President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with officials of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and discussed precautionary measures put in place against the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The meeting was held this morning at the President’s Office.
At the meeting, President Solih briefed the tourism sector stakeholders about the preventive measures undertaken by the Administration against the spread of the virus. In this regard, President Solih highlighted that a 12-bed isolation facility in Hulhumalé Hospital and a four-bed isolated Intensive Care Unit in Dharumavantha Hospital had been set up to quarantine and treat patients in the event of the discovery of an infected individual within the Maldives.
President Solih also briefed them about other developments, including the designation of three ambulances and a call centre to provide information about the virus. He further noted that clinical guidelines and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) had also been formulated to address any possible cases that may arise. Deliberations were also held about the pre-emptive measures which should be taken by all tourism establishments including tourist resorts, guesthouses and safari vessels.
Speaking at the meeting, officials of MATI briefed the President about their recent discussions with officials of the Ministry of Tourism and other tourism sector stakeholders regarding the matter. They further encouraged the strict screening mechanisms currently established by the Special Task force at airports and other points of entry into the country.