An emergency motion has been submitted to parliament, over the possible spread of the new novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

The motion was submitted by Maduvvari constituency MP, Adam Shareef, at Wednesday’s sitting.

Noting the rapid spread of the disease worldwide, the MP highlighted that there are dangers of it reaching the Maldives.

He also noted how its possible economic impacts. As such, Shareef said that food staples are imported into the country and expressed concern over the lack of arrangements to import these items in bulk to prepare in the event the disease is discovered in the country.

The lawmaker also expressed worry over the lack of facilities to store food staples in the outlying atolls. Noting that staples and other necessities are transported via sea, Shareef stressed that that there are no arrangements for these items to be transported in the event that travel is banned to any of the islands.

44 lawmakers voted in favour of the motion, and an hour-long debate ensued.

The government has strengthened efforts to curb an outbreak in the country, with a travel clinic to be established in the capital soon.

Flights from China, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been temporarily halted, as well as the entry of cruise ships.

Nationwide efforts are underway, with the Health Protection Agency and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) working together “to safeguard the population from the risk of COVID-19”.