The government of Maldives reached the decision to ban cruise ships from entering Maldives water as a safeguard against the growing spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The announcement was made at a press conference held to update the public on the latest information regarding the global epidemic, at the President’s Office on Wednesday.

As such, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen revealed that the decision was reached as a safeguard against the COVID-19, spreading fast across the globe.

However, the decision will be followed through after reviewing the situation, said Ameen, who added that they will decide on issuing permits after the review is made.

During the press conference, the minister assured the public that relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and that they are implementing all required measures against the deadly disease.

Also on Wednesday, Maldives banned arrivals from South Korea and Iran, two countries earlier listed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to avoid traveling to.