Maldives: Authorities ban entry to travelers from Spain, and certain regions of France and Germany as of March 15 /update 3

Event

Maldivian authorities have announced, in a statement on Saturday, March 14, that travelers from or who have transited through Spain, as well as certain regions of France and Germany in the last 14 days will be banned entry, in order prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The following French regions of Île-de-France and Grand Est regions and German regions of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg are subject to the ban.

The ban is to remain in effect for 14 days.

The government previously banned travel from China, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran and South Korea in relation to COVID-19.

As of Monday, March 16, the Maldivian Ministry of Health confirmed nine cases of the virus nationwide.

Further spread of COVID-19 is to be expected in the immediate future.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.