Maldives: Maldives easing domestic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions, as of Dec. 21. Testing mandatory for most arrivals. /update 26

Event

Maldivian authorities are relaxing most measures introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 21. The overnight curfew in the Greater Male Region - comprising the capital, Male, as well as the nearby islands of Gulhifalhu, Hulhumale, Thilafushi, and Villimale - is no longer applicable. Businesses, schools, public places such as parks, and sporting facilities are also functioning. Public and social gatherings may resume with social distancing and hygiene measures; food and beverage services remain banned during gatherings except for weddings. Police permission is required for events planned on inhabited islands.

Other measures continue under a state of emergency valid until at least Jan. 4. All residents nationwide must wear facemasks in public. Authorities continue to encourage nonessential public and private entities to allow employees to telecommute to the extent possible. Establishments are required to ensure sanitation and social distancing. Violators of quarantine or isolation rules will face fines of up to 5,000 Rufiyaa (325 USD). Officials could amend measures at short notice, depending on COVID-19 cases. In addition, modified quarantine rules are as follows.

• International travel: All entrants must register online before arrival and produce negative RT-PCR test results for COVID-19 taken within 96 hours prior to departure. Tourists are exempt from quarantine. Asymptomatic entrants with history of recovery from COVID-19 infection may avail testing and quarantine exemptions. Effective Dec. 20, returning Maldivians and work visa holders arriving at Male city are also not required to quarantine if holding negative COVID-19 test results; however, they will be advised to self-isolate at home for 10 days after arrival. Other categories, such as non-tourist foreign arrivals and those arriving at areas outside Male, must undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Any person staying for over 48 hours in the Greater Male region requires a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours before leaving the Maldives.

• Domestic Travel: Tourist facilities across Maldives are open for all; however, foreign tourists require prior permission for split stay between accommodations as well as testing before traveling between regions. Those traveling from the capital city of Male, resorts, or any inhabited island with guesthouses, can undergo a reduced home quarantine of 10 days at their destination. Workers and short-term travelers to resorts and inhabited islands with negative results of a RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure may avail quarantine exemptions. However, these travelers must quarantine at home for 10 days upon return to any area except Greater Male after their stay.

High-risk sections of the Maldivian population, such as workers in caregiving settings like state-run quarantine facilities, educational and health institutions, are not eligible for any quarantine exemption; they typically undergo a 10-day home quarantine upon international or domestic travel. Those testing positive for COVID-19 infection or having contact history with a COVID-19 patient will also require quarantine up to 14 days.

Travel Restrictions
Maldives could exempt asymptomatic entrants with proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous 90 days before entry from testing and quarantine upon prior application and review. All other tourists and short-term visitors arriving in the country must present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival; the test must be no more than 96 hours before arrival. Inbound foreign travelers must reserve accommodations at approved accommodations; split stay between facilities must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism at least two days before departure. Transit passengers are free to move in public. While there is no mandatory quarantine for asymptomatic travelers, all persons entering the country must submit an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours before travel. Authorities require non-tourist international arrivals and some domestic travelers to undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Officials may modify regulations based on a passenger's nationality and travel history, and authorities could suspend international travel at short notice. Resorts and approved guesthouses are open; however, officials may enforce temporary movement restrictions at such sites in the event of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. Authorities have advised Maldivian citizens to refrain from all nonessential international travel.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Ministry of Health (English)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Imuga Health Declaration Portal
Ministry of Tourism Split Stay Application