The Maldives government has confirmed a second national has been tested positive for the highly-contagious COVID-19 virus.

The confirmation came from the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which promotes public health and awareness in the archipelago.

According to HPA, the person, who had from the UK, and was quarantined in the Royal Island Quarantine Facility, tested positive for the virus. However, no further detail has been provided on the matter yet.

Both the locals, who tested positive, had returned from the UK.

With the new case, the total number of people who have tested positive in the Maldives is now 17.

Following the detection of COVID-19 in the Maldives, the government has taken stringent measures. The government has suspended issuing of on-arrival visas, and tourist arrival has been banned as well. Moreover, schools and government offices have been closed until the end of this week. Besides, dine-in services offered in cafes and restaurants in Male’ region have been banned.

The government has also temporarily suspended congregational prayers in mosques. Cinemas and recreational facilities, including gyms, have also been closed in the Male region.