Maldives: Authorities extend lockdown in Greater Male region to May 28 /update 9

Event

Maldivian authorities have extended the lockdown restrictions in the Greater Male region until Thursday, May 28. The 14-day extension came into effect in the Greater Male region on Thursday, May 14, and includes Male, Vilimale, and Hulhumale. Under the measures, no vehicles or persons are allowed on the streets of Male, Vilimale, and Hulhumale. Public transport including bus and ferry services between Male, Hulhumale, and Vilimale are also temporarily suspended. Further, no persons are allowed to enter or leave Male, Vilimale, Hulhumale, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu. Essential workers and emergency services are exempt from the restrictions.

The Minister of Health extended the public health emergency, which was initially declared on March 12 following the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification of COVID-19 as a pandemic, until Saturday, May 30. Public spaces have been closed and travel to and from resorts on inhabited islands is suspended. All hotels are barred from taking on new bookings and resorts will close following the departure of guests. Schools have also been closed as a precautionary measure. As of March 20, all passenger vessels, including cruise ships, are prohibited from docking until further notice.

Maldivian authorities previously announced that travelers from or who have transited through Bangladesh, China (except for Hong Kong), Italy, Iran, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, and the UK in the past 14 days will be denied entry. The same measure applies to those who have traveled from or transited through the French regions of Île-de-France and Grand Est and the German states of Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. This does not apply to Maldivian nationals or residents.

All passengers and airline crew will be required to complete a Health Declaration Card and an Immigration Arrival Card, and they will undergo a screen procedure. Quarantine facilities have reportedly been set up to isolate any suspected cases.

As of Tuesday, May 19, there have been 1106 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maldives and four associated deaths. 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.