Umrah pilgrims urged to practice self-isolation for 14 days

Maldivian authorities, on Wednesday, urged pilgrims who have returned to Maldives following Umrah pilgrimage to practice self-isolation at their homes for a 14-day period even if they do not exhibit any flu symptoms.

Speaking at a press conference on the COVID-19 situation in Maldives on Wednesday afternoon, spokesperson Mabrook Azeez said a flight carrying 50 Umrah pilgrims returned to Maldives this Wednesday.

Mabrook said all 50 pilgrims were allowed to board the plane after clearing them of any symptoms of illness.

The 50 pilgrims have now been subjected to a verification process, during which they will be in self-isolation at their homes for 14 days.

Arrangements have been made for screenings at the travel clinic opened in the vacant lot at the back of Sinamale’-2 if they or any of their family members exhibit any flu-like symptoms during this period.

“And they have been advised to remain in isolation,” stressed Mabrook.

He said that another flight was scheduled to travel to Maldives carrying local Umrah pilgrims on Friday, March 13.

They will also be treated based on the same protocol, he said.

Meanwhile, medical doctor Moosa Muraj provided assurance all Umrah pilgrims would be screened.

Anyone identified to be exhibiting symptoms will be transported to the travel clinic, where they will undergo further screening and testing, based on which the authorities will take additional measures, said Muraj.

Muraj stressed that Health Protection Agency (HPA) had advices pilgrims to remain home and refrain from mingling with the public for 14 days, even if they are asymptomatic.

“We advise remaining home even if you show no symptoms. To refrain from going out into public and mingling with members of the general public, and to remain home for two weeks,” he said.

Pilgrims or any of their family members who exhibit symptoms during the 14-day isolation period are required to report it to the travel clinic.