The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have spread to the Maldives on 7 March 2020 from an Italian tourist who had returned Italy after spending holidays in Kuredu Resort & Spa.[1] The Health Protection Agency of the Maldives confirmed two cases in the Maldives, both employees of the resort. Following this, the hotel was locked down with several tourists stranded in the island.[2] As of 11 March, the islands resorts of Kuredu, Vilamendhoo, Batalaa and Kuramathi island have also been placed under temporary quarantine. Schools have been closed for as a precaution.[3]