''Arrangements to bring back Maldivians in Wuhan yet to be made''

Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has stated that arrangements are yet to be made to bring back the Maldivians in the Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei province.

Arrangements to bring back the Maldivians in Wuhan were commenced after the spread of the Coronavirus that has infected people from 18 different countries. The seven Maldivians in the Chinese city of 11 million are being assisted by the Maldivian embassy and Foreign Ministry who are trying to relocate them to another city.

At a news conference last night, Minister Ameen stated that financial allowances for the Maldivians have been arranged.

“Not just Maldives, a lot of countries are trying to bring back their citizens and discussions are still ongoing. Discussions with the Chinese government are not at the level where the discussions are with some other governments,” said Ameen.

“Arrangements are not being fully made to bring citizens of a country when they wish to do so. Individual countries are working and collective efforts are also being made.” said the Minister.

Minister Ameen stated that Maldivians would be treated the same as other countries treat their citizens that are brought back from Wuhan.

“When the situation to bring the Maldivians back arises, we will treat them in the same manner as other countries that have had citizens returned. Even for isolation procedures.” said the Minister.

The government is working to bring back Maldivians in five different cities. They are Chongqing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Nanjiang, and Ji'an.

Around 6000 cases have been tested positive for the virus which has so far killed 132 people. Other than from mainland China, 62 cases have been tested positive for the virus. Those that died from the virus are all Chinese nationals.

Health Ministry has stated that a suspected case has not been found from the Maldives so far.