The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has listed out preventative measures and urged caution while traveling out of the country for the upcoming school holidays.

In a statement on Thursday, the agency publicized a list of safety measures to adhere to before planning to travel out of the country in the upcoming holidays, in light of the fast-spreading Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

As such, travelers are urged to enlighten themselves on the extent of the disease in the respective countries before traveling, to refrain from traveling to a country where there have been confirmed cases of the fatal infection.

Further, the elderly and those seeking medical treatment for prolonged diseases are advised to avoid traveling.

HPA went on to urge travelers to strictly adhere to and respect regulations and protocols set out by the respective countries they are traveling to, and follow the global protocols set in line with the guidelines listed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In addition, travelers are advised to keep distance from those showing flu symptoms such as coughing and fever, practice regular hand-washing with soap, the use of hand-sanitizers, avoid touching the nose, mouth and eye areas, making sure food, especially seafood and poultry are cooked through before consuming, completely avoid visiting animal markets as well as avoiding visits to hospitals and clinics while traveling.

Moreover, the public is urged to reach out to the hotline, specially established to consult in such cases, through 1676 in a case flu symptoms begin showing up within 14 days after returning home.

The agency also advises travelers within the country to adhere to the safety measures such as regular hand-washing and sticking to hygienic procedures this holiday season.

The COVID-19 situation is not even close to being controlled in the mainland, China, and it is spreading fast across other countries as well, said the agency, which added that Maldivians are best urged to postpone travels until the COVID-19 situation simmers down.