Will clear out the resorts, even if I have to do it alone: Tourism Minister

Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed has stated that he will clear out the resorts if necessary, to make space for quarantine zones.

While speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Friday night to update the public on the country's novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the minister refuted allegations claiming that the government prioritises the economy over the welfare of citizens.

Assuring that the government will always prioritise the well-being of the people, the minister stated that the government is ready to take all necessary preventive measures and that the government has established an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) in the case of an outbreak.

The minister also added that there will be no lack of space for isolation zones, adding that in such a case, the government is ready to empty resorts and modify them into a temporary quarantine facility.

He further highlighted that an isolation facility has been established in Farukolhufushi island in Kaafu atoll as well as at abandoned resort island of Villivaru. Moreover, he guaranteed that these facilities have all been arranged according to the protocols set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

During the panel discussion on COVID19, a doctor from the special task-force disclosed that the facility at Farukolhufushi has a 40-bed capacity with two ICU beds and 12 quarantine rooms. Likewise, the facility at Villivaru has a 30-bed capacity.