Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has revealed that no cases of the coronavirus have been found in the Maldives yet and added that there was no need for panic among the public as of yet.

Speaking about the rumours about the alleged case of coronavirus in the Maldives, the Minister noted that as the screening process is strengthened, the number of people who are questioned are also more. He further added that not everyone who is questioned are suspected of carrying the virus.

As part of the screening process, the cameras placed at Velana International Airport will first determine the body heat of a person after which the initial questioning will be carried out, followed by tests and examinations.

Minister Ameen stressed that the screening process is in compliance with the guidelines set by World Health Organisation and is the same as any other country. Common symptoms of the virus are sneezing and coughing like a normal flu hence screening process is keeping these symptoms in mind as well.

He added that the government has finalised a number of measures and steps to be taken in the event of an outbreak of the virus in the Maldives.

As such, a quarantine facility has already been set up in Hulhumale' while Funadhoo has been allocated as a dedicated isolation island in case of widespread.