Health Protection Agency (HPA) has started moving eight foreigners to the quarantine facility after confirming they were in contact with a person who tested positive for the COVID-19 Corona Virus.

HPA announced on Twitter today that they are being transferred to the quarantine facility as a safety measure.

So far, six people have been tested positive for COVID-19 in the Maldives with four foreigners from Kuredu Island Resort and two Italian tourists from Sandies Bathala Maldives Resort.

Speaking at the press conference for the COVID-19 situation update, the Spokesperson appointed to inform the public on the COVID-19, Mohamed Mabrook Aziz said that the Italian tourist confirmed for the disease stayed at Maagiri Hotel in Male’ City for two days before his departure. The Italian stayed at the hotel on the 1 and 2 March because he could not leave when he initially went to the airport.

Mabrook said that 15 employees at Maagiri Hotel who came in contact with the Italian tourist have been quarantined. And the Maldivian employee at Emirates ticketing office who came in contact with the tourist has also been isolated after showing symptoms of the disease.

Health Minister, Abdulla Ameen had previously said that they had identified 175 who came in contact with the Italian tourist.