National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has revealed individuals in 355 locations, including safaris and resorts, have requested to be released after completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
Speaking at a press conference, Spokesperson of NEOC Mohamed Mabrook Azeez said safaris and resorts are informing Health Protection Agency (HPA) following the completion of the 14-day quarantine period. Mabrook said HPA has begun informing the facilities of their status after assessing the documents.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) formulated by HPA and Ministry of Tourism states individuals in resorts and safaris will be allowed to travel 14 days after the last tourist leaves the island or the vessel and if no persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are found. HPA has so far given release to 18 resorts and 43 safaris under the policy. Before granting the release, HPA will conduct health screening of all staff to ensure no symptoms are found.
Maldives has reported 19 positive cases for COVID-19 with most of the cases reported from resorts and safaris.