Covid-19: Maldives to suspend flights from Italy

Maldives has decided to suspend flights from Italy, after locking down two islands - Kuredu Island Resort and Thinadhoo island of Vaavu atoll- over coronavirus fears.

Tourism Minister Ali Waheed announced this at a press conference late Friday night, following reports that the two islands were on lockdown in relation to Covid-19 cases.

He revealed that three tourists from Italy, holidaying in Thinadhoo island, are isolated at the clinic established in Farukolhufushi, after showing symptoms. In addition, traveling to and from the island, have been halted “until the results are out”.

Kuredu Island Resort is also on lockdown, after an Italian tourist that vacationed there informed authorities of testing positive to the virus. A doctor from the island is being moved to isolation to be tested as well following symptoms, and traveling to and from the resort is not allowed as well.

The test results are expected on Saturday, and “contact tracing” is being done meanwhile.

Waheed also revealed that two Maldivians are also under isolation currently; a woman and child.

Further noting the coronavirus cases related to Italian tourists in various regions, he said that the government has decided to temporarily halt flights -both direct and transit- from the European nation as a precautionary measure and added that their biggest priority is “the safety and security of the people”.

Italy reported 49 deaths from Covid-19 on Friday, raising the total death toll to 197. Currently 3,296 people are infected in the country.

Maldives is yet to confirm a coronavirus case.