COVID-19: HPA urges caution when traveling to seven countries

The Health Protection Agency of Maldives (HPA) has cautioned the public from traveling to seven destinations where the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is fast-spreading.

The agency issued a circular on Sunday, revealing that they are closely monitoring the situation of the wide-spreading disease.

The circular was issued as a safety measure as COVID-19 cases emerged in listed countries, in individuals who had not travelled to China.

· Japan

· South Korea

· Hong Kong

· Singapore

· Thailand

· Iran

· Italy

Further, the agency has recommended a list of safety measures for travelers flying abroad in the coming days to take, such as seeking out details of the extent of the spread of the disease at the destination before traveling.

Travelers have also been urged to learn the recommendations by health authorities and experts at the respective destinations and strictly adhere to the regulations and rules.

Frequent hand-washing with soap or using hand sanitizers is also urged, and that authority has sought travelers to avoid contact with the sickly, especially those who have been diagnosed for respiratory symptoms.

As the COVID-19 is spreading at a dangerously alarming rate, HPA has sought the public to avoid holding large public gatherings as it poses the risk of diseases catching the air.

In addition, the agency has urged individuals who show symptoms like coughing, a runny nose and high temperatures to remain indoors and consult a doctor if the symptoms prevail or worsen within a few days.

Although no positive cases have emerged in the Maldives thus far, the disease, which surfaced in Wuhan City of Hubei Province in China, is not even close to being controlled in the mainland. Thus far, 76,940 individuals have tested positive to the fatal infection, which has taken 2,443 lives in China alone.

A total of 78،909 cases were discovered globally and the death toll has reached 2,467, with most cases emerging from Asian countries.