Two out of the three Maldivians quarantined after returning from China, over the possibility of carrying the deadly Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), have been released.

The health ministry confirmed their release after testing negative to the disease, adding that they were quarantined as they had traveled to the southeastern Asian nation during the risk period as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

The two were kept in isolation in Farukolhufushi, located near capital Malé City, for a 14-day period.

While a third individuals remains quarantined, authorities are yet to confirm a coronavirus case in the Maldives.

While seven individuals were tested for the coronavirus previously, by sending samples to neighboring India as Maldives does not have the resources, their tests came negative. Furthermore, the seven Maldivians evacuated from Wuhan, China also tested negative; they were evacuated with India’s assistance and were quarantined at a dedicated facility in Manesar.

Authorities previously revealed that a total of 27 foreigners have been denied entry into the country since February 3, as a precaution to curb an outbreak in the Maldives. And as part of the work to ensure that there is no outbreak in the Maldives, authorities have temporarily halted direct flights from China.

The novel coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan City last December, and WHO declared it as a global health emergency in late January.

There are over 67,000 confirmed cases thus far, with the death toll at over 1,500.