The government of Maldives has decided to halt direct flights from China, where a deadly bronchitis virus is taking lives and infecting many at an alarming rate.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid made the reveal via a press conference on Thursday afternoon, adding that the decision was reached after thorough discussions with relevant stakeholders.

The briefing was held together with the Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed and Minister of Health, Abdulla Ameen to provide latest details of the preventive measures put in place against the Novel Coronavirus coming out of China.

Flights coming in from China are to be suspended temporarily, revealed FM Shahid, who added that this action was taken to maintain the safety and security of the Maldives.

This comes at a time the authorities have been drawing public criticism for not halting flights from the southeastern nation earlier, when the epidemic surfaced.

Also speaking at the press briefing, Minister Waheed revealed that the flights were halted after relevant discussions in a way that will benefit everyone.

Earlier, Minister Waheed revealed that thousands of bookings have been cancelled following the virus outbreak, mostly from Chinese tourists. The ministry continues to receive details of booking cancellations from top markets, said Waheed.

It was revealed this week that the government has set up a 12-bed isolation facility in Hulhumalé Hospital and a four-bed isolated Intensive Care Unit in Dharumavantha Hospital to quarantine patients in the event an infected individual is discovered.

The authorities are also screening arrivals at all entry points of the Maldives including airports and sea ports. As such, thermal cameras have been planted across airports including in southernmost Addu City.

Maldives is yet to see a suspected case of the infectious virus.