The Government of Maldives has advised against travel to South Korea and Iran due the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases.
Speaking in a press conference to announce new stringent precautionary measures imposed to safeguard Maldives and the people from the global coronavirus outbreak, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen said the administration has decided to ban all entry from Iran, including anyone who had travelled or transited from Iran and a ban on entry into Maldives from some regions of South Korea.
Following the ban, the administration has advised to refrain from making travels to South Korea and Iran. The health ministry noted South Korea has issued red alert following the rapid growth of coronavirus cases. Minister Ameen said Maldivians are advised to refrain from travelling to South Korea unless necessary as long as the red alert is in place.
Furthermore, Maldivians in South Korea or travelling to the country are asked to register at the Maldivian Embassy in Japan or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives. Meanwhile, Maldivians in Iran or travelling to the country are asked to register at the foreign ministry as well.
Speaking at the press conference, Minister Ameen stated Maldives has not had a positive case of the virus so far. However, the minister said the administration is treating all suspected cases with caution. He stressed the administration has maintained its 14-day quarantine process and has continued screening for the virus in accordance with the recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Health Minister Ameen further stated the administration is closely monitoring the worldwide situation of the outbreak and is revising the measures implemented to suit the dynamic nature of the escalating situation by working round-the-clock in monitoring all points of entry into the country. The minister emphasised the administration is taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Maldives and its people. He further assured the safety and security of the Maldivian people remains paramount.