been affected by the travel advisory.
Briefing the media about the optimisation of screening procedures at all entry points, Glenn C. Schoen noted his team of experts had assisted in the setting up of top-of-the-line cameras at Velana International Airport (VIA) —international arrivals, VIP and domestic terminals—Gan International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport. Highlighting additional mobile deployable systems had been put in place, Schoen further noted his teams had trained and instructed over 75 frontline staff working on the multi-agency operation. He emphasised that a double-layer of screening is now in place, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors.