The Government of Maldives reveals Maldivians in Wuhan City, China will be quarantined and screened before they are brought back to Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid revealed there are 9 Maldivians in Wuhan, of which 7 have requested to be brought back to the country. The minister said the government is working with neighbouring countries to take them out of Wuhan and to place them under quarantine before bringing them back to Maldives. However, he did not reveal which countries the government is working with on the matter.
Minister Shahid added 96 Maldivians have registered at the Embassy of Maldives in China, out of which only 2 have expressed desire to return to Maldives. The government has offered to provide return expenses for all Maldivians in China.
Meanwhile, a Maldivian student in Wuhan told PSM News she has not stepped out of her apartment since January 23, noting there are no difficulties in attaining basic necessities such as electricity and water. She added food is usually delivered to her apartment, although she has to climb down to the ground floor at times to collect her order. The student also said some supermarkets in the city are now open, although she does not want to take a risk by going outside.
Wuhan is currently under lockdown, with all transport in and out of the city suspended.