China has supplies to Maldives ready, but no flights to send them on

The Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Zhang Lizhong, on Monday, said that some of the supplies being donated by the Chinese government to Maldives to aid in its combat against the COVID-19 pandemic were ready, but that China was facing challenges in finding flights to send them on.

The Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Zhang Lizhong, on Monday, said that China had an aid package ready to send to Maldives to assist in its combat against the COVID-19 pandemic, but was facing challenges in finding flights to send the package on.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the aviation industry hard, with many airlines forced to either suspend or reduce their flights to destinations across the world.

Zhang had voiced the challenge in sending the much needed supplies to Maldives in a tweet on Monday afternoon.

“Some materials are ready, only look for proper flights,” said Zhang.

In response, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted that Maldives was appreciative of the genuine efforts of China to help at this difficult time.

“We fully understand the challenges faced by cancellation of many of the flights. However, we are hopeful that we will receive the materials very soon,” said Shahid.

13 people had tested positive for COVID-19 in Maldives, all of whom are foreign nationals who were either working or vacationing in resorts or safaris. Of the 13 people, five were from Kuredu Island Resort, two from Sandies Bathala, two from Kuramathi Island Resort, two from Anantara Dhigu, and two from Island Safari-1.

Five have since recovered but continue to be closely monitored in isolation facilities, while eight more continue to receive treatment.