The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Maldivian community residing in Malaysia to practice caution as the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading fast across the nation.

The ministry publicized a list of precautionary measures to pay heed to when travelling outside of the country, which includes travelers being aware of the extent of the fatal disease in the respective countries they are traveling to.

In the statement, the ministry urged 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).

Further, travelers are advised to refrain from visiting hospitals and use surgical masks if flu symptoms like coughing and fever are observed.

A large Maldivian community resides in Malaysia and 10 COVID-19 cases arose on Saturday alone, the number of confirmed cases in the country thus far has reached 93.

The country’s Ministry of Health has urged the public to ensure protocols set by the WHO are followed through.

On Saturday night, Maldives confirmed the first two cases of COVID-19 in the archipelago nation.

Two expatriates employed at Kuredu Island Resort tested positive for the virus, following which the resort’s level is at “Orange” while the rest of the country is at “Yellow” status.

The Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed reassured the public that the country is fully prepared for an outbreak.