Maldives: Authorities lift vehicular movement restrictions in Male from October 5 /update 16

Event

Maldives authorities have announced the easing of some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions from October 5. Under the easing of measures, the nightly vehicular movement restrictions in the Greater Male Region have been lifted, although a 22:00 to 05:00 (local time) curfew remains in place in the capital. Additionally, businesses in the area are only permitted to open between 06:00 and 21:30.

The current nationwide state of public health emergency is set to expire on October 6. Gatherings of more than five people remain banned and face masks are mandatory in public areas.

As of October 5, health authorities have confirmed 10,567 COVID-19 cases in the Maldives, with 34 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: