Maldives: Officials extend state of public health emergency through at least April 4 amid tightened nationwide COVID-19 measures /update 33

Event

Maldivian authorities have extended the ongoing nationwide state of public health emergency and related domestic COVID-19 controls through at least April 4. All residents over two years of age must wear facemasks in public places across the Maldives, except when exercising. Establishments are required to ensure sanitation and social distancing; violators are subject to fines and closures for at least 24 hours. The government is advising businesses in locations with COVID-19 activity to minimize on-site work; officials typically restrict entry and exit to such areas for at least two weeks to facilitate monitoring.

Officials have also tightened domestic COVID-19 curbs across the Greater Male region, including the capital Male and the nearby islands of Gulhifalhu, Hulhumale, Thilafushi, and Villimale. Nonessential vehicle movement in Greater Male is banned nightly between the hours of 1800-0600. Residents are also subject to a 2300-0430 curfew. Movement in public and business operations are suspended during curfew hours. No gatherings above five people are allowed; police permission is necessary for any events. Educational, recreational, and sports activities and facilities are banned as of March 5; parks and open spaces are also closed. The government continues to impose a 2000-0400 nightly curfew in Addu and Fuvahmulah cities until further notice. Similar localized measures are possible in other areas in case of increased COVID-19 activity.

Those traveling from Male city to other islands may do so for essential purposes after obtaining prior permission. Such passengers must carry negative results of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours before departure. Individuals traveling from other parts of Greater Male, resorts, or any inhabited island with guesthouses to other parts of the Maldives must self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival at their destination. Authorities may waive domestic quarantine requirements if individuals hold negative COVID-19 test results. Tourist facilities across the Maldives are operational; however, foreign tourists require prior permission for split stays between accommodations and are subject to COVID-19 testing before traveling between regions. Officials may modify regulations based on a passenger's nationality and travel history. While resorts and approved guesthouses are open, officials may enforce temporary movement restrictions at such sites in the event of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases.

Violators of COVID-19 restrictions face fines of up to MVR 5,000 (USD 325). Officials could amend measures at short notice, depending on COVID-19 activity.

International Travel Restrictions
International arrivals must submit an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours before travel and produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a RT-PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure. Inbound foreign travelers must reserve accommodations at approved lodging establishments; split stays between facilities must be approved by the Ministry of Tourism at least two days before departure. Maldivian nationals and permanent residents must undergo a 10-day home quarantine. Passengers who have spent at least 12 hours in the UK in the past 14 days must also undergo quarantine. Quarantined individuals typically undergo COVID-19 tests on the fifth and tenth day. Some testing and quarantine exemptions apply for arriving international travelers whose medical histories show they have recovered from COVID-19. 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. Authorities have advised Maldivian citizens to refrain from all nonessential international travel.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements, especially across Greater Male. 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.

Resources

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