The government of Maldives has revealed that they will implement additional measures if the people do not adhere to the regulations set by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

Speaking on the latest updates regarding the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak in the country, Spokesperson for all things Covid-19, Mabrook Aziz stated that the regulations set by HPA have the aim to restrict travels from island to island in the archipelago nation and that these measures are an “important” step to stop the disease from spreading any further.

The reason for these measures is to stop the disease from spreading from island to island, said Mabrook, adding that under the set regulations, tourists will not be allowed to stop over or travel to islands other than where they made their bookings prior to arrival.

As such, tourists will only be allowed to visit the destination of their booking once they arrive in the Maldives, other than that, they will not be allowed to travel elsewhere, other than back to the airport for departure.

Highlighting that tourists safaris and excursions such as dolphin cruises, snorkeling and diving are allowed, Mabrook said that they will however, will not be allowed to stop over at other islands.

In addition, the spokesperson added that resort staff will be required to stay on the island for a 14-day period once they reach, as per protocol.

The Ministry of Tourism has ordered all resort managements to keep an updated log of their staff travels. The ministry will be monitoring this, said Mabrook. Further, the ministry has ordered for all resorts to make transport arrangements to and from the airport for their guests, during night time as well.

According to the Covid-19 task force, one tourist is being tested from Reethi Beach Resort, which has been placed under monitoring. The samples that came back from OBLU Sangeli and Fehendhoo island in Baa atoll turned negative, following which the islands are no longer under monitoring, however, contacts have been isolated as a precaution.

Moreover, Mabrook stated that the second sample taken from Anantara along with the once who tested positive, is negative to the disease. Following this, the island is not longer under monitoring, except for the chunk which has been cordoned off and holds the isolated contacts.