Maldives: Authorities extend public health emergency until September 6 /update 15

Event

Maldivian authorities have extended the existing state of public health emergency in the country until September 6, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.  A nightly curfew was reimposed on August 4 in Malé as well as on the islands of Vilimalé, Gulhifalhu, Thilafushi, and Hulhumalé, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases. The curfew remains in effect between 22:00 and 05:00 (local time), and businesses in the region will be required to close at 21:30 to accommodate for the curfew. Inter-island ferry travel is only authorized for essential movements such as medical emergencies. Public gatherings of more than five people are banned, while the use of face masks is mandatory in all enclosed and public spaces. 

As of August 11, health authorities have confirmed 5157 COVID-19 cases in the Maldives, with 20 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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: