Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Zhang Lizhong on Friday, announced arrangements for chartered flights to evacuate Chinese tourists in Maldives.
Following the recent suspension of direct flights between Maldives and China as a result of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, Ambassador Zhang noted the emergency efforts were adopted to "ensure a smooth and orderly departure of thousands of Chinese tourists currently in different resorts and guest houses".
Local media Mihaaru reports that roughly 5000 Chinese tourists are in the country.
Ministry of Health announced late Thursday that a Maldivian is being tested for the Novel Coronavirus, the first suspected case in Maldives.
Health Minister Abdulla Ameen disclosed that the patient suspected of being infected is a 20-year-old male who arrived from Xiamen, China, on Wednesday night.