Authorities have eased travel restrictions across Maldives.

Individuals were previously allowed to travel between islands with a mandatory 14-day quarantine period, while those fully vaccinated can do so without quarantining.

However, following a surge in Covid-19 cases including from islands, Director General of Public Health Maimoona Abubakur on June 6 banned non-essential travel across the country.

While this order is no longer in effect from Wednesday, individuals can now travel to and from islands that do not have Covid-19 restrictions without prior approval. Further, travel between islands with operational guesthouses is still prohibited.

Authorities strengthened Covid-19 safety measures across the country in mid-May following the confirmation of a fourth wave. While cases have been decreasing since, daily numbers from the country’s Covid-19 epicenter capital Male’ City have reduced significantly while cases confirmed from islands have been higher for over a week now.

According to the Health Emergency Operation Centre, there are currently 57 islands under monitoring.