Changes have been brought to the Covid-19 quarantine procedure for resort employees as an increasing number of positive cases are being reported in operational resorts.

A circular published by the Ministry of Tourism on 19 January announced that resort employees are now required to observe a mandatory 10-day quarantine, even when they are traveling between resorts operated under the same management.

Prior to this, employees traveling between resorts under the same management were not required to quarantine, which resulted in the formation of large Covid-19 clusters in some resorts.

Following these changes being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, resort employees will not be able to travel between resorts without observing a mandatory 10-day quarantine, even if the resorts are being run under the same management.

Further, resort employees cannot be cleared to work without first receiving a negative PCR test at the end of their quarantine periods.

The Ministry of Tourism declared that these changes were being introduced in light of the increasing number of positive Covid-19 cases in operational resorts.

The Tourism Ministry also notes that most of the new cases being reported in resorts are from resort employees, and that stricter quarantine protocols would help efforts to resolve the situation.

Maldives opened international borders to travelers after 110 days of travel restrictions on 15 July last year. While tourist arrivals have begun to steadily increase in recent months, may efforts are being made on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and the Health Protection Agency to safeguard the health of tourists and tourism sector employees alike.

Resort operators and tourism industry stakeholders are advised to give special care in following the guidelines and protocols set forth by HPA and the Tourism Ministry in order to curb the spread of Covid-9 among guests and industry workers.

The Tourism Ministry also noted the invaluable efforts of those providing services for tourists despite challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, as they play a critical role in reviving the tourism industry after months of economic struggle.