Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has been declared the official in-charge of media relations regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at a joint press conference on Sunday, Minister Waheed disclosed the reason behind his presence at recent press briefings to update the public on the country's coronavirus situation.

He revealed that President Solih assigned him to the role of spokesperson in the coronavirus situation to both international and local media.

Emphasizing that the safety and well-being of all citizens is the highest priority of the Solih government, the minister stated that the government is ready to take all necessary preventive measures and that the government has established a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) in the case of an outbreak.

The minister also added that there will be no lack of space for isolation zones, adding that in such a case, the government is ready empty resorts and modify them into a temporary quarantine facility.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a global emergency following the novel coronavirus outbreak originating from China.