Maagiri Hotel has closed operations after it was discovered that the Italian tourist who tested positive for coronavirus after holidaying in Kuredu Island Resort, stayed at the hotel prior to departure.

The hotel made the announcement via a press release issued on Tuesday, stating that the hotel has ceased operations effective from the same day.

The statement further reads that the hotel will re-open after complete disinfection on 16th March 2020 up until the incubation period is cleared which is expected to be around 1st -15th March, and stressed that "this is a voluntary closure to ensure protection in the best interest of all and alike".

The Hotel added that its "utmost priority" is the safety of staff, guests and customers.

During a press conference on Monday, it was revealed that the Italian national was in the capital for two days due to an issue at the airport. He is to have stayed in Maagiri Hotel and visited Universal’s ticketing office while in the city.

A a total of 15 people from the Hotel that are to have contact with the patient are currently in self-isolation but none of them has shown any possible symptoms “yet”. The patient is to have visited the Universal ticketing office in the capital, and an individual from the office tested negative for Covid-19.