Maldives lifts coronavirus curfew in capital city

Authorities have lifted the night-time curfew imposed in capital Male’ City, as part of the efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Maldives confirmed its first few coronavirus infections from resorts, and a community spread was confirmed in the capital in mid-April after a woman with no recent travel history tested positive for the virus.

While a state of public health emergency was announced on March 12, the confirmation of a community spread led to a city-wide lockdown as well as a partial lockdown across the country with travel between islands banned.

Authorities began lockdown easing in late-April in phases, and a seven-hour curfew in the capital region was announced on August 4 following a second surge in Covid-19 cases. The curfew was reduced in November, as the country saw a gradual decrease in cases since September.

With the lifting of the curfew, all Covid-19 restrictions in the capital have been removed including a vehicle movement restriction at night as well the mandatory quarantine period after returning from abroad.

As per the new eases to come into effect on Sunday, locals and work visa holders returning to the country will not be required to quarantine, if traveling to the capital. However, those who return from abroad and are traveling to inhabited islands and resorts have to undergo a 10-day quarantine period and will only be released with a PCR negative result.

Those in the capital can travel to resorts without having to quarantine upon return, from Sunday as well.

Maldives has confirmed a total of 13,444 coronavirus infections since March 7. While daily cases were above 100 following the second surge, reported daily infections have remained below 40 in December; the lowest daily number in months was reported on December 16, 10 new cases.

Health officials said that changes are brought to Covid-19 restrictions based on the country’s situation.