National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has revealed a French navy ship has been granted permission to depart from Maldives, while a cruise yacht has been placed under a 14-day quarantine.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez stated the helicopter which was pictured at Dhiggaru Finolhu belongs to a French navy ship which arrived in Maldives from Djibouti a month ago. Mabrook said the ship arrived in Maldives to take part in the activities planned to be held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between France and Maldives. He said the activities were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the ship was allowed to dock and refuel in Maldives.
Mabrook said the helicopter, which was seen from pictures that circulated in social media, had landed in Dhiggaru Finolhu due to a technical issue, adding the helicopter has now returned to the ship. He said the ship has been granted permission to depart from Maldives, noting it is scheduled to leave today.
Furthermore, the spokesperson revealed a cruise yacht which arrived in Maldives with two individuals, has been placed under a 14-day quarantine. Mabrook said the yacht entered Maldives as it was running out of fuel, adding it has been allowed to dock without its passengers leaving the yacht. He said the yacht will be allowed to leave after the end of the 14-day quarantine period.
Mabrook requested for public cooperation in implementing the measures taken by the administration in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. He added the situation cannot improve without the support and assistance of the public.