93 percent of resort workers fully vaccinated against Covid-19

93 percent of resort employees have received both doses of the vaccination against Covid-19.

This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism through its latest figures, which show that 93 percent of individuals employed in resorts of the Maldives tourism industry have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus by August 18.

Statistics go on to reveal that 98 percent of resort workers have received first doses of Covid-19 vaccination by Wednesday.

Vaccination figures nationwide have begun increasing at a time the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced plans to halt the administration of first doses, on September 1. So far, 297,556 persons have been fully vaccinated nationwide, with the number of persons to have received first doses sitting at 359,647.

Authorities launched the Covid-19 inoculation drive for tourism industry workers on February 4 this year. Priority is given to vaccinate tourism sector employees who come in close contact with tourists, such as those working on liveaboard vessels, guesthouse employees and those performing guest service roles at various tourist establishments.

The Maldives has been making steady efforts to resuscitate tourism across the island nation, and began a large-scale Covid-19 vaccination programme for airport workers and tourism sector employees as well.

The ministry revealed that 0.19 percent of tourists that arrived in the Maldives between 15 July – 31 December 2020 had tested positive for the virus, whereas the positivity rate among tourists between 1 January – 21 July 2021 was at 0.25 percent. The rate dropped to 0.11 percent between 1 - 18 August 2021.

The tourism ministry earlier launched a special inspection programme to audit the compliance of hotels and guesthouses nationwide to the safety protocols and guidelines set by HPA and ministry. Authorities are also inspecting tourists who break safety measures and guidelines set in place against Covid-19, for the safety of all.

Earlier the ministry launched the "I'm Vaccinated" campaign with an aim to share a positive message regarding vaccinations of staff employed in the industry as well as promoting initiatives taken to ensure the Maldives remains one of the safest travel destinations.

The ministry aims to make Maldives the first fully-vaccinated tourism sector globally. The stringent health and safety guidelines currently in place will pave way for this target to be reached, in addition to the added advantage of Maldives' unique formation which ensures social distancing.

At a time the ministry had asserted that the tourism industry would recover and equalize suitably during July, tourist arrivals being reported so far this ongoing year have been steadily increasing. July’s arrivals are the second highest recorded so far this year.

Maldives tourism took a hard hit due to the pandemic and the tourism-revival journey was slow into the beginning since borders reopened on 15 July 2020.