Arrangements for Covid-19 testing underway at Maafaru International Airport

Arrangements are being made for Covid-19 testing at Maafaru International Airport.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Executive Director of ADK Trade and Shipping company, Mohamed Farudheen revealed that equipment and machines needed to operate the testing laboratory to be established at the airport, were imported to the Maldives on Friday.

The company was tasked with importing a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing machine and setting up a laboratory at the airport by Soneva Group. Soneva Group operates two resorts in the region currently.

3,000 testing kits have also been sourced for the machine, and more kits are expected in the near future, revealed ADK company.

Once the lab project is completed, the equipment will be transferred there and training's will begin for lab technicians and staff. Soneva Group is expecting to complete the project before the end of June.

Currently, Covid-19 testing is only carried out in southernmost Addu City, asides from the capital Malé City and the government is expected to establish testing facilities across more regions in the future.

The lab is being established at the airport, by the time Maldives reopens its border for tourists in July.

As the country is preparing to reopen borders, which were closed on March 27, the government is currently working to pass the “Safe Tourism Guidelines” which includes procedures to be followed in allowing entry into the island nation and its resorts, as well as procedures for tourist establishments to follow in the case symptomatic cases arise.

Before being finalized and published, the government’s official policy will have suggestions from all industry stakeholders incorporated into it, the ministry earlier assured upon drawing criticism after the guideline began circulating among the public.

Upon arrival, tourists will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms at the airports, authorities earlier revealed.