Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on all Maldivians in Malaysia and Philippines to be more observant and careful.
A statement issued by the ministry details measures taken in Malaysia and Philippines in response to COVID-19 pandemic. The statement said Malaysia has taken strict measures from March 18 until March 31.
The movement control order bans Malaysians from travelling abroad and foreigners from entering the country. Malaysians returning to the country are also to be quarantined for a period of 14 days following a medical check-up. Malaysia has also halted all sports, religious, social and cultural activities and events after closing government offices and schools.
Similar to measures in Malaysia, Philippines has also temporarily suspended people from entering its capital, Manila, from March 15 to April 14 while it has raised the alert level in the country to Code Red Sub Level 2. The country has also issued a curfew requiring residents of Manila to stay indoors between 2000 hours until 0500 hours unless movement is required for medical or emergency purposes. However, international flights to Manila has not yet been suspended.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Maldivians living in Philippines to follow instructions of the authorities. While the ministry has cautioned Maldivians in Malaysia and Philippines, it has also called people who require travelling to obtain travel insurance before traveling abroad.
At a time most countries are closing borders to contain the spread of the virus, President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a statement explaining the decision to close Bandaranaike International Airport for a period of two weeks in the country's fight against COVID-19. All flights to and from Colombo have now been cancelled.