Individual set to depart to India tests positive for COVID-19

An individual on a flight departing to India has tested positive for COVID-19.

The flight was carrying patients for medical purposes to India through Aasandha. Everyone on the flight were removed and disinfection procedures for the flight are now underway.

The government of Maldives and India have made arrangements for Maldivians to obtain medical treatment in India. Everyone that travels to India for the purpose must test negative from a COVID-19 test before departure. They also have to undergo quarantine and test negative after landing India. 

An official from Aasandha said that arrangements were being made for the departure of the remaining passengers on the flight. Other than the COVID-19 patient, an individual assisting the patient was also on the flight. 

An individual that tested positive previously, but recovered from the virus in the Maldives also recently tested positive again for the virus after traveling to India. Three individuals that traveled to India for medical purposes have so far tested positive for COVID-19. They include two helpers.