Maldives: Authorities to reduce quarantine period for non-tourist arrivals and most domestic travel from Dec. 4.

Event

Authorities are modifying measures introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 3. Starting Dec. 4, all entrants to Maldives except tourists, as well as those traveling from the capital city of Male, resorts, or any inhabited island with guesthouses, can undergo a reduced home quarantine of 10 days. Others, in addition to those with a positive COVID-19 test and their contacts, must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Quarantine exemptions may be availed by essential workers and short-term travelers to inhabited islands with negative results of a RT-PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Other measures continue; a state of emergency is in effect until at least Dec. 5. Officials are imposing a 0000-0400 curfew in the Greater Male Region, which comprises the capital, Male, as well as the nearby islands of Gulhifalhu, Hulhumale, Thilafushi, and Villimale. Businesses in the area are allowed to operate 0600-2230, while schools, public places such as parks, and sporting facilities may also function.

Public gatherings of more than 15 people are banned, and all residents nationwide must wear facemasks in public. Officials are only permitting inter-island ferry travel for medical emergencies and other urgent needs. Authorities continue to encourage nonessential public and private entities to allow employees to telecommute to the extent possible. Establishments are required to ensure sanitation and social distancing. Violators of quarantine or isolation rules will face fines of up to 5,000 Rufiyaa (325 USD). Officials could amend measures at short notice, depending on COVID-19 cases.

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 other tourists and short-term visitors arriving in the country must present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival; the test must have been taken no more than 96 hours before arrival. Inbound foreign travelers must reserve accommodations at either one or a maximum of two different approved resorts, where they are to spend their entire time in the Maldives, except when visiting dining facilities and recreation venues approved by the Ministry of Tourism. While there is no mandatory quarantine for asymptomatic travelers, all persons entering the country must submit an online health declaration via the "Imuga" portal within 24 hours prior to travel. Authorities require non-tourist international arrivals, and most domestic travelers to undergo a 10-day home quarantine; tourists and contacts of COVID-19 patients require a 14-day quarantine. Officials may modify regulations based on a passenger's nationality and travel history, and authorities could suspend international travel at short notice. Resorts and approved guesthouses are open; however, officials may enforce temporary movement restrictions at such sites in the event of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. Authorities have advised Maldivian citizens to refrain from all nonessential international travel.

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:

• 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.