Two Maldivians returning from Italy have been placed under quarantine, says the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

HPA made the announcement via Twitter on Wednesday, disclosing that two Maldivians who returned from Rome, Italy that morning have been placed under quarantine for a 14-day period.

This decision was made under the global protocol being followed against the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Italy has been greatly impacted since the disease surfaced in the European country. The virus has been spreading fast in Italy with over 10,000 confirmed cases reported up to date.

As of Monday, the entirety of Italy has been put under lockdown and citizens are only allowed to go outside of their homes for necessities, work or medical reasons.

According to the latest updates by HPA, there are six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Maldives. There are nine people quarantined at Villivaru facility and 15 under isolation at Farukolhufushi facility.