Maldivian national quarantined upon return from Bangladesh

A Maldivian national who returned to the country after travelling to neighboring Bangladesh has been placed under quarantine in accordance with the protocol in place by Maldives to prevent and contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

Maldives has imposed a ban on air travel from Bangladesh as a precautionary measure following the emergence of the deadly virus in the neighboring country, with the exception of Maldivian nationals and the spouses of Maldivian nationals who wish to return to Maldives.

While Maldivian nationals and their spouses are not barred from entering Maldives, they need to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

Maldives has additional travel bans in effect on China, Iran, Italy and two regions of South Korea.

Nine people have tested positive for the deadly virus in Maldives, all of whom are foreign nationals who either worked at, or were vacationing at resorts.

The condition of one of the patients, identified as a 70-year-old Italian male, is confirmed to be serious. He is receiving medical care at the intensive care unit in Dharumavantha Hospital.