Maldives: Authorities to lift all COVID-19 travel restrictions from July 1 /update 12

Event

Maldivian authorities on Monday, June 15, announced that the country will lift all travel restrictions imposed amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic from July 1. Previously, a negative test was required to enter the country, with travel being restricted to arrival by private yacht or aircraft. The government will, however, require resorts to allocate 10 percent of their rooms for guests who choose to self-quarantine. Around 30 resorts have stayed open during the outbreak for guests who chose to remain and self-isolate rather than return to their home countries.

Previously, the government announced that the 22:00 to 05:00 (local time) curfew in the greater Male area has been extended until June 26. However, the requirement to apply for movement permits for travel outside of the curfew times was removed from June 15. Movement restrictions within greater Male and the reopening of parks and public places have also taken place. Schools in unaffected islands will reopen from July 1.

The country's COVID-19 state of emergency will also remain in effect until June 29.

As of Tuesday, June 16, there have been 2065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Maldives, with eight associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

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 quarantine 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 trouble 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, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.