Authorities assure Maldives is safe for travel

Despite the emergence of six confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Maldives, the authorities have expressed confidence that the country comprising more than 100 luxury resort islands is safe for foreign visitors.

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation’s managing director Thoyyib Mohamed told TTG Asia that the country was at an advantage compared to other destinations since all the island resorts stand isolated and not connected to one another.

The Kuredu Island Resort is one of two resorts in the Maldives that have been put on lockdown

“In this context, isolating an island is very easy. In addition, the Maldives has a good surveillance and health system. It is safe to travel to the Maldives,” he assured.

His statement comes as two more foreign employees at Kuredu Island Resort tested positive for the virus. The resort was locked down last week, after two resort staff contracted the virus.

In addition, two Italian tourists at the Sandies Bathala Resort have also tested positive for the virus.

Both the Kuredu Island and the Sandies Bathala Resort Island have been placed on lockdown, with entry to and exit from the islands indefinitely restricted.

In a statement, the Maldives’ Tourism Ministry has also requested all resorts to cancel excursions to local islands as a precaution, to curb the spread of the Covid-19. This is effective from March 5 until further notice.

Currently, Maldives has shut its borders to arrivals from worst-hit countries, including mainland China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Direct flights to and from the aforementioned countries have also been cancelled, while cruise ships have been banned from docking at Maldivian ports.

Summer Island Resort and Thinadhoo island, which were also placed on lockdown, had their restrictions lifted after suspected cases tested negative.

Sponsored Post