Maldives: Officials extend nationwide state of COVID-19 public health emergency through March 5 /update 31

Event

Maldivian authorities are extending a state of public health emergency through March 5 as part of COVID-19 control measures. Ongoing COVID-19 restrictions continue. Maldivian authorities are imposing a modified nightly curfew 2300-0430 across Greater Male. The controls, which affect the capital Male and the nearby islands of Gulhifalhu, Hulhumale, Thilafushi, and Villimale, will last through at least Feb. 17. Public movement and business operations are suspended during curfew hours. Nonessential vehicle movement is banned 2030-0430 daily. Officials in Greater Male are closing all educational institutions, as well as public spaces, except parks for exercise and individual sports. No social gatherings are allowed in Greater Male; police permission is necessary for events planned on inhabited islands.

Businesses, schools, public places such as parks, and sporting facilities outside Greater Male are functioning with social distancing and hygiene measures. All residents aged above two years old must wear facemasks in public effective Feb. 7, except when exercising. Establishments are required to ensure sanitation and social distancing. Authorities are advising businesses in locations with COVID-19 activity to minimize on-site work; nonemergency government offices will close 1400 on working days.

Domestic travelers from Male, resorts, or any inhabited island with guesthouses, will undergo a home quarantine of 10 days at their destination. Workers and short-term travelers to resorts and inhabited islands with negative results of an RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure may avail quarantine exemptions. These travelers must typically quarantine at home for 10 days upon return. Tourist facilities across the Maldives are open for all; however, foreign tourists require prior permission for split stay between accommodations and testing before traveling between regions. Officials may modify regulations based on a passenger's nationality and travel history, and authorities could suspend international travel at short notice. 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.

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.

Violators of COVID-19 rules will face fines of up to MVR 5,000 (USD 327). Officials could amend measures at short notice, depending on COVID-19 cases.

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 entrants must submit an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours before travel and produce negative RT-PCR test results for COVID-19 taken within 96 hours prior to departure. 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. All international arrivals except tourists must undergo a 10-day home quarantine; the curb also applies to passengers who have spent at least 12 hours in the UK in the past 14 days. Quarantined individuals typically undergo COVID-19 tests on the fifth and tenth day. Asymptomatic entrants with a history of recovery from COVID-19 infection may avail of testing and quarantine exemptions. 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